Direct Simple Shear Testing, ASTM D6528 1

[SETlabguy]

I am trying to decide between various pieces of equipment to purchase for our soil mechanics laboratory. One piece of equipment we are looking at is a direct simple shear. I am curious as to what kind of demand is there for this test. I haven't been able to find too many labs offering this test in the US. Any insight as to the effectiveness, demand, and pricing of this test, would be greatly appreciated.

 

[VAD]

If you are not sure about the demand for the test why have you decided to purchase same. The directy simple shear has its applications like any other shear test. I would not invest in this equipment unless your company intendes to use the results.

 

[SETlabguy]

We are strictly a soil mechanincs laboratory. We don't do any engineering, our clients are geotechnical engineers. Consequently, we don't need the results ourselves. We have one client who has said they would like us to invest in this equipment; however the equipment is quite expensive and we'd like an idea if other engineers have found it difficult to get timely and affordable results.

 

[Focht3]

DSS is a nice test, but it is seldom used in practice. If the client wants you to run DSS tests, establish a firm contract for that firm to purchase x number of DSS tests per quarter until the machine is paid for.

This will quickly determine the seriousness of their intent...



Please see FAQ731-376 for great suggestions on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora. See faq158-922 for recommendations regarding the question, "How Do You Evaluate Fill Settlement Beneath Structures?"