The 1986 standard outlines the specifications for a large shear box utilized in laboratories to assess the direct shear strength of soils that include particles up to 25 mm in size, such as moorums, sands, gravels, and aggregates. This code standardizes the design, dimensions, materials, and identification marks of shear boxes, ensuring precise and consistent evaluation of soil shear properties critical for geotechnical and foundation engineering.
Overview
The 1986 standard outlines the specifications for a large shear box utilized in laboratories to assess the direct shear strength of soils that include particles up to 25 mm in size, such as moorums, sands, gravels, and aggregates. This code standardizes the design, dimensions, materials, and identification marks of shear boxes, ensuring precise and consistent evaluation of soil shear properties critical for geotechnical and foundation engineering.
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Structure
IS 11593 establishes the technical requisites for large shear box components used in soil shear strength testing. The materials specified include mild steel for upper and lower shear box parts, grid plates, spacer plates, base plate, and loading pad, following IS 513-1973. The water jacket is constructed from cold-rolled carbon steel sheets as per the second revision of IS 513-1973. Dimensional tolerances adhere to medium grade limits described in IS 2102 (Part 1) - 1980. Detailed dimensions and shapes for parts such as upper and lower halves, spacer plates, grid plates, base plate, and water jacket are illustrated in Figures 2 through 7 of the standard. This ensures uniformity and reliability in soil testing procedures.
The large shear box defined in IS 11593 is intended for laboratory determination of direct shear strength for soils containing particles as large as 25 mm, including moorums, sands, and gravels. All components are fabricated from mild steel, except the water jacket which uses cold-rolled carbon steel sheets. The dimensional specifications and hole tapers are standardized, with tapped holes for assembly ensuring secure fitting. Figures 1 to 7 provide exact sizes and assembly details. This standardization ensures the device's suitability for precise shear strength measurement on coarse soils.
The shear box assembly consists of upper and lower halves connected by two pins, with grid plates (two pairs) and spacer plates arranged to hold the soil sample. Other components include a loading pad and a water jacket for saturation control. Materials conform to IS 513-1973 for mild steel parts and the second revision of IS 513-1973 for the water jacket. Dimensional tolerances are maintained as per IS 2102 (Part 1) - 1980, medium class. Figures 1 through 7 depict the configuration and dimensions of each element, guaranteeing compatibility and durability.
All dimensions are specified in millimeters. The materials for each part follow IS 513-1973 standards, with mild steel used for the main shear box components and cold rolled carbon steel sheets for the water jacket. The shapes and dimensions are detailed in Figures 2 to 7 of the standard, with medium class tolerances as outlined in IS 2102 (Part 1) - 1980. The figures include specifics for upper and lower halves, spacer plates, grid plates, base plate, loading pad, and water jacket, ensuring precise manufacturing and assembly.
Each shear box component must bear permanent and clear markings that include the manufacturer's name or registered trademark and the manufacturing date. Optionally, the ISI certification mark may be applied, subject to licensing from the Indian Standards Institution. These markings ensure traceability and confirm compliance with IS 11593 quality requirements. The ISI mark indicates ongoing inspection and quality assurance as per Indian Standards Institution regulations.
Materials used for the shear box components include mild steel for the main parts and cold rolled carbon steel sheets for the water jacket, all conforming to IS 513-1973. Manufacturing tolerances are governed by IS 2102 (Part 1) - 1980 medium class, covering linear and angular dimensions, form, and position. Typical tolerance values range from ±0.1 mm for small dimensions up to ±0.8 mm for larger ones, with angular tolerances approximately ±1°. Threaded holes and tapped features follow detailed drawings to ensure assembly accuracy.
The shear box comprises upper and lower halves linked with two pins to maintain alignment and load transfer integrity. Grid plates and spacer plates are arranged to hold the soil sample with uniform thickness. The loading pad applies shear forces evenly, and the water jacket surrounds the assembly to regulate moisture conditions. Assembly dimensions and tolerances follow Figures 1 through 7 and IS 2102 (Part 1) - 1980 medium class guidelines to guarantee repeatability and reliability during testing.
Designed for soils with particles up to 25 mm, the large shear box is suitable for direct shear tests as outlined in IS 2720 Part 13. The assembly allows for proper sample containment and shearing action, including components like grid and spacer plates, loading pad, and water jacket to control sample saturation. Shear strength parameters are calculated based on shear force and sample cross-sectional area, with formulas aligning with established soil mechanics principles. The standardized design ensures valid testing of coarse-grained soils.
Equipment manufactured according to IS 11593 may carry the ISI certification mark, which verifies adherence to strict inspection and quality management systems overseen by the Indian Standards Institution. Manufacturers must implement testing and inspection protocols to maintain compliance. Dimensional tolerances are governed by IS 2102 (Part 1) - 1980. Rounding of test results follows IS 2:1960 to ensure consistency. Continuous surveillance by ISI guarantees ongoing conformity of the equipment.
Materials for shear box components adhere to IS 513:1973 specifications for mild steel and cold rolled carbon steel sheets. Related standards include IS 2:1960 for numerical rounding and IS 2102 (Part 1) for dimensional tolerances. The equipment may bear the ISI certification mark under the Indian Standards Institution Certification Marks Act, confirming quality and conformity. Detailed dimensional and construction guidance is available in IS 11593 Figures 2 to 7.
Frequently Asked
According to IS 11593, the large shear box components have specific shapes and sizes detailed in Figures 2 to 7, typically measuring 300 mm by 300 mm with an approximate height of 75 mm. Dimensional tolerances conform to the medium class accuracy specified in IS 2102 (Part 1) - 1980, including ±0.5 mm for length and width and ±0.1 mm for thickness. These parameters ensure precise assembly and consistent testing results.
The large shear box specified in IS 11593 is intended for soils containing coarse particles, accommodating sizes up to 25 mm, such as moorums, sands, and gravels. This is significantly larger than the small shear box typically used for particles smaller than 4.75 mm, enabling direct shear tests on gravelly soils without particle obstruction.
The shear box assembly comprises upper and lower halves connected by two pins, two pairs of grid plates, spacer plates to control sample thickness, a loading pad for applying shear force, and a water jacket for moisture regulation. All components except the water jacket are constructed from mild steel per IS 513-1973, while the water jacket uses cold rolled carbon steel sheets from the second revision of IS 513-1973.
Each shear box component should bear permanent markings including the manufacturer’s name or trademark, the manufacturing date, and optionally the ISI certification mark if licensed. Markings should be clear, indelible, and located on the upper and lower halves of the shear box. This practice facilitates traceability and confirms compliance with IS 11593’s quality and dimensional standards.
Yes, the large shear box detailed in IS 11593 is compatible with the direct shear test procedures specified in IS 2720 (Part 13). It is designed to accommodate larger soil samples, including those with gravel-sized particles, supporting accurate measurement of shear strength parameters as per IS 2720 guidelines.
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