Site investigation · Laboratory: strength & consolidation

Direct shear test calculator

Peak (and residual) failure envelopes from shear box results.

Standard: AS 1289.6.2.2 · Mohr–Coulomb fit

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Inputs in the worked example

The live calculator starts with these values; change any of them and every result, check and diagram updates instantly.

InputValueUnit
σn (kPa), τ peak (kPa), τ residual (kPa)50, 41, 30 100, 70, 55 200, 128, 104 300, 186, 152

Worked example — results

ResultValueUnit
Peak c′12.0kPa
Peak φ′30.1°
Residual c′r6.0kPa
Residual φ′r26.0°
Fit R²1.000
050100150200250300050100150200normal stress σn (kPa)shear stress τ (kPa)peakresidual
Diagram for the worked example

Method, formulas and assumptions

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For preliminary design and education. Check every result against the current standard and your own engineering judgement before use.