Site investigation · Laboratory: strength & consolidation
Vane shear (lab / field) calculator
Undrained strength from peak and remoulded torque, sensitivity and Bjerrum's plasticity correction.
Standard: AS 1289.6.2.1 · ASTM D2573 · Bjerrum correction
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Inputs in the worked example
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| Input | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Peak torque | 42 | N·m |
| Remoulded torque | 11 | N·m |
| Vane diameter | 65 | mm |
| Vane height | 130 | mm |
| Plasticity index | 35 | % |
Worked example — results
| Result | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Vane constant π D²(H/2 + D/6) | 0.001 | m³ |
| su (peak) | 41.73 | kPa |
| su (remoulded) | 10.93 | kPa |
| Sensitivity | 3.82 | |
| Bjerrum μ = 1.7 − 0.54 log PI | 0.866 | |
| Corrected su | 36.14 | kPa |
- ✓ Vane H/D = 2
Method, formulas and assumptions
- Vane constant π D²(H/2 + D/6) = PI()*(65/1000)^2*(130/2000+65/6000) = 0.0010066 m³
- su (peak) = 42/0.0010066/1000 = 41.727 kPa
- su (remoulded) = 11/0.0010066/1000 = 10.928 kPa
- Sensitivity = 41.727/10.928 = 3.8182
- Bjerrum μ = 1.7 − 0.54 log PI = 1.7-0.54*LOG10(35) = 0.8662
- Corrected su = 0.8662*41.727 = 36.144 kPa
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For preliminary design and education. Check every result against the current standard and your own engineering judgement before use.