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Electronic Rock Direct Shear Testing Machine

Electronic Rock Direct Shear Testing Machine

Model: UTR1072-DS300, ISO 17892-10, ASTM D5607, ISRM 2007

Electronic rock direct shear testing machine was developed in accordance with ISO 17982-10, ASTM D5607, also industry standards (SL 264-2001) "Hydraulic and Hydroelectric Engineering Rock Testing Specifications," (JTG E41-2005) "Highway Engineering Rock Testing Specifications," GB/T 50266-2013 "Standards for Engineering Rock Mass Testing Methods," and DZ/T 0276.25-2015 "Testing Specifications for Physical and Mechanical Properties of Rocks, Part 25: Rock Shear Strength Test." Based on existing domestic and international products, this testing machine adopts dual AC servo motor drive technology (first of its kind in China), sensor technology, microcomputer control, and software processing technology, making it a new generation of testing equipment for rocks and concrete. It can be used for direct shear tests on rock structural planes (such as joints, bedding planes, lamination planes, fracture planes, etc.), the rock itself, the concrete or mortar bonding surfaces with rock, as well as for shear strength tests of concrete bonded with other materials. 


This testing equipment fully incorporates feedback from engineering application departments and research institutions, overcoming the drawbacks of traditional hydraulic servo-driven systems, such as unstable load holding, overshoot of force values after horizontal shearing, hydraulic oil leakage, high failure rates, and difficulty in troubleshooting. With additional fixtures, it can also perform rock tensile/compressive strength tests. The machine features a compact structure, aesthetically pleasing design, simple maintenance, and easy operation. The entire testing process can be automatically controlled by a microcomputer under Windows10. It is a domestic innovation and possesses internationally advanced capabilities. 

General Introduction

Electronic rock direct shear testing machine was developed in accordance with ISO 17982-10, ASTM D5607, also industry standards (SL 264-2001) "Hydraulic and Hydroelectric Engineering Rock Testing Specifications," (JTG E41-2005) "Highway Engineering Rock Testing Specifications," GB/T 50266-2013 "Standards for Engineering Rock Mass Testing Methods," and DZ/T 0276.25-2015 "Testing Specifications for Physical and Mechanical Properties of Rocks, Part 25: Rock Shear Strength Test." Based on existing domestic and international products, this testing machine adopts dual AC servo motor drive technology (first of its kind in China), sensor technology, microcomputer control, and software processing technology, making it a new generation of testing equipment for rocks and concrete. It can be used for direct shear tests on rock structural planes (such as joints, bedding planes, lamination planes, fracture planes, etc.), the rock itself, the concrete or mortar bonding surfaces with rock, as well as for shear strength tests of concrete bonded with other materials. 


This testing equipment fully incorporates feedback from engineering application departments and research institutions, overcoming the drawbacks of traditional hydraulic servo-driven systems, such as unstable load holding, overshoot of force values after horizontal shearing, hydraulic oil leakage, high failure rates, and difficulty in troubleshooting. With additional fixtures, it can also perform rock tensile/compressive strength tests. The machine features a compact structure, aesthetically pleasing design, simple maintenance, and easy operation. The entire testing process can be automatically controlled by a microcomputer under Windows10. It is a domestic innovation and possesses internationally advanced capabilities. 


The dual-channel electronic AC servo motor load closed-loop control (domestic first and internationally advanced) is currently applied in institutions such as CNPC Exploration & Development Research Institute and the Second Geological Team of Jiangsu Provincial Geological & Mineral Bureau.

ASTM D5607: Standard Test Method for Performing Laboratory Direct Shear Strength Tests of Rock Specimens Under Constant Normal Force

ISO 17892-10: Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of soil — Part 10: Direct shear tests

Key Features

  • Features
  • Digital closed-loop control system and software
  • Core Useage
  • Standard
  • Applications

1, Loading control

Dual independent closed-loop control: Servo loading in both normal (vertical) and tangential (horizontal) directions, supporting two mainstream modes of stress control and displacement control, which can be freely switched; the loading rate is steplessly adjustable, meeting different test processes such as fast shear, slow shear, and multi-stage load holding.

Constant pressure load holding: Multi-point long-term load holding can be set to simulate the long-term stress conditions of rock masses, conduct shear creep and rheological property tests, and support research on the long-term stability of rocks.

Safety protection: Equipped with overload protection, displacement limit, and emergency stop functions. The device automatically stops if the load exceeds 2% of the rated value to prevent equipment damage and sample scattering, ensuring high test safety.


2, Operation and Reporting Functions
Full-Process Automation: Microcomputer operating system (compatible with the entire Windows series), allowing preset test plans, one-click test start, automatically completing loading, shearing, shutdown, and data saving, reducing manual operation errors.
Customizable Report Generation: Built-in standard test report templates, with the ability to enter specimen number, lithology, dimensions, test personnel, test date, etc., supporting export in PDF/Word format and on-site printing with a mini printer. Reports comply with various standard archiving requirements.
Data Storage and Traceability: Massive test data stored locally, supporting historical test queries, curve playback, and secondary data analysis, meeting laboratory qualification reviews and engineering re-inspection requirements.


1. The fully digital closed-loop control system consists of an upper computer, a lower computer, and signal acquisition templates. The upper and lower computers are connected via a common RJ45 cable (Ethernet cable) for communication. Uses upper and lower computer control methods to directly control the normal operation of the hydraulic system. This ensures system safety and long-term stable testing loading. It features force and displacement acquisition functions, as well as system emergency stop functions.
2. Sensor online calibration and automatic calibration. The software is equipped with an automatic displacement and force reset system, eliminating factors such as inconsistent human meter reading errors.
3. Computer screen display: parameters such as speed, force values, and displacement are all displayed on the computer, showing real-time current normal and tangential force values, peak values, test process information, current displacement, and automatic analysis and calculation in the database. Real-time recording of test curves during testing, displaying and saving, with high-speed sampling; Directly obtain the values of C, Φ, and μ;
4. Users can set control system parameters according to different experimental models. Parameters such as area, height, and ambient temperature for each test group can be changed or filled in according to actual conditions
5. System security protection settings. Overload protection is provided; when the force or displacement exceeds the rated theoretical value of the testing machine, it automatically unloads and stops the test.
6. System control method: force control or displacement control. You can control the test process, choose the number of loading stages, step size, amplitude, and loading speed.
7. Software features highly customizable. The test process can be edited on-site by the operator according to actual conditions, making it simple and convenient. To adapt to ever-changing requirements or to run experiments without existing standards, the software adopts a fully open architecture. You only need to tailor your specific trial needs. According to the test loading path, after setting the load and controlling objects, the host computer automatically downloads the loading process to the lower computer to run it, completing the test requirements you set.
8. Display and printing of related curves from historical test data. Reports can be generated: shear stress–shear displacement curves, shear stress–normal displacement, shear stress–normal stress curves, and can simultaneously display stress–strain curves, force–time, force–displacement curves, etc. Feature points on the curves can be extracted at will. Data and report processing functions provide users with a dedicated report editing tool oriented toward graphical layout, featuring flexible operation and easy learning, allowing convenient printing of test curves and values;
9. Preserve test data. Common test data storage formats can be set according to user requirements, such as text format, EXCEL, ACCESS, etc.

Direct shear test of rock mass: Measures parameters such as the shear strength, peak strength, and residual strength of intact rock samples, to evaluate the rock's own shear failure characteristics.

Direct shear test of rock mass structural planes: Conducts shear tests on natural structural planes such as rock joints, bedding planes, schistosity planes, cleavage planes, and weak interlayers to analyze the stability of the planes, serving as a core basis for risk assessment in slope, tunnel, and foundation pit engineering.

Combined interface shear test: Tests the shear strength of interfaces between concrete/mortar and rock, as well as between concrete and other construction materials, for interface performance testing in hydraulic structures, support structures, and pile foundation engineering.

Extended tests: Some high-end models can also accommodate auxiliary mechanical tests such as the Brazilian tensile test (tensile strength), elastic modulus, and Poisson's ratio of rocks, providing multiple functions with one machine and improving equipment utilization.

ISO 17892-10: Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of soil — Part 10: Direct shear tests

ASTM D5607: Standard Test Method for Performing Laboratory Direct Shear Strength Tests of Rock Specimens Under Constant Normal Force

ISRM 2007: THE COMPLETE ISRM SUGGESTED METHODS FOR ROCK CHARACTERIZATION, TESTING AND MONITORING 

SL 264-2001 Hydraulic and Hydroelectric Engineering Rock Testing Specifications,

JTG E41-2005 Highway Engineering Rock Testing Specifications

GB/T 50266-2013 Standards for Engineering Rock Mass Testing Methods 

DZ/T 0276.25-2015 Testing Specifications for Physical and Mechanical Properties of Rocks, Part 25: Rock Shear Strength Test

(1) Engineering Construction Field

Hydraulic and Hydropower Projects: Detection of dams, diversion tunnels, and reservoir slope rock masses; assessment of dam foundation rock masses and structural plane shear stability. These are required inspection items for the design, construction, and acceptance of hydraulic hubs.

Highway / Railway Projects: Rock mechanics tests on roadbeds, slopes, tunnel surrounding rocks, and mountain protection projects. These provide parameters for slope support and tunnel lining design and carry out inspections according to highway testing regulations.

Building and Municipal Projects: Rock mass surveys for high-rise building foundations, underground utility tunnels, and foundation pit projects; determining foundation rock bearing capacity and shear strength to avoid foundation sliding risks.

(2) Geology and Mineral Resources Field

Geological Survey: Regional geological surveys and geotechnical engineering investigations; determination of rock mass mechanical parameters; preparation of engineering geological survey reports.

Mining Engineering: Detection of rock masses in open-pit mine slopes, underground tunnels, and tailings ponds; analysis of rock mass instability and landslide risks; guidance for safe production in mines.

(3) Scientific Research and Education Field

Universities / Research Institutes: Teaching experiments for specialties such as geological engineering, geotechnical engineering, and mining engineering; research on rock mechanics and characteristics of rock mass structural planes.

Testing Institutions: Third-party geotechnical testing laboratories and engineering quality supervision stations; undertaking entrusted tests of various rock samples and arbitration inspections; issuing legally valid inspection reports.


Main parameters

(Vertical) normal load P6~300KN (2-100% FS)
Normal overload protection2% over full load
Normal working stroke S0~100mm
(Horizontal) lateral load Q6~300KN (2-100% FS)
Lateral overload protection2% over full load
Vertical and horizontal test force maintaining accuracy±1% of set value
Lateral working stroke S0~150mm
Maximum (normal) space of the testing machine≤450mm
Maximum (lateral) space of the testing machine≤200mm
Force control rate adjustment range0.005–5% FS/s
Force control rate accuracyWhen rate   < 0.05% FS/s, within ±2% of set value
When rate ≥ 0.05% FS/s, within ±0.5% of set value
Deformation rate adjustment range0.005–5% FS/s
Deformation rate control accuracyWhen rate < 0.05% FS/s, within ±2% of set value
  When rate ≥ 0.05% FS/s, within ±0.5% of set value
Displacement rate adjustment range0.001–50 mm/min
Displacement rate control accuracyWhen rate < 0.5 mm/min, within ±1% of set value
When rate ≥ 0.5 mm/min, within ±0.2% of set value
Displacement measurement resolution0.01% FS
Shear load speed V0.01 kN/s–30 kN/s (adjustable)
Load display resolution1/500000 of maximum test force
Deformation measurement error±1%
Deformation resolution1/500000 of maximum deformation
Deformation measurement range2–100% FS
Loading methoddual-channel AC servo motor closed-loop control (can also load vertically or horizontally independently)
Motor poweroperating voltage ~220V 1.5KW
Total machine weight900 kg
Dimensions1100x702x1800 mm


Main accessories

ItemQuantity
High Stiffness Main Machine Plate frame welded structure, maximum load ≥300kN frame, machine contains ball screw: high precision, zero backlash (Taiwan Heqing) 1   set
Control and Measurement System1   set
Servo motor and servo speed control system2   sets
Synchronous timing belt (Fulong)1   set
Load sensor 300kN2   sets
Fully digital closed-loop control and measurement system1   set
Specialized software for rock mechanical properties1   set
Direct Shear Box1   set

(including needle roller arrangement: can   maintain rolling guide support); Sample size: 50*50*50mm; Φ50*100mm; 

The design of the shear box should ensure easy installation and removal of specimens.

1   pc
Computer1   set
Printer1   set
Documents (Manual, packing list, certificate)


Frequently Asked Questions

General Test procedure

1) Preparation Before the Test

Sample Preparation: Process rock samples according to the corresponding standards, ensuring no obvious defects in appearance and that size tolerances meet requirements; group and number the samples, and record basic information such as lithology, origin, and moisture content.

Equipment Check: Connect the power, start the computer and equipment control system, calibrate the force sensor and displacement sensor, and check whether the shear box, ball bearings, force transmission blocks, and other fixtures are in good condition.

Test Plan Setup: Select the corresponding test standard in the software, and set parameters such as preset normal stress, shear rate, stress-holding time, and termination conditions.


2) Sample Installation

Place the rigid block at the bottom of the shear box, place the rock sample in the center, and ensure the sample's shear surface aligns with the seam of the shear box.

Sequentially install the upper shear box, force transmission iron block, rigid spacer, and ball bearing assembly, ensuring even force application and no eccentric load.

Adjust the normal loading mechanism so that the loading head is vertically aligned with the center of the sample; install the displacement sensor and zero the initial reading.


3) Test

Apply Normal Load: Start the equipment and apply normal stress at the set rate. After reaching the preset value, initiate constant pressure holding to maintain stable normal force.

Conduct Shear Test: With constant normal pressure, start applying graded or continuous shear loads. The equipment simultaneously collects force and displacement data and plots the curves.

Terminate the Test: After the sample experiences shear failure (sudden load drop, rapid displacement increase), the equipment automatically stops; first unload the shear force, then slowly remove the normal force.

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Beijing United Test Co., Ltd.