In a direct shear test, the failure plane is:
Choose the correct answer
Automatically the critical plane through the sample
The predetermined horizontal plane through the box
Any plane at 45° + φ/2 to the horizontal
Selected by the operator
Correct Answer
B. The predetermined horizontal plane through the box
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In the direct shear test, the failure plane is fixed as the horizontal plane between the two halves of the box. This is a drawback compared to triaxial test, where the failure plane develops naturally. However, the test is simple and gives c and φ for drained conditions.
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