Shearmatic – Automatic Shear Testing Machine
Soil Mechanics Testing Equipment
Standards
ASTM D3080, BS 1377-7, AASHTO T 236, CEN-ISO/TS 17892-10, NF P94-071
This microprocessor-based advanced model is a stand-alone machine, driven by a high-resolution stepper motor with epicyclical reduction gear with reduced backlash. Incorporate a pneumatic closed loop system for the automatic application of the axial pressure by a high-performance pressure regulator, with the main advantage of eliminating the manual loading of the dead weights. Excellent and high-resistance techno-polymeric material has been adopted for the carriage of the shear box. It offers excellent resistance to corrosion, wear, and tear and is resistant to all chemicals found in a soil specimen. The carriage is lightweight and easy to clean.
The microprocessor system reads and processes the force, axial pressure, and displacement readings, and manages the motor, the pressure valve, the safety system, and the test steps through the closed loop system. Scratchproof membrane keyboard with large monochromatic graphic display. The machine is supplied complete with the following electronic transducers:
- ±5 kN capacity load cell, bi-directional type (compression and tension), nominal sensitivity 2mV/V, accuracy ±0.003%
- 10 mm displacement transducer, 1 kOhm nominal resistance, ±0.25% linearity, 0.002 mm repeatability
- 25 mm displacement transducer, 1 kOhm nominal resistance, ±0.25% linearity, 0.002 mm repeatability
- 1000 kPa pressure transducer, 0.1 kPa accuracy, nominal sensitivity 2mV/V
The Shear box assemblies have to be selected and ordered separately. See accessories. The machine requires compressed air, 10 bar max. Pressure. For a suitable Air compressor, laboratory model, see accessories. A more detailed description, a Schematic layout, and an example of displays are given in the Widening. The shear testing can also be performed with other traditional machines such as a Digital shear testing machine, a Digital shear testing machine with data acquisition, a large shear testing machine for 300x300 square samples, and a Bromhead ring shear apparatus.
Main Features
- Automatic pneumatic application of pre-set consolidation steps (up to 50)
- Automatic test management from consolidation to failure: the operator is only requested to remove the clamping screws of the shear box
- No dead weights and lever arms are requested
- Vertical force was positively applied to the shear box without friction
- The straight connection between the shear box, drive unit, and load cell for the axial transmission of the horizontal force along the shearing plane, instead of the classic "swan neck"
- High-resistance techno-polymeric carriage
- Easy and immediate setup of the test parameters via the large digital graphic display
- Possibility to set different speeds and travel (forward and reverse) in the residual shear tests
- Each single step of axial force can be applied instantaneously or by means of a linear ramp in a pre-set time interval
- Different and independent data recording for consolidation and failure
- Different protocols of data downloading via RS 232 serial port
Specifications
| NG-Shearmatic | |
|---|---|
| Motor | High-accuracy stepper motor 1/10000 resolution |
| Test Speed | Infinitely variable from 0.00001 to 11.00000 mm/min |
| Maximum Horizontal Force | 5 kN |
| Maximum Vertical Force | 8 kN = 800 kPA on 100x100 mm square specimens |
| Maximum Shear Cycles | 10 (forward and reverse) |
| Maximum Travel | 20 mm |
| Maximum Air Pressure Supply | 10 bar |
| Maximum Working Air Pressure | 8 bar |
| PC Connection | RS 232 Serial Port |
| Overall Dimensions | 97 x 42 x 42 cm |
| Approximate Weight | 100 kg |
Related Products
Moisture Determination Balance - GenMoist
GenMoist is a moisture determination balance for automatically drying and weighing solid samples to calculate moisture content. Designed for soils, powders, granules, and similar materials, it provides continuous readouts of weight and percentage moisture loss throughout the cycle. A built-in timer, 160 g capacity, 0.001 g readability, quick stabilization, compact footprint, and RS-232 interface support accurate laboratory moisture analysis.
MULTISPEED Digital Automatic Universal Tester for Displacement Controlled Tests
MULTISPEED is a digital automatic universal tester for displacement-controlled soil and asphalt tests, including CBR, Marshall, indirect tensile, unconfined compression, uniaxial, and quick triaxial applications. With 50 kN capacity, infinitely variable 0.2–51 mm/min speed, rigid two-column construction, closed-loop speed control, automatic stop, rapid approach, and optional analog or digital measurement systems, it supports field and central laboratory workflows.
Dynamic Triaxial Systems 1000 kPa
Dynamic Triaxial Systems 1000 kPa are designed for advanced soil testing under controlled cyclic and dynamic loading conditions. With configurable capacities from 5 kN/5 Hz to 50 kN/20 Hz, adaptive PID control, up to eight input channels, waveform support, and compatibility with bender elements or local strain sensors, they help geotechnical labs evaluate soil strength, stability, and seismic response.
Automatic Triaxial Testing System
The Automatic Triaxial Testing System is designed for fully automated total and effective stress testing of soil specimens. Supporting CD, CU, UU, stress path, K0, anisotropic, and slow cyclic tests, it handles sample diameters up to 300 mm and loads up to 250 kN. Closed-loop control, high-resolution data acquisition, pressure control, and Clisp Studio software support reliable geotechnical analysis.
NG-Oedometer - Front Loading Oedometers - Consolidation Test
NG-Oedometer is a front-loading consolidation test system for determining the rate and magnitude of soil consolidation under successive vertical load increments. Its rigid aluminium alloy frame, precision self-aligning lever arm bearings, 9:1, 10:1, and 11:1 hanger ratios, screw jack support, and optional data acquisition connection help geotechnical laboratories perform repeatable consolidation and swelling-related soil tests to recognized ASTM, AASHTO, BS, NF, and UNE methods.
ACE - Automatic Computerized Oedometer
ACE is an automatic computerized oedometer for determining the rate and magnitude of soil consolidation under controlled vertical loading. Its compact load frame, dual pneumatic cylinders, high-precision servo-valve load control, and automated load or swelling modes improve repeatability and reduce operator intervention. The system supports geotechnical consolidation and swell testing workflows aligned with ASTM, AASHTO, NF, and UNE standards.
Shearmatic 300 - Large Shear Testing Machine
Shearmatic 300 is a large automatic shear testing machine for soils, geosynthetics, industrial slag, shale, brick rubble, and materials containing large particles. It accepts samples up to 300 mm square, applies 100 kN shear and vertical force, and supports ASTM D3080, ASTM D6243, BS 1377-7, EN ISO 12957, and ASTM D5321 workflows for representative shear-strength and interface-friction evaluation.
Resonant Column and Torsional Shear Tester
The Resonant Column and Torsional Shear Tester combines RC and TSS testing in one system for evaluating small-strain soil behavior. It measures shear wave velocity, shear modulus, shear strain, resonant frequency, and damping ratio through torsional loading, transducers, signal conditioning, pressure control, and data logging. Confining pressure up to 1 MPa and 50 mm specimen support make it useful for advanced geotechnical research.
Automatic Shear Testing Machine
The Automatic Shear Testing Machine, also known as NG-Shear DGEN, is built for direct shear testing of soil under consolidated drained conditions. It automates test running from consolidation to failure, helping reduce manual intervention while maintaining controlled speed. NF P94-071 compliance, closed-loop control, automatic operation, and geotechnical-focused design support soil stability assessment for foundations, slopes, embankments, and retaining structures.
Laboratory Vane Apparatus
The Laboratory Vane Apparatus measures undrained shear strength of soft cohesive soils directly in a sample or sampling tube. Available in manual and motorized configurations, it supports rapid geotechnical testing with controlled vane rotation, optional tube attachments, sample containers, and portable construction. ASTM D4648 and BS 1377:7 alignment make it practical for soil stability assessment, field studies, and laboratory research.