Quadruple LVDT local rotational displacement measurement in torsional shear tests

Abstract

Experience has shown that to obtain pre-failure deformability of geomaterials in laboratory element tests, it is imperative to make local strain measurements. For torsional shear tests, the local measurement is complicated by coupling of the axial, radial, and rotational movement experienced by the soil specimen during shear. The rotational displacement must be isolated from other modes of movement for the interpretation of test results. Existing techniques designed for torsional shear tests under general stress conditions can be complicated and difficult to use. A simplified scheme using two pairs of linear variable displacement transducers (LVDTs) is proposed for local rotational deformation measurement, specifically for cyclic torsional shear tests under constant normal stress conditions. The subtraction of readings within an LVDT pair nullifies displacements at the measurement point caused by axial and radial movement or bulging of the specimen. The same subtraction accumulates and thus isolates LVDT readings caused by rotational movement. The error associated with the simplified set-up is expected to be <0.125%. A series of hollow cylinder torsional shear tests have been performed to verify the effectiveness of the new measurement scheme. The results are repeatable and consistent with well-documented test data.