A new multi-function servo control dynamic shear apparatus for geomechanics

In this paper, we report a new multi-function servo control dynamic shear test apparatus, DJZ-500. This apparatus consists of five parts, including power system, loading frame, servo control unit, cooling system and PC console. The normal load and shear load are measured by load cells with an accuracy of 0.1 kN; normal and shear displacement are measured by LVDTs with an accuracy of 0.1 mu m. DJZ-500 has the dynamic and static loading modules, which can perform the force and displacement servo control experiments in both vertical and horizontal directions. In addition, the dynamic loading modules can execute the custom waveforms, which can be utilized to investigate the seismic response of rock and soil masses. We presented six sets of representative tests on sands to demonstrate these functions. Moreover, DJZ-500 can also preform the coupled shear-flow test with the pumping system to investigate the flow behavior in sheared rock fractures. This device makes up for the deficiency of the existing equipment, and promotes the study of frictional properties of geomaterials.