a) Place the sample of soil into the shear box, determine the water content and dry density of the soil compacted.
b) Make all the necessary adjustments for applying vertical load, formeasuring vertical and lateral movements and measurement of shearing force,etc.
c) Apply a known load on the specimen and then keep it constant during the course of the test (for consolidation keep it for a long time without shearing, and quick tests apply the shearing without consolidation soon after placing the vertically load ). Adjust the rate of strain as required of the specimen.
d) Shear the specimen till failure of the specimen is noticed or the shearing resistance decreases. Take the readings of the gauges during the shearing operation.
e) Remove the specimen from the box at the end of the test, and determine the final watercontent.
f) Repeat the tests on three or four identical specimens.