A Hand Vane Tester Kit is a portable tool used in geotechnical engineering to measure the undrained shear strength of cohesive soils (like clays and silts). It allows engineers to perform on-site tests to quickly assess how much shear stress soil can resist before failing.
This helps with tasks like foundation design, slope stability, trench safety, and general soil profiling before more detailed lab work.
The 19 mm vane can measure up to approx. 170-200 kPA depending on the internal spring; the 33mm is suitable for softer materials with range approx. 40 kPa.
Operation Summary:
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Insert the vane blade (19mm or 33mm) into undisturbed soil to a suitable depth.
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Using the torque head rotate (usually at a steady slow rate) until the soil fails (shears) around the blade.
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The torque measurement is converted into shear strength (in kPa).
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For softer soils or when using extension rods, the 33mm vane is used; for stronger soils, the 19mm blade gives higher range.
The Hand Vane Tester is supplied as a complete Kit, Complete Kit to 1m, Complete Kit to 1m (Soft case), Head and blade only, Head, blade and spanners.
Optional Accessories and Spares:
SL810/1 - Spare 19mm x 29mm Vane
SL810/2 - Spare 33mm x 50mm Vane
SL811 - 300mm Extension Rod
SL812 - 1000mm Extension Rod
Click for SL810 User Guide
