The field vane shear test (FVST) is the most widely used method for measuring the undrained shear strength of soft to stiff clays. For this reason, a preliminary investigation of soft clays with a hand-held vane tester is both economical and useful.  The SL840Hand Held Vane Tester has good repeatability and is quick in providing valuable information for planning and more detailed surveys.

The Vane Tester consists of three exchangeable vanes, extended by 500mm rods. It covers three ranges of measurement, 0-50, 0-100, 0-200kPa, depending on the size of the vane used: 16 x 32mm, 20 x 40mm or25.4 x 50.8mm.

The peak value is determined by means of the scale-ring, which has to be turned back to the zero position before each measurement. The measuring head is sufficiently rugged to be used as a handle during penetration and retraction of the vane. To correct for the skin friction of the extension rod, dummy tests are performed with the rods and the dummy tip only.

The Hand Vane Tester consists of the following parts

• 500mm Extension Rod x 6
• 16 x 32mm Vane (0-200kPa)
• 20 x 40mm Vane (0-100kPa)
• 25.4 x 50.8mm Vane (0-50kPa)
• Dummy Vane
• 8mm Wrench x 2
• 17mm Wrench
• Connection Piece for extension rods and vanes x 10
• Measuring Head

All contained in a carrying case.

 Click to view a PDF file of the User Guide