Abstract
Although the direct shear box test is commonly used, there have been a few studies on applying the finite element method to the test. We analyzed the test with the finite element method, and compared the results with Rowe's equation and Davis's equation. The constitutive model for this analysis is for non-associated strain hardening-softening elasto-plastic materials. A yield function of the Mohr-Coulomb type and a plastic potential function of the Drucker-Prager type were employed. We attempted to analyze 5 type boundary conditions. There are little differences at stress-displacement curve and good agreement with experiment. The results showed that internal friction angle from FEM are very similar to Rowe's friction angle and Davis's friction angle. The direct shear box is a proper test apparatus although there are non-uniformities in stress and strain.
