Experimental application and accuracy assessment of 2D-DIC in meso-direct-shear test of sandy soil

The examination of the meso-mechanical properties soils is fundamental to understand its macro-behaviour. This paper aims evaluate potential application Digital Image Correlation (DIC), an optical image processing approach, in direct shear test (DST) for soils. Hence, a new box was designed investigate close behaviour granular materials. noise-floor and displacement accuracy were discussed assess reliability DIC, besides effectiveness also examined. distribution displacements, strains, angle measured under four different normal stresses. From results, immediate settlement, dilative sand during shearing observed. Furthermore, investigation revealed strain concentration at interface between boxes, where band formed. use DIC opens up ways soil mechanics, overcoming some limitations conventional DST.