High-Precision Borehole Shear Devices for In-Situ Soil Testing
Advanced in-situ shear strength measurement tools with full system integration for reliable foundation and slope stability analysis.
Borehole Shear Devices (BSDs) – In-Situ Soil Shear Strength Testing Solutions
Borehole Shear Devices (BSDs) are essential instruments for evaluating the in-situ shear strength of soil strata, particularly in soft clays, silts, and loose sands. Unlike lab-based testing, BSDs offer direct field measurements that reduce sample disturbance and provide more accurate results for geotechnical and foundation design. These devices are frequently used in slope stability assessments, foundation evaluations, and landslide investigations where realistic shear properties are vital. Leveraging their portability and automation, BSDs help engineers capture critical soil behavior parameters across depth profiles.
Civil Structure Test Tech provides a comprehensive range of borehole shear testing systems that serve geotechnical engineers, construction firms, and infrastructure planners across North America.
Our B2B clients benefit from reliable technologies backed by expert support and seamless integration into existing workflows.
Core Components
In addition to offering products and systems developed by our team and trusted partners for Borehole Shear Devices, we are proud to carry top-tier technologies from Global Advanced Operations Tek Inc. (GAO Tek Inc.) and Global Advanced Operations RFID Inc. (GAO RFID Inc.). These reliable, high-quality products and systems enhance our ability to deliver comprehensive technologies, integrations, and services you can trust. Where relevant, we have provided direct links to select products and systems from GAO Tek Inc. and GAO RFID Inc.
Hardware Components
- Shear Head Unit
IIoT enables precise monitoring of shear forces to assess structural integrity and financial risk in insured assets.
- Downhole Motor & Drive Assembly
LoRaWAN End Devices support remote control and data transmission for enhanced field operational safety and cost efficiency.
- Borehole Expansion Bladders or Anchors
Z-Wave Accessories provide secure installation and wireless status monitoring to reduce failure risk during testing.
- Shear Plate Sensors
Industrial & Asset Monitoring Sensors collect real-time displacement and pressure data critical for insurance claim assessments.
- Depth Markers and Cable Reels
NB-IoT End Devices ensure accurate depth tracking and seamless data relay for risk evaluation in underground infrastructure projects.
Software Solutions
- Real-Time Data Logging Applications: Enable in-field visualization of stress-displacement curves.
- Geotechnical Interpretation Tools: Integrated modules to calculate cohesion, friction angle, and stress profiles.
- Cloud Synchronization Interfaces: Sync field data directly to central databases or GIS platforms.
Cloud Services
- Remote Monitoring Dashboards: Access test results from any device.
- Report Generation and Sharing Tools: Automatically generate PDFs and export formats compatible with major civil engineering platforms.
Why Choose Us?
Precision Systems for Structural Performance Evaluation
Key Features
Direct in-situ shear testing without sample extraction, with depth-resolved measurement capability.
Modular design adaptable to various borehole sizes, with manual or automatic control modes.
Lightweight, portable setup engineered for efficient remote field deployments.
Integrations
Compatible with GPS-tagged borehole positioning systems.
Interfaces with field CPT, SPT, and groundwater monitoring systems.
Integration-ready with GAO Tek’s field instrumentation and DAQ systems.
Compatibility
Usable in boreholes as narrow as 50 mm.
Works in conjunction with rotary drilling rigs and direct-push platforms.
Supports integration with third-party geotechnical data management software.
Benefits
Minimizes errors from lab sample disturbance, improving test reliability.
Enables real-time decision-making during site investigations.
Reduces cost and time by avoiding excessive sampling and transport.
Applications
Slope stability and landslide hazard analysis for civil projects.
Foundation soil evaluation for bridges, buildings, and critical infrastructure.
Safety assessments for earth dams, embankments, tunnels, and transmission line towers.
Industries
Civil & Geotechnical Engineering and Infrastructure Development.
Transportation, Construction, and Urban Planning sectors.
Mining, Energy, and Environmental Land Development projects.
Relevant U.S. & Canadian Standards
ASTM D4648
Standard Guide for Deformation Testing of Soil in the Field
ASTM D2573
Field Vane Shear Test
ASTM D1586
Standard Test Method for SPT
CSA A23.1-19
Concrete Materials and Methods of Concrete Construction
CGS
Manual on Field Testing of Soils
Case Studies
U.S. – California Hillside Stabilization Project
A geotechnical consultancy deployed BSDs across unstable slopes in the Santa Monica Mountains to assess shear strength at various depths. The data helped develop an effective soil nail and retaining wall design, preventing future landslides. Real-time feedback enabled timely construction decisions.
U.S. – Bridge Pier Foundation Redesign in Illinois
BSDs were used during a foundation re-evaluation of an aging bridge. Subsurface testing revealed weaker-than-expected silty clay layers, leading to a redesign that included deeper pile foundations. This prevented potential foundation failures under dynamic loading.
Canada – Residential Development in British Columbia
A development site near Burnaby required detailed slope assessment. Civil Structure Test Tech’s BSDs helped gather accurate in-situ data across multiple boreholes. This reduced the reliance on costly lab tests and enabled quicker municipal approvals for foundation safety.
Contact Us
Interested in our Borehole Shear Devices or need help choosing the right system for your geotechnical application?
Contact Civil Structure Test Tech today for product details, customized quotes, and expert consultation. We’re here to support your structural testing and soil investigation goals.