Which test is commonly used to derive the strength of soil using a shear box apparatus?

The Direct Shear Test is specifically designed to measure the shear strength of soil using a shear box apparatus. In this test, a soil sample is confined in a box and subjected to shear forces until failure occurs. The apparatus allows for the direct application of normal and shear stresses, making it ideal for determining the shear strength parameters of soils.

The test provides important information about the internal friction angle and cohesion of the soil, which are critical in several engineering applications, such as slope stability analysis and the design of foundations. The simplicity of the apparatus and the straightforward nature of the test make it a practical choice in geotechnical engineering.

Other tests mentioned, such as the Consolidation Test, focus on soil settlement characteristics under load and do not measure shear strength directly. The Triaxial Test, while also used to derive shear strength, employs different procedures and apparatus that allow for the application of confining pressure in addition to axial stress, making it more complex than the Direct Shear Test. The Atterberg Limits Test does not address shear strength but rather determines the plasticity characteristics of soils.