of the line or curve is the friction angle.

Direct shear tests can be performed under several conditions. The sample is normally saturated before the test is run, but can be run at the in-situ moisture content. The rate of strain can be varied to create a test of undrained or drained conditions, depending on whether the strain is applied slowly enough for water in the sample to prevent pore-water pressure buildup. A direct shear test machine is required to perform the test. The test using the direct shear machine determines the consolidated