Dynamic Ring Shear and Its Present-Day Possibilities

D. A. Van’kov

Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan

Received May 5, 1998

Abstract—Ring-shear apparatuses for laboratory soil testing are well known, but less popular than simple-
shear apparatuses or stabiliometers. However, the advanced experimental technology, the improved testing
methods and equipment extend the traditionally employed capabilities of the well-known apparatuses and
thereby promote the solution of more and more complex problems. This paper gives a brief history of ring-shear
apparatuses and outlines the scope of problems, which can be resolved with these apparatuses. One of the
advanced apparatuses, created by Professor K. Sassa and his colleagues from the Landslide Section of Kyoto
University in Japan, is described in detail.