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An Apparatus for In Situ Direct Shear Tests on Snow

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Abstract

The article presents a prototype of a new device for measuring the shear strength of snow specimens in situ. The resistance to sliding of a snow slab on a mountain slope is a key parameter in snow mechanics. The proposed apparatus acts as a sampler, to obtain a nearly undisturbed specimen, and as a shear box, similar to those used in the laboratory, with complete control of the test procedure. The main components of the device are a pneumatic system, for the application of normal and shear forces to the specimen, a real-time controller for commanding and recording of the data, and a computer. The apparatus can be carried to the place of the experiments and operated by a team of two researchers. Calibration and preliminary tests are also described in the article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129, Torino, Italy

    M. Barbero, F. Barpi, M. Borri-Brunetto & O. Pallara

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  1. M. Barbero
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  2. F. Barpi
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  3. M. Borri-Brunetto
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  4. O. Pallara
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Correspondence to F. Barpi.

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Barbero, M., Barpi, F., Borri-Brunetto, M. et al. An Apparatus for In Situ Direct Shear Tests on Snow. Exp Tech 40, 149–158 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40799-016-0019-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40799-016-0019-7

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