08.

13 product manual
HM-2750 Series

Humboldt ShearTester
 1
Introduction
Applications:

Determination of the shear strength of soils by the

direct shear method:

The direct shear test, specified in ASTM D3080, has been used
extensively in soils laboratories since the late 1930s. The test requires
that a either a square or circular prism of soil be laterally restrained
and subjected to a pressure that is normally applied to that shear
plane. Shearing resistance imparted by the soil as one portion is
forced to slide over the other and is measured at regular intervals of
displacement. Once the shearing resistance of the soil has reached its
maximum value, failure occurs.

Commonly 3 tests are conducted on smaller soil specimens using

different normal pressures vertical to the shearing plane. This allows
the relationship between the measured shear stress at failure and the
applied normal stress to be calculated. The apparatus in this manual
permits test to be conducted on soil specimens of 60mm and 100mm,
which are 25mm (maximum height) and for specimens of 2.5 inches
by 1 inch in height.

Test Type
The HM-2750A Series of Direct Shear machines are designed for
performing drained shear tests for the determination of effective
shear strength parameters. No means are incorporated to allow
for drainage, thus the apparatus cannot be used for conducting
un-drained tests.

The specimen is contained within two halves of the shear box and
is subjected to primary consolidation before carrying out the shear
stage. Once the primary consolidation is completed, the specimen
is then sheared at a selected strain rate so as to ensure that excess
pore pressure does not develop. The collected data allows the user
to determine the effective shear strength parameters c’ and 0’. By
reversing the shear force and re­shearing the specimen, the user can
obtain the residual shear strength parameters.
 2
The principle conditions under which the tests should be
conducted are as follows:

• The size and shape of the test specimens

• Whether undisturbed or remolded soil specimens are to be tested
• The orientation of the specimens relative to the shear plane
(undisturbed specimens)
• The moisture content, compacting effort and drying density to be
achieved must be specified for remolded samples.
• Total number of test specimens to be tested per set
• Normal pressures to be exerted for the series of tests
• Whether the residual strength is required and the method of
obtaining the residual reversal facility

It manages the control of a stepper motor driven platen at speeds

from 0.00001 to 0.49999 in/min (or equivalent 00.00001 to 12.99999)
with provision for Fast movement actions. This allows the instrument to
carry out soil tests under Strain control.

• Support for up to either 4 analogue transducer inputs

covering the range a to 100 m V suitable for most Load,
and displacement devices or 4 digital dial indicators inputs.
Configuration and Calibration facilities are provided, and
all-important data is stored in non-volatile memory for safe
preservation.

• Complete Data logger capacity for test made up of any of the

channels above. All tests are fully configurable for automated
Start, Stop and Log-rate conditions and can hold up to 1000
readings per test.

• An LCD screen and 9 key membrane panel allows presentation

of results, parameter configuration, machine control and other
selections to be made easily. Some of the most important
parameters can only be changed under pass code control to
protect against operator misuse.

• Serial port communications with a remote Humboldt download

program.
 3
The standard apparatus consists of the following:

A gearbox-driven horizontal screw ram and geared jack upon a rigid

stand and horizontal base. The gearbox and motor are used with the
stepless speed control box.

The control box is situated on the front, to the left of the metal stand.
To avoid the need of calibration charts and to maximize the ease
of desired speed selection, the speed control of the apparatus is
calibrated in inch/min (engineering units), which are indicated digitally.

The main base also incorporates a vertical support bracket, to guide

the spindle of the selected means of reactive measurement of the
applied shear force. (force indicators H­-4454.XXX are not included
and must be selected from the Humboldt Mfg. Co. range). There is a
reaction bracket at the rear of the base, against which the load ring or
measurement device is pushed.

The shearboxes are equipped with a carriage mounted on linear ball

races resting upon sliding tracks. When mounted, the carriage is
transversely restrained but is free to glide axially along the centerline
of the geared jack and reaction bracket. Affixed to the geared jack is
the vertically mobile dial gauge arm. The dial gauge arm mounts an
anti­-clockwise dial gauge allowing for direct visual measurement of the
consolidation of the sample.

Shearbox squares are not included with the standard apparatus,

though can be purchased separately as an accessory.

The method of normal stress application, on the standard apparatus,

is by a vertical load hanger resting above the soil specimen and
hanging downwards permitting the selected weights to rest upon its
load mount, while traveling with the upper specimen half, (should any
lateral movement take place). The consolidation force is applied to the
specimen proportionally by the amount of weights placed upon the
hanger mount.

The load ring and dial gauges are necessary to perform the shear
testing procedure and are supplied as extras. The shear force is
obtained by the geared jack moving along the axis of the base in an
attempt to move the carriage and the slightly separated halves of
 4
the shearboxes. The upper half of the specimen is connected to a
bracket at the opposite side of the geared jack. This bracket requires
a measuring device to provide an opposing force to the upper
shearbox half, affixed to the reaction bracket of the base.

The standard measuring devices are the load ring and dial gauges.
The load rings are of either 2kN or 5kN capacity. Each load ring is
supplied with a dial gauge for measuring deflection in the load ring.
One additional dial gauge is required to measure the displacement of
the upper and lower shearbox halves.

The power ON/OFF switch is located at the rear of the apparatus.

When it is switched “ON” the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is
illuminated.
 5

Manufacturer’s Rights and Responsibilities

Software Copyright

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
©2005 HUMBOLDT MFG. CO.
All Rights Reserved.
This manual or parts thereof, may not be
reproduced in any form without the expressed written
permission of HUMBOLDT MFG. CO.

UNPUBLISHED LICENSED PROPRIETARY WORK

©2005 HUMBOLDT MFG. CO.

The programmable, read-only memory, integrated circuit package

contained in this equipment and covered with a copyright notice
label contains proprietary and confidential software, which is the sole
property of HUMBOLDT MFG. CO. It is licensed for use by the original
purchaser of this equipment for a period of 99 years. Transfer of the
license can be obtained by a request, in writing, from HUMBOLDT
MFG. CO.
With the exception of HUMBOLDT Authorized Service Facilities you
may not copy, alter, de-compile, or reverse assemble the software
in any fashion except as instructed in this manual. US copyright laws,
trademark laws, and trade secrets protect the materials.
Any person(s) and /or organizations that attempt or accomplish the
above violation or knowingly aid or abet the violation by supplying
equipment or technology will be subject to civil damages and criminal
prosecution.
 6
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The information contained herein is supplied without representation
or warranty of any kind. Humboldt MFG. CO. therefore assumes no
responsibility and shall have no liability, consequential or otherwise, of
any kind arising from the use of the described equipment contained in
this manual.
Updated products
The manufacturer reserves the right to change or modify product
design or construction without prior notice and without incurring
any obligation to make such changes and modifications on products
previously or subsequently sold.
Fitness for application
The manufacturer makes no recommendations or claims regarding
fitness for applications other than the specific tests as defined in this
User Guide.

General Warnings
Safety Warnings
Operators should take care to operate this machine under the
maximum load restrictions. The machine is programmed at the factory
to provide safety shutdown if the upper or lower maximum travel is
exceeded.

Electrical Warnings
Typically, there is no reason for the operator to open the machine.
However, if the customer’s engineers attempt to change settings to the
circuit board connected to the back panel, the machine must always be
unplugged before this operation. Unplugging the internal connection to
the back panel circuit board while the machine is under power will
result in permanent damage to the circuit board.
 7
Installation and Set-up
Unpacking
Initial inspection should include checking for physical damage during
shipping and obvious external damage to the product.
Package contents are defined by your packing list. Make certain that
the contents of your shipment match the documentation provided by
your packing list.

Setup
1. Unclamp the counterbalance lever-loading arm by undoing the
beam jack.
2. Screw in the consolidation dial gauge arm and associated
pillar to the machine.
3. Place ball races on track.
4. Place carriage assembly on ball races, placing slotted end over
the geared jack.
5. Locate proving ring between bracket and carriage body (the
reaction bracket has a ball socket for clamping) by screwing to
the proving ring threaded blocks, utilizing the adapters provided.
The dial gauge should be compressed to its midway position
(approximately 5mm) by the adjusting screws in the proving ring.

Electrical Connections
Humboldt HM-2750 Series controllers are equipped with an internal,
digital, switching power supply, which allows them to be used with most
power configurations throughout the world. The units are supplied with
an IEC electrical cord with a standard 110V USA plug.
HM-2750 Series Controllers arrive ready for operation. Attach the
controller to top of motor housing with supplied velcro fasteners.
Attach the supplied IEC electrical cord to the machine and plug into a
standard wall receptacle for use in the United States.
For locations other than the U.S., replace the supplied electrical cord
with an IEC cord with the correct plug for your application. The supplied
cord can also be used by cutting the standard plug from the cord and
attaching the correct plug.
 8

Instrument Inputs (load cell/transducer connections)

Models HM-2750A and HM-2750D have 4 instrumentation inputs
located on the back panel to accommodate load cell/transducer
connections. This feature allows you to set up and calibrate up to 4
different instruments, which the unit can quickly switch between for
those needing to do multiple tests.
Third-party load cells/transducers, which are compatible, can also be
used with the HM-2750 Series. Compatible units will have an
excitation voltage of 0-10 volts and an output of 0-100 millivolts.
Prior to use all third-party instrumentation mush be configured and
calibrated for use. Please refer to the Configuration and Calibration
sections of this manual.
If you are using third-party cables for transducer connections, make
sure they are wired to be compatible with the HM-2750. Consult
Figure #1 for a compatible reference wiring diagram. Plugs to connect
third-party instrumentation to the Humboldt HM-2750s are available,
order part HM-000474.

Preparation and Loading Procedure

1. Place test samples in carriage and tighten clamp screws on
assembly. Remove the two lock screws from the squares and then
turn down and bring back the two other screws to split the sample.
2. Raise and locate the crossbar on top pad in vertical position, This
verticality is achieved by adjusting the carriage position. Raise
beam jack to hold loading arm so that no load can be applied to
the sample. Add weights to give the necessary stress while the
beam is secured.
3. Locate and fix top screws on crossbar and locate consolidation dial
gauge, (add water at this point). Beam position should be level.
4. Release beam jack and consolidate sample.
5. Shearing preparation:
a. Take up slack by adjusting lock nuts on the reaction bracket.
b. Position strain dial gauge on bracket. (dial gauge should be
fully compressed) .
c. When required, re-select travel direction by switching “S”
button and before operating the “F or R” switch in the
direction of travel, release the direction bracket screw to
take load out of proving ring. The dial gauge in this zero load
condition should be compressed to its midway position.
 9

Pin3= +dc Output

Pin4= –dc Output

Figure 1. Compatibility wiring diagram for 3rd party cables

Computer Connection
Humboldt HM-2750A and HM-2750D Controllers can be connected
to a PC computer to take advantage of Humboldt’s HMTS software
capabilities, conduct real time data logging and enhanced report
generation. This is accomplished via the RS232 port on the back panel
of the machine (refer to Figures 2 & 3). Use a RS232 cable (supplied)
and attach it between the computer’s RS232 port and the MiniLogger.
The minimum compatible computer configuration is a PC with Pentium
III 550 MHz processor, 512 MB of RAM and a 40GB hard drive running
Windows® XP Professional system software.

Additional Device Connection

Additional devices, such as additional HM-2750s and/or HM-3000 Load
Frames, MIniLoggers, and other computer-compatible load frames can
be connected to a computer via the RS-485 port on HM-2750A and
HM-2750D models. This allows you to daisy-chain several devices to
the same computer. Use a standard CAT 5 cable (not included) to link
the additional device’s output port to the HM-2750’s RS-485 input port
(refer to Figures 2 & 3). Dip switches and rotary switch need to be set to
primary or secondary usage (see Figure 5).

Analogue Device Connection

Humboldt MiniLoggers can be set up to output directly to a chart
recorder to provide a hard copy printout of test results. To accomplish
this, connect your chart recorder via cable attached to the HM-2750’s
analogue port on the back panel of HM-2750 A or D controllers
(see figure 7).
 10

Figure 2A. Rear panel of

HM-2750A showing the four
Analogue instrumentation
channel inputs, the Analogue
Port, RS232 Port, RS-485
Input and Output, the On/
Off Switch and the motor
cable input.

HM-2750A
Figure 2B. Rear panel of
HM-2750D showing the
four Digital instrumentation
channel inputs, the Analogue
Port, RS232 Port, RS-485
Input and Output, the On/
Off Switch and the motor
cable input.

Figure 2C. Rear panel of HM-2750D

HM-2750 showing the
On/Off Switch and the
motor cable input.

HM-2750
ANALOG PORT ACCESS

CH3 CH4 CH1 CH2

Cable configuration for 9 6
analogue port access.
Pins 1, 2, 3 & 4
(Reserved for 5 1
Humboldt Chart not
Recorder) reset connected sweep

D-SUB, 9-PIN MALE

Figure 3. Rear panel of MiniLogger showing Analog Port, RS232 Port,
RS-485 Input and Output and the four instrumentation channel
inputs.
 11

USB to RS-485
HM-000379

Figure 4. Diagram illustrating computer and multiple device connections.

 12
Operation
Power Switch
The Power Switch is located in the back panel on the rear of the
HM-2750 controller above the electrical cord inlet. Also, located
between the electrical cord inlet and the Power Switch is the Fuse
Compartment. Humboldt HM-2750s use a 10 amp fuse. To begin
operation, press the Power Switch.

Fuse Compartment.

Figure 6. HM-2750 Power Switch, Electrical Cord Inlet and Fuse

Compartment.
 13
Key Functions

Figure 5. HM-2750 Series Front Control Panel

Set Up Key
Pushing the Set Up Key brings up the main set up screen
from which you can run a test, review your last test, access
the engineering set up menus and set the date, time,
units, standards criteria. This key also is used to return to a
previous screen.

SPEED Speed Key

Pushing the Rate Key allows you to change the selected
platen speed between 0.00001 and 0.499999 inch/min.

STOP Stop Key

Pushing the Stop Key stops the machine.

Forward Key
Pushing the Forward Key moves the shear box to the right.
Also, by holding down the Key, the machine will move
forward at the fast rate of 0.5 in/min. Releasing the key
changes the machine's speed back to its set rate.

Reverse Key
Pushing the Reverse Key moves the shear box to the left.
Also, by holding down the Key, the machine will move in
reverse at the fast rate of 0.5 in/min. Releasing the key
changes the machine's speed back to its set rate.
 14

Function Keys
The four function keys are used to navigate through the
MiniLoggers’ menu-driven display. The function keys
correspond with the command lines on the menu display.
F1 corresponds with the first command line; F2, the
second, etc. Command lines that are active in any display
will be proceeded by an (*). If no (*) is present, the
corresponding function key is not active.
 15
Set-up Functions (all models)

Set Date
To set the Date press until you see this screen:

* REVIEW LAST TEST

* RUN TEST
* ENGINEERING SETUP
* SET DATE/TIME/UNITS/STND

Press (SET DATE/TIME/UNITS/STND). You should see this screen:

* SET DATE
* SET TIME
* UNITS = ENG/METRIC

Press (SET DATE). You should see this screen:

DATE = “MM/DD/YY”

* INCREASE
* DECREASE

Press (DATE) to select the month/date/year. Press

(INCREASE) or Press (DECREASE) to change the appropriate
number.

To return to any prior screen you can always press

Set Time
To set the Time press until you see this screen:

* REVIEW LAST TEST

* RUN TEST
* ENGINEERING SETUP
* SET DATE/TIME/UNITS/STND
 16
Press (SET DATE/TIME/UNITS/STND). You should see this screen:

* SET DATE
* SET TIME
* UNITS = ENG/METRIC

Press (SET TIME). You should see this screen:

TIME = “HH/MM/SS”

* INCREASE
* DECREASE

Press (INCREASE). or Press (DECREASE) to change the

appropriate number.

To return to any prior screen you can always press

Set Units
To set the Units the HM-2750 will use to display results, press
until you see this screen:

* SET DATE
* SET TIME
* UNITS = ENG/METRIC
* STANDARD = ASTM/BS

Press (UNITS) to toggle between English and Metric Units.

Select the units desired—the flashing units are the active choice.

To return to any prior screen you can always press

 17
Set Standards

To set the Standards the HM-2750 will use, press until you see this
screen:

* REVIEW LAST TEST

* RUN TEST
* ENGINEERING SETUP
* SET DATE/TIME/UNITS/STND

Press (SET DATE/TIME/UNITS/STND). You should see this screen:

* SET DATE
* SET TIME
* UNITS = ENG/METRIC
* STANDARD = ASTM/BS

Press (STANDARD) to toggle between ASTM and BRITISH

STANDARD.
Select the standard desired—the flashing standard is the active choice.

To return to any prior screen you can always press

Rate (Motor Speed Adjust)

To set the speed of the HM-2750 press SPEED You should see this
screen:
MOTOR SPEED ADJUST
* SPEED = “X.XXXX”
* INCREASE
* DECREASE

Press (SPEED) to move between the numbers. Keep pressing

until the digit you want to change is flashing. Once you have
selected the number you want to change, press (INCREASE) or
(DECREASE) to change the number to the desired value. Once
you have set the speed, press the or to activate it.
 18
Channel Configuration (Models A and D only)
If you are adding new instrumentation, changing existing
instrumentation or reconfiguring the HM-2750’s channel setup, you
need to configure the channel for use with the devices you have.
To configure a channel, press You should see this screen:

* REVIEW LAST TEST

* RUN TEST
* ENGINEERING SETUP
* SET DATE/TIME/UNITS/STND

Press (ENGINEERING SETUP). You should see this screen:

* CONFIGURATION
* CALIBRATION
* SAMPLING INTERVAL
* MANUFACTURES INFO

Press (CONFIGURATION) You will be asked for a password, enter:

You should see this screen:

CONFIGURATION screen
* SELECT CHANNEL “CH1”
* CONFIGURE CHANNEL
* CONFIGURE TEST

Press (SELECT CHANNEL) to scroll through and choose the

channel you wish to configure. Once you have selected a channel press
(CONFIGURE CHANNEL). You should see this screen:

“CH1” CONFIGURATION
* NAME = “CH1”
ENG MIN = 0
* ENG MAX = “VALUE”
 19
Naming Channel (Models A and D only)
From the previous screen, shown above, Press (NAME) to select
the name you wish to change, press the key until the name you wish to
change is indicated. You should see this screen:

“CH1” CONFIGURATION
* NAME = “CH1”
* INCREASE
* DECREASE

Press (INCREASE) or (DECREASE) repeatedly to scroll

through the available channel names for an appropriate choice. Choices
for channel names are: CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4, LOAD1, LOAD2, LOAD3,
LOAD4, DISP1, DISP2, DISP3, DISP4, FLOW, STAB, PRES1, PRES2,
PRES3, PRES4, VOLU1, VOLU2, VOLU3 and VOLU4.

NOTE: It is important to assign an appropriate name when naming

channels because the HM-2750 Series controller will choose a unit
of measure based on the name assigned. For example, if you are
configuring a load cell, name the channel Load 1, 2, 3 or 4. This
will ensure that the channel reads in lbs (kN). The same applies to
Displacement (DISP 1, 2, 3 or 4) reading in in/mm and Pressure (PRES1,
2, 3 or 4) reading in psi (kPa).

Once a name has been chosen for a channel Press to return to the
previous screen. You should see this screen:
(LOAD1 was chosen as name):

“CH1” CONFIGURATION
* NAME = “LOAD1”
* ENG MIN = 0
* ENG MAX = “VALUE”
 20
Set Min
The Engineering Zero (ENG MIN) is not configurable and is set at 0.

Set Max
Press (ENG MAX) to set the Engineering Maximum value.
You should see this screen:

“CH1” MAX SETUP

* ENG MAX = “000000”
* INCREASE
* DECREASE

Press (ENG MAX) to move between the numbers. Keep pressing

until the digit you want to change is flashing. Once you have
selected the number you want to change, press (INCREASE) or
(DECREASE) to change the number to the desired value. Below
is a configuration chart for Humboldt instrumentation. These are the
numbers that correspond to each Humboldt device.

Load Cell Part# Eng Max (lbf) Metric Max (kN)

10,000 lb. (50kN) HM-2300.100 010000 050.00
5,000 lb. (25kN) HM-2300.050 005000 025.00
2,000 lb. (10kN) HM-2300.020 2000.0 10.000
1,000 lb. (5kN) HM-2300.010 1000.0 05.000
500 lb. (2.5kN) HM-2300.005 0500.0 02.500
LVDT Transducer Part# Eng Max (in.) Metric Max (mm)
0.4" (10.0mm) HM-2310.04 0.4000 10.000
1.0" (25.4mm) HM-2310.10 01.000 25.000
2.0" (50.8mm) HM-2310.20 02.000 50.000
Pore Pressure Part# Eng Max (psi) Metric Max (kPa)
100psi (1000kPa) HM-4170 0100.0 001000

To return to any prior screen you can always press

 21
Channel Test Configuration (Models A and D only)
In order to perform a test, channels must be configured for the specific
test you wish to run. To configure a channel for a test, press You
should see this screen:

* REVIEW LAST TEST

* RUN TEST
* ENGINEERING SETUP
* SET DATE/TIME/UNITS/STND

Press (ENGINEERING SETUP). You should see this screen:

* CONFIGURATION
* CALIBRATION
* SAMPLING INTERVAL
* MANUFACTURES INFO

Press (CONFIGURATION) You will be asked for a password, enter:

You should see this screen:

CONFIGURATION SCREEN
* SELECT CHANNEL “CH1”
* CONFIGURE CHANNEL
* CONFIGURE TEST

Press (SELECT CHANNEL) to scroll through and choose the

channel you wish to calibrate. Once you have selected a channel press
(CONFIGURE TEST). You should see this screen:

* DIRECT SHEAR TEST “N”

 22
To assign a test to the selected channel, press the corresponding
function key to the test you wish to select. For the HM-2750 Controller
you will want to choose DIRECT SHEAR TEST, so press ( DIRECT
SHEAR TEST) to assign that test to the channel you have chosen.
Pressing a key will toggle between “Y” and “N”. For example, press
to choose DIRECT SHEAR TEST, which will change the “N” to a
“Y” next to DIRECT SHEAR TEST,. This would indicate that the channel
selected would be set up to run Direct Shear Tests.

Calibration (Models A and D only)

This menu item is used to calibrate or verify the calibration of the

HM-2750. NOTE: The HM-2750 and instrumentation is usually
calibrated at the factory
WARNING: Calibration should only be performed by trained
personnel with proper, certified equipment. The HM-2750 and
its instrumentation should be calibrated once a year.

Channel Calibration
To calibrate a channel, press You should see this screen:

* REVIEW LAST TEST

* RUN TEST
* ENGINEERING SETUP
* SET DATE/TIME/UNITS/STND

Press (ENGINEERING SETUP). You should see this screen:

* CONFIGURATION
* CALIBRATION
* SAMPLING INTERVAL
* MANUFACTURES INFO

Press (CALIBRATION) You will be asked for a password, enter:

 23
You should see this screen:

CALIBRATION SCREEN
* SELECT CHANNEL “CH1`”
* CALIBRATE CHANNEL
* CLEAR CALIBRATION

Press (SELECT CHANNEL) to scroll through and choose the

channel you wish to calibrate. Once you have chosen the desired
channel you wish to calibrate press (CLEAR CALIBRATION).
WARNING: IF YOU CLEAR A CALIBRATION IT IS LOST FOREVER!

After the calibration has been cleared, Press (CALIBRATE

CHANNEL) You should see this screen:

“CH1” CALIBRATION
* SET GAIN
* SET MIN
* SET MAX

Press (SET GAIN). With the instrument you wish to calibrate

mounted to a calibration frame attached to the HM-3000, record the
division min value with no load on the instrument (X divisions).
Next, apply the full engineering load value to instrument on the
calibration frame and again, record the division min reading (X
divisions). Subtract the two values. This value should be a number larger
than the maximum rating of the instrument.
If not, you need to increase the gain to compensate for the difference.
Press
(SET GAIN) and repeat until the difference between the two
values is more than the maximum rating of the instrument.
 24
EXAMPLE:
If you are calibrating a 10,000 lb. load cell, you need a difference value
of at least 10,000 divisions. If you register a min value reading of 450
divisions with no load on the instrument and your min is 8450 divisions
at full load on the instrument, your difference value will be 8000
divisions. (8450 – 450 = 8000). To increase the gain press (SET
GAIN) until you have more than 10,000 divisions.

Once the gain has been set, the zero point needs to be set. To set the
zero point, apply the 0% force to the instrument and press (SET
MIN). Next apply the 100% force to the instrument and press (SET
MAX).

To return to any prior screen you can always press

On the next page is an Instrumentation calibration chart listing max

divisions, as well as typical gain factors needed in calibrating each
instrument type.

Humboldt Calibration Instrumentation Chart

Load Cell Part# English Gain Metric Gain

(divisions) (divisions)
10,000 lb. (50kN) HM-2300.100 10000 4 5000 4
5,000 lb. (25kN) HM-2300.050 5000 2 2500 4
2,000 lb. (10kN) HM-2300.020 20000 8 10000 4
1,000 lb. (5kN) HM-2300.010 10000 4 5000 4
500 lb. (2.5kN) HM-2300.005 5000 4 2500 4
LVDT Transducer
0.4" (10.0mm) HM-2310.04 4000 2 10000 2
1.0" (25.4mm) HM-2310.10 1000 1 25000 2
2.0" (50.8mm) HM-2310.20 2000 1 50000 4
Pore Pressure
100psi (1000kPa) HM-4170 1000 1 1000 1
 25
Standard Direct Shear Test
Press You should see this screen:

* REVIEW LAST TEST

* RUN TEST
* ENGINEERING SETUP
* SET DATE/TIME/UNITS/STND

Press (RUN TEST) You should see this screen:

* DIRECT SHEAR TEST

Press (NEXT). You should see this screen:

MOTOR SPEED ADJUST

* SPEED = “X.XXXX”
* INCREASE
* DECREASE

Press (SPEED) to move between the numbers. Keep pressing

until the digit you want to change is flashing. Once you have
selected the number you want to change, press (INCREASE) or
(DECREASE) to change the number to the desired value.
 26
Once you have set the speed, press to start the test.
You should see this screen:

DIRECT SHEAR TEST # of readings

LOAD 1 “#”
DISP 1 “#”
DISP 1 “#”

The display will show the current reading of the load. At any time you
can press (END TEST) to end the test. This will stop the data
collection and reverse the machine back.
Once the sample makes contact with the box, the machine will
automatically zero the load and collect a load reading every “X” sec.
depending on what the sampling interval is set at (see Sampling
Interval). Once the load cell has reached its peak load and fallen 2%,
the machine will stop collecting data and reverse the platen back to the
lower limit at the fast rate (0.5 in/min). The peak load will be displayed.

You should see this screen:

* REVIEW DATA
* RUN DIRECT SHEAR TEST

The peak values are shown on the first two lines. You can then review
the data by pressing (REVIEW DATA).

You should see this screen:

* PRINT DATA

* SCROLL DATA
* RUN DIRECT SHEAR TEST
 27
Pressing (PRINT DATA) will print the data either to a printer or a
computer. Once you have printed the data you can run another test by
just pressing (RUN DIRECT SHEAR TEST). However you need to
load another before you press .

If you don't have a printer or computer connected to the frame, you can
press (SCROLL DATA) to scroll the data.

You should see this screen:

LOAD “READING”

* NEXT
* LAST READING #

You can then press (NEXT) to see the next reading or

(LAST) to see the last reading.

To return to any prior screen you can always press

 28
Software
Humboldt’s HM-2750 Series Controllers come with Humboldt’s HMTS
data collection software. This software can be used to collect data from
tests by creating user-defined test parameters (start/stop). The resulting
data can then be opened in Microsoft Excel to view the data collected,
as well as create a simple table and graph.

Optional pre-defined reporting software modules and templates are

available for specific tests, such as CBR, Triaxial, etc. These modules
provide more control over start and stop conditions for specific tests, as
well as provide extended reporting capabilities. Contact Humboldt for
more information.

Table/graph and Excel output of user-defined test generated from

software included.

The minimum compatible computer configuration is a PC with Pentium

III 550 MHz processor, 512 MB of RAM and a 40GB hard drive running
Windows® XP Professional system software.
 29
Specifications
Mechanical Specifications
Dimensions (l x w x h) 8.3 x 9.5 x 4.7 inch
(210 x 240 x 120mm)
Shipping Weight 6 lbs. (2.7Kg)

Electrical /Electronics Specifications

Voltage 110/220 VAC 50/60HZ

Data storage 300 Readings/Channel

Computer port RS232

 30
Support
Phone support is available for general operating questions and trouble
shooting problems between 8am and 5pm Eastern Time. Please call:
1.800.537.4183
1.919.832.6509 or fax: 1.919.833.5283
support@humboldtmfg.com

For sales and sales-related information, such as available accessories,

general sales questions, pricing, please call:
1.800.544.7220
1.708.456.6300 or fax: 1.708.456.0137
hmc@humboldtmfg.com

Hidden Functions
The following are functions that are possible if needed, to access them,
please contact support at the numbers or email address listed above.

1. System reset
Reset available in case of serious problem in system memory.
This will cancel all data in memory calibration/configuration of all
channels.
2. System restore
Restore to be made in case of above. This will restore all factory
calibration/configuration of channels to their full scale.
3. System raw data
Raw data of analog to digital converter can be viewed to determine
if instrumentation connected is functioning correctly.
 31
Hanger Assembly

ADJUST THE HANGER ASSEMBLY AS NECESSARY TO APPLY A

COUNTER FORCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF COUNTERACTING THE
WEIGHT OF THE SHEAR BOX TOP HALF.
ADJUST THE HANGER ASSEMBLY BY THE FOLLOWING:
1. Coarse adjustment is accomplished by raising or lowering the
support hook assembly. To do so, loosen the thumbscrew on the
support hook and adjust the position of the hook. Tighten the
thumbscrew again to secure the support hook.
2. Fine adjsutment is accomplished by loosening the nuts that secure
either of the hooks on the hanger bar and adjusting the hooks up or
down. When the adjustment is complete, tighten the nuts to secure
the hooks.

Loosen wing nut

Loosen
and extend hook
thumbscrew
as necessary
and adjust
hook assembly
up or down as
necessary

Loosen nuts
and adjust
hooks up or
down as
necessary
Humboldt Mfg. Co. U.S.A. Toll Free: 1.800.544.7220
875 Tollgate Road Voice: 1.708.456.6300
Elgin, Illinois 60123 U.S.A. Fax: 1.708.456.0137
Email: hmc@humboldtmfg.com

Testing Equipment for Construction Materials

HUMBOLDT
www.humboldtmfg.com