ABSTRACT
Vane tests are used primarily to determine the undrained shear strength su of saturated clay deposits with strength generally up to 200 kPa. They can also be used in fine-grained soils such as silts, organic peats, tailings and other geomaterials where a prediction of the undrained shear resistance is required. The method is not applicable to sand, gravel and other highly permeable soils, which may allow for partial drainage at standard shearing rates. Previous knowledge of the drainage characteristics of soil layers in which the test is to be carried out is therefore necessary in order to guarantee sufficiently low permeability for the test response to be described as undrained.
