The test procedure given in BS 1377 Part 7 to determine the residual
shear strength of a soil using the Bromhead ring shear apparatus
contains a number of procedures that make the test both difficult and
time consuming. A test procedure used at Kingston University since the
development of the Bromhead ring shear apparatus is therefore
proposed. The procedure is in effect a multi-stage test and commonly
results in a value for the drained residual shear strength within three
working days. The residual shear strength values obtained have been
found to be close to those derived from back analyses of slope failures,
especially when there is a strong element of bedding control on the
location of the slip surface and when the back analysis is not unduly
affected by uncertainties in pore pressures and end effects. A review of
alternative uses and test procedures for the Bromhead ring shear
apparatus is also included.