Bender elements allow to measure the maximum shear modulus (Gmax) of a soil sample and from this data to
evaluate the stiffness of a soil. Gmax is generally associated with shear strain levels of about 0.001% and is a
key parameter in small strain dynamic analysis, such as those to predict soil behavior or soil structure interaction
during earthquakes, explosion or machine and traffic vibrations.
The system consists of a piezo ceramic transmitter, which is energized to produce the shear waves through the soil
sample, and the receiver that receive the electrical signal. The travel time of the shear wave from the transmitter
to the receiver is determined via a specific software that allows the user to quickly and easily calculate the shear
wave velocity.