Stone Shear (IMAGE) Penn State Caption Double-direct shear configuration consisting of three granite blocks. A normal load is applied perpendicular to the sample via the horizontal ram and the center block is sheared at constant displacement rate via the vertical ram. Piezoceramic sensors are placed inside steel loading blocks and positioned adjacent to the fault zone. Credit Chas Bolton Usage Restrictions Non commercial use only License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.