An effective technique of measuring the shear bands is put forward using digital photogrammetry and image correlation analysis. At first

a series of specimen images were collected by digital camera with high resolution. Subsequently

the approximate region of shear band was identified firstly in the full observed scope on the image by coarse image correlation analysis for saving time. And then refined analysis in the local observed scope

where the shear band occurred

was conducted by specifying pairs of alinement points on image with one pixel interval covering the shear band. Finally

when shear band was recognized

its edge points were marked manually for the subsequent quantity analysis of the thickness and direction of shear band together with the deformation inside. This technique is more accurate than the widely adopted method of painting mesh on soil specimen. Its application is illustrated by a large-scale direct shear test of granular soil.