A model for static liquefaction in triaxial compression and extension

Abstract

The response of the elastoplastic refined Superior sand constitutive model in undrained triaxial compression and extension tests is presented. The model is aimed at realistic simulation of liquefaction occurring in loose, saturated, granular materials under monotonic static loading. The yield surface introduced previously in the original Superior sand model is modified, and a non-associated flow rule is used. The isotropic hardening–softening is related to plastic deformation and distance to a reference yield curve. The refined model accounts for the different response of materials with different deposition densities. The model prediction of undrained triaxial compression and extension tests is compared with experimental results. The higher tendency for liquefaction response in extension is well described. Instability and phase-transformation states also are discussed, and the energy of liquefaction is quantified.Key words: static liquefaction, constitutive model, triaxial tests, liquefaction energy.