A Simple Constitutive Model for Overconsolidated Clays

Abstract

In the framework of critical state soil mechanics, a simple constitutive model for overconsolidated clays is proposed based on subloading surface and normal consolidation yield surface. A more rational hardening law is used to describe the change between subloading surface and the normal consolidation surface with plastic deformation and an associated flow rule is adopted. The model can describe many characteristics of overcaonsolidated clays, such as stress-strain relationship, strain hardening and softening, and stress dilatancy. Compared with the Cam-clay model, two more parameters are required which represents specific physical meanings. Numerical simulation is compared with data from triaxial drained compression test, indicating that the proposed model can rationally describe overconsolidated properties.