Model Prediction of Cyclic Response of Soils

Abstract

A new elastoplastic model has been developed for predicting the stress path, the stress/strain response, and the shear strength of soils under cyclic loading. The model utilizes multiyield surfaces and a combination of isotropic and kinematic hardening. The model is similar to that of Prevost (1978) but introduces several new concepts. A theoretical expression is derived for the permanent volumetric strain, which occurs during undrained cyclic loading, that reflects the anisotropic behavior of the soil. Theoretical derivations are also presented to show that during undrained cyclic loading the elastic bulk modulus is constant and that the Skempton pore‐water pressure coefficient, associated with each yield surface, does not vary from its initial value. These relationships considerably simplify the task of predicting the response of the soils under cyclic loading. Experimental verification of the model predictions for the stress path, stress/strain curve, and shear strength of a very loose sand are presented, together with the model predictions for a kaolin clay using published data.