Finite element analysis of elastic-plastic anisotropic soils

Abstract

Elastic-plastic stress·strain models are developed for initially anisotropic soils. The models are developed for both total stress (undrained) analyses and for effective stress (drained) analyses. For anlsotroplc undralned coheslve soils under monotonic loading an elastic-plastic isotropic-hardening model is developed. For complex loading conditions the model is extended using multisurface plasticity. For effective stress analyses of soils, the Cam-Clay model concepts are generalized for initially anisotropic soils. Both isotropic and anisotropic hardening are used in the model. The behavior of the models is investigated under several loading conditions and some comparisons are made with experimental triaxial data. A nonlinear three-dimensional finite element program is developed in which the models are implemented. An updated Lagrangian large displacement analysis is also included. The constitutive models developed are used to investigate the influence of initial anisotropy on the bearing capacity, deformation and pore pressure development under footings in both plane-strain and three dimensional conditions. It is found that for the range of anisotropy encountered in the field, the deformation and bearing capacity are significantly different.