Improvement to the intergranular strain model for larger numbers of repetitive cycles

The analysis of geotechnical problems involving saturated soils under cyclic loading requires the use of advanced constitutive models. These models need to describe the main characteristics of the material under cyclic loading and undrained conditions, such as the rate of the pore water pressure accumulation and the stress attractors. When properly doing so, the models are expected to be reliable for their use in boundary value problems. In this work, an extension of the widely implemented intergranular strain model by Niemunis and Herle (Mech Cohes Frict Mater 2(4):279–299, 1997) is proposed. The modification is aimed to improve the capabilities of the model when simulating a number of repetitive cycles, where a proper reduction of the strain accumulation is expected. For validation purposes, the reference model and proposed improvement are compared against some monotonic and cyclic triaxial tests. The results indicate that the intergranular strain improvement model provides a more realistic prediction of the accumulation rates under cyclic loading, without spoiling the advantages of the original formulation.

     

不同应力路径下饱和黏土耦合循环剪切特性

地基土单元体在波浪荷载的作用下将发生主应力轴连续旋转,这对土的强度和变形特性会产生显著的影响。针对饱和黏土,利用土工静力－动力液压三轴－扭转多功能扭剪仪进行了均等固结下的耦合循环剪切试验,着重研究了不同循环应力路径对应力-应变关系和强度特性的影响。试验结果表明,耦合循环荷载下黏土扭转剪切分量和正向偏差分量的应力-应变关系曲线与应力路径有关,且随着振动次数的增加逐渐疏松,割线模量 和 不断衰减,这与不固结不排水条件下的应力-应变关系曲线的变化规律明显不同;扭转剪切分量大的椭圆应力路径的动强度略小于正向偏差分量大的动强度。饱和黏土在不同应力路径下的力学特性的试验研究可以为建立复杂应力路径下的本构模型提供试验依据。     

Modeling the behavior of sandstone based on generalized plasticity concept

With the concept of generalized plasticity, a constitutive model for describing the deformation behavior of sandstone is proposed in this paper. This proposed model is characterized by the following features: (i) nonlinear elasticity under hydrostatic and shear loading; (ii) associated flow rule for pre‐peak simulation; (iii) substantial plastic deformation during shear loading; and (iv) significant shear dilation and distortion prior to the failure state. This model requires 10 material parameters, including three for elasticity and seven for plasticity. All of the parameters can be determined, in a straightforward manner, by the suggested procedures. The proposed model has been validated by comparing the triaxial test results of the Mushan sandstone under different hydrostatic stress, different stress paths, and cyclic loading condition. It is also versatile in simulating the deformation behaviors of two other sandstones. Upon slight modification of the model, the post‐peak behavior of sandstone can be reasonably predicted using proposed model. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于广义塑性力学的土体次加载面循环塑性模型(Ⅱ):本构方程与验证

按广义塑性力学原理，导出了土体次加载面循环塑性模型的本构方程，建立了相应的加卸载准则以及模型参数的确定方法。通过多种应力路径下土的本构响应的模拟，表明次加载面循环塑性模型能较好地反映循环荷载作用下土体呈现的非线性、滞回性与变形的积累性三方面主要特征，初步验证了模型的有效性。     

Fatigue Behavior of Granite Subjected to Cyclic Loading Under Triaxial Compression Condition

A series of laboratory tests were performed to examine the fatigue behavior of granite subjected to cyclic loading under triaxial compression condition. In these tests, the influences of volumetric change and residual strain on the deformation modulus of granite under triaxial cyclic compression were investigated. It is shown that the fatigue behavior of granite varies with the tendency for volumetric change in triaxial cyclic compression tests. In the stress–strain space, there are three domains for fatigue behavior of rock subjected to cyclic loading, namely the volumetric compaction, volumetric dilation with strain-hardening behavior, and volumetric dilation with strain-softening behavior domains. In the different domains, the microscopic mechanisms for rock deformation are different. It was also found that the stress level corresponding to the transition from volumetric compaction to volumetric dilation could be considered as the threshold for fatigue failure. The potential of fatigue deformation was compared with that of plastic deformation. The comparison shows that rocks exhibit higher resistances to volumetric deformation under cyclic loading than under plastic loading. The influence of residual strain on the fatigue behavior of rock was also investigated. It was found that the axial residual strain could be a better option to describe the fatigue behavior of rock than the loading cycle number. A constitutive model for the fatigue behavior of rock subjected to cyclic loading is proposed according to the test results and discussion. In the model, the axial residual strain is considered as an internal state variable. The influences of confining pressure and peak deviatoric stress on the deformation modulus are considered in a term named the equivalent stress. Comparison of test results with model predictions shows that the proposed model is capable of describing the prepeak fatigue behavior of rock subjected to cyclic loading.     

A two-mechanism soil–structure interface model for three-dimensional cyclic loading

A three-dimensional (3D) soil–structure interface model is proposed within the two-mechanism constitutive theory and bounding surface theory originally established for soils. The proposed model has two main characteristics: first, the model is formulated based on two different and superposed deformation mechanisms. The first mechanism is due to the stress ratio increment, and the second is due to the normal stress increment. Each mechanism induces a shear strain component and a normal strain component. The proposed model can be reduced to the conventional single-mechanism interface model. Second, the plastic modulus and stress dilatancy are defined using the bounding surface theory. The plastic flow rule under cyclic loading is modified and assumed to be dependent on both the stress state of the mapping point and the stress reversal loading direction. The proposed model was validated against the available 3D interface tests and was found to satisfactorily reflect the salient features of the interfaces under monotonic and cyclic loading paths with different normal boundaries. The problem in which the elastic normal stiffness in conventional single-mechanism interface models is often underestimated to enhance the simulation performance under varying normal stress conditions is solved by incorporating the second mechanism. And the effect of the second mechanism on the modeling behavior is discussed. The modified plastic flow direction accurately simulates the 3D cyclic shear response, and the difference between the model simulation and test result increases with the number of cycles by use of the plastic flow direction defined in conventional bounding surface theory.     

On the simulation of multidimensional cyclic loading with intergranular strain

A sample of soil is subjected to multidimensional cyclic loading when two or three principal components of the stress or strain tensor are simultaneously controlled to perform a repetitive path. These paths are very useful to evaluate the performance of models simulating cyclic loading. In this article, an extension of an existing constitutive model is proposed to capture the behavior of the soil under this type of loading. The reference model is based on the intergranular strain anisotropy concept and therefore incorporates an elastic locus in terms of a strain amplitude. In order to evaluate the model performance, a modified triaxial apparatus able to perform multidimensional cyclic loading has been used to conduct some experiments with a fine sand. Simulations of the extended model with multidimensional loading paths are carefully analyzed. Considering that many cycles are simulated (\(N>30\)), some additional simulations have been performed to quantify and analyze the artificial accumulation generated by the (hypo-)elastic component of the model. At the end, a simple boundary value problem with a cyclic loading as boundary condition is simulated to analyze the model response.     

Paraelasticity

A 3D hysteretic, fully reversible constitutive model with rate-independent damping and with variable secant stiffness is proposed. A reversible dilatancy–contractancy effect is an optional feature as described in the companion paper (Niemunis et al. in Acta Geotech, 2011). The present paper describes the basic aspects of the model only. A strain path reversal is defined, and a treatment of the past reversals using a stack structure is proposed.     

An elastoplastic model with combined isotropic–kinematic hardening to predict the cyclic behavior of stiff clays

This paper presents a kinematic hardening model for describing some important features of natural stiff clays under cyclic loading conditions, such as closed hysteretic loops, smooth transition from the elastic behavior to the elastoplastic one and changes of the compression slope with loading/unloading loops. The model includes two yield surfaces, an inner surface and a bounding surface. A non-associated flow rule and a kinematic hardening law are proposed for the inner surface. The adopted hardening law enables the plastic modulus to vary smoothly when the kinematic yield surface approaches the bounding surface and ensures at the same time the non-intersection of the two yield surfaces. Furthermore, the first loading, unloading, and reloading stages are treated differently by applying distinct hardening parameters. The main feature of the model is that its constitutive equations can be simply formulated based on the consistency condition for the inner yield surface based on the proposed kinematic hardening law; thereby, this model can be easily implemented in a finite element code using a classic stress integration scheme as for the modified Cam Clay model. The simulation results on the Boom Clay, natural stiff clay, have revealed the relevance of the model: a good agreement has been obtained between simulations and the experimental results from the tests with different stress paths under cyclic loading conditions. In particular, the model can satisfactorily describe the complex case of oedometric conditions where the deviator stress is positive upon loading (compression) but can become negative upon unloading (extension).     

A Generalized Plasticity-Based Model for Sandstone Considering Time-Dependent Behavior and Wetting Deterioration

Based on the concept of generalized plasticity, this study proposes a constitutive model to describe the time-dependent behavior and wetting deterioration of sandstone. The proposed model (1) exhibits nonlinear elasticity under hydrostatic and shear loading, (2) follows the associated flow rule for viscoplastic deformation, (3) adopts a creep modulus that varies with the stress ratio, (4) considers the primary and secondary creep behaviors of rock, and (5) considers the effect of wetting deterioration. This model requires 13 material parameters, comprising 3 for elasticity, 7 for plasticity, and 3 for creep. All parameters can be determined easily by following the suggested procedures. The proposed model is first validated by comparison with triaxial tests of sandstone under different hydrostatic stress and cyclic loading conditions. In addition, the model is versatile in simulating time-dependent behavior through a series of multistage creep tests. Finally, to consider the effects of wetting deterioration, triaxial and creep tests under dry and water-saturated conditions are simulated. Comparison of the simulated and experimental data shows that the proposed model can predict the behavior of sandstone in dry and saturated conditions.     

An Elasto-Plastic Constitutive Model for Rock Joints Under Cyclic Loading and Constant Normal Stiffness Conditions

An elasto-plastic constitutive model is introduced for rock joints under cyclic loading, considering the additional shear resistance generated by the asperity damage in the first forward shear cycle and sliding mechanism for further shearing. A series of cyclic loading direct shear tests was conducted on artificial joints with triangular asperities and replicas of a real rock asperity surface under constant normal stiffness (CNS) conditions. The model was calibrated and then validated using selected data sets from the experimental results. Model simulations were found to be in good agreement with the rock joints behaviour under cyclic loading and CNS conditions both in stress prediction and dilation behaviour. In addition, dynamic stability analysis of an underground structure was carried out, using Universal Distinct Element Code and the proposed constitutive model.     

A thermomicromechanical approach to multiscale continuum modeling of dense granular materials

A new method is proposed for the development of a class of elastoplastic thermomicromechanical constitutive laws for granular materials. The method engenders physical transparency in the constitutive formulation of multiscale phenomena from the particle to bulk. We demonstrate this approach for dense, cohesionless granular media under quasi-static loading conditions. The resulting constitutive law—expressed solely in terms of particle scale properties—is the first of its kind. Micromechanical relations for the internal variables, tied to nonaffine deformation, and their evolution laws, are derived from a structural mechanical analysis of a particular mesoscopic event: confined, elastoplastic buckling of a force chain. It is shown that the constitutive law can reproduce the defining behavior of strain-softening under dilatation in both the mesoscopic and macroscopic scales, and reliably predict the formation and evolution of shear bands. The thickness and angle of the shear band, the distribution of particle rotation and the evolution of the normal contact force anisotropy inside the band, are consistent with those observed in discrete element simulations and physical experiments.     

循环加-卸载岩石本构模型研究

循环加-卸载岩石本构模型是预测压气储能洞室长期稳定性的关键,但目前还没有适用的本构模型,因此,提出了一种能够描述岩石循环加载和卸载的本构模型。鉴于岩石在循环作用下损伤不断累积,将基于Weibull分布的岩石损伤软化模型进行拓展,并用内变量疲劳本构模型描述每个循环的初始模量和卸载模量的变化,进而得到循环加-卸载作用下的岩石本构模型,然后将该模型与现有的试验结果进行对比。该模型物理意义明确,涉及的参数较少,且便于拟合。提出的循环加-卸载下岩石本构模型对试验数据拟合效果较好,能较准确地反映循环荷载上、下限值对应的轴向应变,也能反映出循环内部变形模量衰减的趋势。该模型的成功建立为循环加-卸载下岩石本构模型的研究提供了新思路。     

A unified constitutive model for unsaturated soil under monotonic and cyclic loading

This study presents a sophisticated elastoplastic constitutive model for unsaturated soil using Bishop-type skeleton stress and degree of saturation as state variables in the framework of critical state soil mechanism. The model is proposed in order to describe the coupled hydromechanical behavior of unsaturated soil irrespective of what kind of the loadings or the drainage conditions may be. At the same time, a water retention characteristic curve considering the influence of deformation on degree of saturation is also proposed. In the model, the superloading and subloading concepts are introduced to consider the influences of overconsolidation and structure on deformation and strength of soils. The proposed model only employs nine parameters, among which five parameters are the same as those used in Cam-Clay model. The other four parameters have the clear physical meanings and can be easily determined by conventional soil tests. The capability and accuracy of the proposed model have been validated carefully through a series of laboratory tests such as isotropic loading tests and triaxial monotonic and cyclic compression tests under different mechanical and hydraulic conditions.

     

Clay minerals in fluvial shaley sandstone of upper Triassic reservoir (TAGS)—Toual field SE Algeria: identification from wireline logs and core data

The creep property of rock under cyclic loading is very important in civil engineering. In order to establish a novel constitutive equation for rock under cyclic loading, a fractional-order viscoplastic body under cyclic loading was constructed based on fractional-order viscous element. A fractional-order visco-elastoplastic model (FVEPM) for rock was established by connecting constructed fractional-order viscoplastic body with Burgers model. The model was a Burgers model when the maximum value of cyclic loading was less than the critical strength of rock; otherwise, it was a FVEPM which can be used to reflect the transient, steady-state, and tertiary creep phases of rock. The cyclic loading was decomposed into a static load and a cyclic loading with a zero average stress. According to rheological mechanics theory, the rheology constitutive equation of rock under the static load can be derived. According to viscoelastic mechanics theory, the constitutive equation under cyclic loading with a zero average stress was established by introducing the variation parameters of energy storage and energy dissipation compliance caused by rock damage and fracture. Finally, a new dynamic constitutive equation of rock cyclic loading can be obtained by superimposing the constitutive equation under static load and cyclic loading with a zero average stress. Compared with existing test results of rock under cyclic loading, the proposed constitutive model can be used to describe the creep characteristics of rock under cyclic loading and reflect the presented fluctuation of strain curve of rock under cyclic loading.     

A hypoplastic macroelement for single vertical piles in sand subject to three-dimensional loading conditions

This paper presents a novel macroelement for single vertical piles in sand developed within the hypo-plasticity theory, where the incremental nonlinear constitutive equations are defined in terms of generalized forces, displacements and rotations. Inspired from the macroelement for shallow foundations of Salciarini and Tamagnini (Acta Geotech, 4(3):163–176, 2009), the new element adopts the “intergranular displacement” mutuated from Niemunis and Herle (Mech Cohes Frict Mater, 2:279–299, 1997) to reproduce the behavior under cyclic loading. Analytical and numerical strategies are provided to calibrate the macroelement’s parameters. Comparisons with experimental results show the performance of the macroelement that while being simple and computational fast is suitable for finite element calculations and engineering design.     

Constitutive model for cyclic behaviour of cohesionless sands

This paper presents a constitutive model for describing the stress-strain response of sands under cyclic loading. The model, formulated using the critical state theory within the bounding surface plasticity framework, is an upgraded version of an existing model developed for monotonic behaviour of cohesionless sands. With modification of the hardening law, plastic volumetric strain increment and unloading plastic modulus, the original model was modified to simulate cyclic loading. The proposed model was validated against triaxial cyclic loading tests for Fuji River sand, Toyoura sand and Nigata sand. Comparison between the measured and predicted results suggests that the proposed modified model can capture the main features of cohesionless sands under drained and undrained cyclic loading.     

循环荷载下路基红黏土临界应力水平分析

根据设计改装的循环动单轴压缩试验,研究不同含水率、不同轴向应力水平、不同循环加载次数、不同应力加载路径条件下路基土的塑性力学行为,并结合shakedown概念,界定了循环动荷载作用下红黏土的安定界限（shakedown limit）和临界应力水平,系统地分析了影响循环动荷载作用下路基土力学行为的因素和永久变形的发展趋势,以及路基土在循环载荷作用下的力学行为发展规律。通过试验结果的分析,把红黏土的塑性变形分为稳定、破坏和临界3个阶段,并按3个阶段划分出可接受状态和不可接受状态,由此确定路基红黏土在循环荷载作用下的临界应力水平为41.8 %。