Phenomenological fractional stress–dilatancy model for granular soil and soil-structure interface under monotonic and cyclic loads

The stress–dilatancy relation is of critical importance for constitutive modelling of geomaterial. A novel fractional-order stress–dilatancy equation had been developed for granular soil, where a nonlinear stress–dilatancy response was always predicted. However, it was experimentally observed that after a certain extent of shearing, an almost linear response between the stress ratio and the dilatancy ratio, rather than the nonlinear response, usually existed. To capture such stress–dilatancy behaviour, a new fractional stress–dilatancy model is developed in this study, where an apparent linear response of the stress–dilatancy behaviour of soil after sufficient shearing is obtained via analytical solution. As the fractional order varies, the derived stress–dilatancy curve and the associated phase transformation state stress ratio keep changing. But, unlike existing researches, no other specific parameters, except the parameter related to fractional order, concerning such shift are required. Then, the developed stress–dilatancy model is applied to constitutive modelling of granular soil and soil–structure interface, for further validation. A series of test results of different granular soils and soil–structure interfaces under different loading conditions are simulated and compared, where a good model performance is observed.

     

Advantages and limitations of an α-plasticity model for sand

Acta Geotechnica - The stress–strain response of sand was observed to depend on its material state, i.e., pressure and density. Successful modelling of such state-dependent response of sand...     

Non‐normality and induced plastic anisotropy under fractional plastic flow rule: a numerical study

In this paper, an implementation of fractional plastic flow rule in the framework of implicit and explicit procedures is under consideration. The fractional plastic flow rule is obtained from a generalisation of the classical plastic flow rule utilising fractional calculus. The key feature of this new concept is that in general, the non‐associative flow is obtained without necessity of additional potential assumption. If needed, the model can cover the anisotropy induced by plastic deformation. Illustrative examples showing the unusual flexibility of this model are also presented. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.