Parametric variational principle for elastic–plastic consolidation analysis of saturated porous media

Finite element procedures for numerical solution of various engineering problems are often based on variational formulations. In this paper, a parametric variational principle applicable to elastic-plastic coupled field problems in consolidation analysis of saturated porous media is presented. This principle can be used to solve problems where materials are inconsistent with Drucker's postulate of stability, such as in non-associated plasticity flow or softening problems. The finite element formulation was given, and it can be solved by either the conventional method or a parametric quadratic programming method.