Bounding surface‐based modeling of compacted silty sand exhibiting suction dependent postpeak strain softening

This article focuses on modeling the strain hardening‐softening response of statically compacted silty sand as observed from a comprehensive series of suction‐controlled, consolidated‐drained triaxial tests accomplished in a fully automated, double‐walled triaxial test system via the axis‐translation technique. The constitutive model used in this work is based on the theory of Bounding Surface (BS) plasticity and is formulated within a critical state framework. The essential BS model parameters are calibrated using the full set of triaxial test results and then used for predictions of compacted silty sand response at matric suction states varying from 50 to 750 kPa. Complementary simulations using the Barcelona Basic Model have also been included, alongside BS model predictions, in order to get further enlightening insights into some of the main limitations and challenges facing both frameworks within the context of the experimental evidence resulting from the present research effort. In general, irrespective of the value of matric suction applied, the Barcelona Basic Model performs relatively well in predicting response at peak and critical state failure under low net confining pressure while the Bounding Surface Model performs relatively well under high net confining pressures.