Hyperelastic modelling of small‐strain stiffness anisotropy of cyclically loaded sand

Experimental evidence shows that soil stiffness at very small strains is strongly anisotropic and depends on the stress level and void ratio. In particular, stiffness anisotropy varies considerably in sand when subjected to cyclic loading, following the stress cycles applied. To model this behaviour, an innovative hyperelastic formulation based on the elastoplastic coupling is incorporated in a new kinematic hardening elastoplastic model. The proposed hyperelastic–plastic model is the first to be capable of correctly simulating all aspects of the small‐strain behaviour of granular materials subjected to monotonic and cyclic loads. This hyperelastic formulation is generally applicable to any elastoplastic model. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.