1

Advance soil mechanics

Elastic, plastic and elasto-plastic behaviour

By
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd.Jamaludin bin Md.Noor
Faculty of Civil Engineering
UiTM Malaysia
2
At the end of this lecture the student should be able to answer these questions.
1. Plastic behaviour is considered as soil irrecoverable deformation while elastic is taken the
behaviour when deformation is recoverable. Illustrate using the relevant graphs that soil
behave elastically within the yield limit and elastic-plastic when the stress exceeded the yield
limit.
2. Differentiate the meaning of yield and failure. Explain the meaning of failure at peak strength
and failure at critical state.
3. By referring to the changes undergo by the solid particles when being compressed explain how
the soil able to behave plastic and elastic manner. With the aid of v log p curve differentiate
the path which is elastic and plastic and show how their magnitude can be calculated.
4. The yield limit can be define by the pre-consolidation pressure in clay and the past maximum
deviator stress in sand. Explain these.
5. Show that the yield limit is the past maximum mobilised shear strength whether it is clay or
sand. Explain how that mobilised shear strength governs the elastic and plastic behaviour of
sand.
6. Mobilised shear strength envelope define the yield limit or the yield locus. In other words the
mobilised shear strength represents a certain deformation parameter. Explain this.
7. With the aid of graphs of q-p and v-p explain how the different sizes of the yield locus is
achieved and relate them to the soil elastic and plastic behaviour.
8. Using the behaviour of a specimen in CID triaxial test explain the principal governing factor that
influence the specimens deformation. Emphasize your answer by considering 3 identical
specimens sheared at different effective stress.
9. Explain the uniqueness of the critical state line (CSL) by the sketching the line in 3-dimensional
space of q-p-v. Differentiate the stress path that lead to the CSL when the test specimens are
normally consolidated, lightly consolidated and over-consolidated clay.
10. With the aid of sketches of the relevant graphs show that it is not the critical state strength that
governs soil volume change behaviour but it is in fact the mobilised shear strength.
Problem base / outcome base teaching approach.
3
Confined uniaxial testing
machine known misleadingly as
triaxial apparatus.
Deviator stress,
Ao = q
Cell
pressure
o
3
Stress variables
o
1
= Ao + o
3
q = (o
1
- o
3
)
p = [(o
1
+ 2o
3
)/3] - u
Soil
specimen
Pore water
pressure
measurement
Specimen
volume
change unit
Load cell
attached
to ram
Filling with
de-aired and
de-ionised
water
e
V
V V
v
s
v s
+ =
+
= 1
Specific volume = actual
volume occupied by a
unit volume of soil solids
v
v
p
o
oc =
Volumetric
strain
Net mean stress
4
Triaxial test
Relationship between volumetric strain, c
p
and triaxial shear
strain, c
q
with axial strain, c
a
. and radial strain, c
r
.
r a p vol
or c c c c 2 + =
Drained triaxial test
a r
r a p
vol
Theref ore c c
c c c
c c c c
2
1
0 2
3 2 1
=
= + =
+ + =
Undrained triaxial test
( )
3
2
r a
q
c c
c

=
Triaxial shear strain,
Quantities measured in
triaxial tests,
ol = change in length of specimen
ov = change in volume of specimen
V
V
and
l
l
p a
o
oc
o
oc

=

=
2
/ / l l V V
r
o o
oc
+
=
3
/V V
l
l
q
o o
oc +

=
and
?
5
DEFINITION OF
Mean stress, p, Deviatoric or shear stress, q,
Volumetric strain, c
p
, Shear strain, c
q
.
3
3 2 1
o o o + +
= p
Mean stress represented by space diagonal
3
o
1
o
2
o
p
q
( ) ( ) ( ) | |
2
1
2
1 3
2
3 2
2
2 1
2
1
o o o o o o + + = q
Deviatoric stress or shear stress
Volume
change
Distortion
or
shearing
Volumetric
strain
Deviatoric
strain
p
c
q
c
3 2 1
c c c c + + =
p
( ) ( ) ( ) | |
2
1
2
1 3
2
3 2
2
2 1
3
2
c c c c c c c + + =
q
6
Triaxial condition/
Axisymmetric
3 1
2c c c + =
p
( )
3 1
3
2
c c c =
q
3 2
o o =
3 2
c c =
3
2
'
3
'
1
'
o o +
= p
'
3
'
1
o o = q
3
o
1
o
2
o
Plane strain
0
2
= c
3
'
3
'
2
'
1
'
o o o + +
= p
( ) ( ) ( ) | |
2
1
2
1 3
2
3 2
2
2 1
2
1
o o o o o o + + = q
3 1
c c c + =
p
| |
2
1
3 1
2
3
2
1
3
2
c c c c c + =
q
TWO COMMON CONDITIONS OF STRESS AND STRAIN IN
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
Volumetric strain
Shear strain
7
BULK MODULUS, K, SHEAR MODULUS, G AND ELASTIC MODULUS, E.
'
'
1
p
K
e
P
= c
q
G
e
q
3
1
= c

)

=
)
`

e
q
e
p
G
K
q
p
c
c
3 0
0 ' '
Shear stress do not cause volume changes and net
mean stress do not cause shear deformation.
( ) ' 2 1 3
'
'
u
=
E
K
( ) ' 1 2
'
'
u +
=
E
G
' 6 2
2 ' 3
'
K G
G K
+

= u
Effective bulk
modulus
Shear modulus
modulus
Poisson ratio as a
function of K and G
Shear stress only produce shear deformation and
net mean stress only produce volume changes.
Soil elastic response to stress
8
Soil elasticity
Change in net mean stress, p produces no distortion oc
q
= 0 i.e. no
shear strain.
Change in the distortional deviator stress, q produces no change in
volume, oc
p
= 0.
q
c
q
1
3G
q
c
a
1
E
The initial linear sections of the stress-strain curve can be interpreted as
the elastic response of the soil to the imposed change of stress.
E = Youngs modulus
G = Shear modulus
Elastic constants
deduced from
conventional drained
triaxial compression
tests.
( )
3 1
3
2
c c c =
q
9
Elastic-plastic behaviour of soil
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00
Axial strain (%)
D
e
v
i
a
t
o
r

s
t
r
e
s
s

(
k
P
a
)
Eff.stress 50 Eff.stress 100 Eff. stress 200 Eff. stress 300
Drained triaxial tests on compacted standard sand
The first loading follow a
curved load-deformation path
which cannot be retraced
when the load is removed.
Upon unloading at zero load
the soil is left with permanent
compressed height.
When the soil is reloaded to
load less than the previous
maximum, essentially the soil
shows an elastic response.
As soon as the past
maximum load is exceeded
the elastic response change
to plastic response where the
soil proceed with the curved
stress-strain behaviour.
When the soil behaves elastic and when it
behaves elastic-plastic ?
10
Soil plastic response to stress
p e t
oc oc oc + =
e
p
oc
e
q
oc
p
p
oc
p
q
oc
Elastic
volumetric
strain
Elastic
shear
strain
Plastic
volumetric
strain
Plastic
shear
strain
( )
( )
'
'
'
'
o
o
p
p
p
o
o
p
vp
p
v
v
vp
p
v
v
o
k
o
oc
o
k
o
= =
=
'
'
p
p
v
e
o
k o =
'
'
vp
p
e
p
o
k oc =
'
'
1
p
K
e
P
= c
q
G
e
q
3
1
= c
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
q
M vp
p M
M vp
p
p
qo
q
k
o q
q
k
oc 2
'
'
'
2 2
2 2
2 2
+

+
+

=
( )
( )
( )
( ) ( )
q
M M vp
p
M vp
p
q
o
q
q
q
k
qo
q
k
oc
2 2
2
2 2 2 2
4
'
' 2
' +

+
+

=
TOTAL strain Elastic strain
Plastic strain
Cam clay
Cam clay
11
What is meant by yield, failure and work hardening ?
Yields:
A material yields when its stress-strain behaviour changes from being
purely elastic to partly plastic OR when the deformation stops being
recoverable upon unloading. This is often marked by an abrupt change in
the slope (i.e. stiffness) of stress-strain curve. Yielding does not necessarily
mean failure.
Failure:
In Mohr-Coulomb theory failure is the onset of mobilising the maximum
shear stress where the Mohr stress circle (i.e. representing normal and
shear stresses on a slip plane) touches the failure envelope.
In critical state the onset of critical state is considered as failure at which
deformation continues at constant stress ratio and volume.
Soil hardening or work hardening:
Between yield and failure as the soil deforms elastic-plastically in reaction
to loading, the shear strength increases. The capacity of the soil to sustain
an increasing stress with increasing plastic strain is known as soil
hardening.
The soil stress state can never lie outside the current yield locus. As
deviator stress increases the yield locus expands so that the current stress
state is always lying on the current yield locus.
12
Yield and
yield envelope
D
3 tests
Set up in triaxial
apparatus, all in
equilibrium at
effective stress
state, A
Specimen 1: Subjected to isotropic compression under increasing cell pressure. A yield point, Y1 is observed where
the stiffness changes markedly in the plot of specific volume, v versus p.
Specimen 2: Subjected to one-dimensional loading (like in an oedometer) by controlling the cell pressure as the axial
stress is increased in such a way that lateral strain of the specimen does not occur. A yield point, Y2 is observed
where the stiffness of the specimen changes sharply in the plot of specific volume, v versus vertical effective stress.
Specimen 3: Subjected to a conventional undrained compression test with pore water pressure measurement.
Yielding is observed at Y3 in the plot of deviator stress versus triaxial shear strain, c
q
.
A
Y1
v
p
A
Y2
v
o
v
q
c
q
Y3
A
q
Y1
Y3
Y2
p
A
Yield locus joining
the yield points
Specimen 1 Specimen 2 Specimen 3
Yield envelope
marks the points of
the same specific
volume
o
3
increasing
Pre-consolidation
pressure
Like in an oedometer
13
Yield surface deduced from triaxial
tests on undisturbed specimens of
clay from St. Louis, Canada
(Tavenas, des Rosiers, Leroueil,
LaRochelle and Roy, 1979)
Yield curves deduced from
triaxial tests on undisturbed
Winnipeg clay taken at four
different depths (Graham,
Noonan and Lew, 1983) pg.75
o
vc
= preconsolidation pressure
Yield locus in q p space
of natural soil
14
Compression index, C
c
& swelling index, C
s

in comparison to
the slope of normal compression line NCL, & slope of unloading and reloading line URL, k.
' ln p v v k
k
=
Equation for
unloading and
reloading line URL
' ln p v v

=
Equation for normal
compression line
NCL
NCL and URL become linear when
plotted with natural logarithmic scale
for the mean stress axis.
Results from oedometer tests are often
plotted on a semilogarithmic basis.
k k

3 . 2 10 ln
3 . 2 10 ln
'
'
~ =
~ =
s
c
C
C
v
k
and v

are intercepts on
the lines at p=1.
One-dimensional compression
Isotropic compression
Equation for normal
compression phase
Equation for unloading
or swelling phase
'
10
'
log
v s s
C v v o =
'
10
'
log
v c c
C v v o =
v
c
and v
s
are
intercepts for o
v
=1.
15
Elastic and plastic deformation
During normal compression :-
Plastic deformation,
p
refers to the greater part of the deformation
which is due to the slippage between the soil particles as the soil
skeleton rearranges itself to accommodate higher loads. This
component of deformation is irrecoverable or plastic.
Elastic deformation,
e
is taking place along unload and reloading line
where change in stress can be accommodated without the need for the
rearrangement of soil particles. Deformation is primarily due to the
distortion of the soil particles and can be recovered on unloading.

p

Distortion of particles
16
( )
w
u o
t
'
1
200
f
ES
o
200
'
3
= o
ELASTIC AND PLASTIC STRAIN
ACCORDING TO ROTATIONAL MULTIPLE YIELD SURFACE FRAMEWORK
'
min
f
|
'
min
1 mob
|
'
min
2 mob
|
'
min
3 mob
|
o A
a
c
A
B
C
Kink = yield point = yield limit
= maximum mobilised shear strength
c
e
A B
c
e
Elastic zone
Elastic-plastic zone
c
e
17
Elastic-plastic model for soil
Changes in stress within yield locus
1. Changes in the size of the yield locus are related to the change in volume.
2. Changes of stress within the yield surface are accompanied by purely elastic or recoverable
deformation.
3. All the stress states within the yield locus, have their corresponding point on an unloading-reloading line
(URL). This represents the combination of specific volume, v and mean effective stress, p that produce
elastic volumetric behaviour.
q
p
v
p
NCL
URL
C
C A
B
B
A
O
yl
Soil response for stress changes from point A to B is elastic since the
stress changes is within the yield locus.
The corresponding volumetric change in the compression plane is
represented by the path AB along the URL.
Any stress state within the yield locus will correspond to a point on a
single URL in the compression plane, v : p.
The route from A to B or the stress path is immaterial since the
response is elastic.
Expansion of yield locus is related to volume change and produce
corresponding change in URL.
Shortcoming
There is the possibility of elastic volume change due to changes in
deviator stress, q at constant mean effective stress, p such as stress
path BD. But this cannot be model in the compression plane since it
only caters for isotropic stress condition only. Therefore the model
cannot differentiate between one-dimensional compression and
isotropic compression.
D
18
Elastic-plastic model for soil
Changes in stress which causes the soil to yield
Base on the response of Winnipeg clay;
Whatever the value of preconsolidation pressure,
the shape of the current yield surface would be the
same, with only its size changing.
Irrespective of the stress path that produce the new
yield surface, its shape remain the same. Note: this
just a convenient assumption but not a necessary
one, since the complexities that arise when yield
surface are allowed to change shape are great.
q
p
v
p
A
A
B
M
B
M
O
yl 1
K
yl 2
K
L
L
Av
p
Yield locus yl 2 is assumed to
have the same shape as yl 1.
Yield locus, yl 1 is attained by the soil
through one-dimensional compression
which normally compressed to point A.
Point K can be established in the
compression plane lying on URL 1 passing
through point A.
p
o1
p
o2
( )
|
|
.
|

\
|
= A
|
|
.
|

\
|
+
|
|
.
|

\
|
= A
'
1
'
2
'
1
'
2
'
1
'
2
ln
ln ln
o
o p
o
o
o
o p
p
p
v
p
p
p
p
v
k
k
Total change in volume
when the mean effective
stress increase from A to B.
Part of the total change which is
recovered when mean effective
stress is reduce again from B to A.
( )
'
'
o
o
p
p
p
v
o
k o =
( )
( )
'
'
'
'
o
o
p
p
p
o
o
p
vp
p
v
v
vp
p
v
v
o
k
o
oc
o
k
o
= =
=
Plastic volumetric strain
Expansion of yield locus is
associated to volume change !
?
( )
} }
=
'
'
o
o p
p
p
v
o
k o
19
'
'
vp
p
e
p
o
k oc =
p
p
e
p p
oc oc oc + =
( )
'
'
'
'
o
o
p
vp
p
vp
p o
k
o
k oc + =
Total volumetric strain
increment = sum elastic
and plastic components
Elastic volumetric strain
'
'
p
p
v
e
o
k o =
Changes in elastic
specific volume
p e
v v v o o o + =
Total changes in
specific volume
( )
'
'
'
'
o
o
p
p
p
p
v
o
k
o
k o =
( )
( )
'
'
'
'
o
o
p
p
p
o
o
p
vp
p
v
v
vp
p
v
v
o
k
o
oc
o
k
o
= =
=
Plastic volumetric strain
Elastic and plastic
volumetric strain
Plastic
volumetric
strain
Elastic
volumetric
strain
Total
volumetric
strain
= +
Plastic
change in
specific
volume
Elastic
change in
specific
volume
Total
change in
specific
volume
= +
?
Elastic and plastic change
in specific volume
20
q
p
v
p
A
A
B
M
B
O
yl 1
Q
yl 2
P
Av
p
p
o1
p
o2
The difference between elastic and plastic volumetric
strain in response to three stress changes.
R
S
Q
Av
e
Path PQ is directed towards the interior of the locus yl 1
and therefore produces purely elastic response.
In the compression plane, the path moves up the URL 1.
The elastic change in volume is given by;

And the elastic volumetric strain is;

This is ve vol. strain i.e. swelling, vol. increase.
This elastic process occurs with no change of p
o
= p
o1
.
'
'
p
p
v
e
o
k o =
'
'
vp
p
e
p
o
k oc =
Path PR is vertically upwards at constant p. The new effective
stress state lies on a new larger yield locus yl 2. This yl 2 could
be obtained by further one-dimensional normal compression AB
in q: p plane.
Since there is no change in p then there is no elastic volumetric
strain. Therefore the volume change resulting from the change in
p
o
( i.e. p
o
= p
o1
) is purely plastic;

( )
'
'
o
o
p
p
p
vp
p
v
v o
k
o
oc = =
The path PS is the stress path with the (1) same change in p as the
path PQ and (2) has the same expanded yield locus yl 2 as point R but
(3) has the same specific volume as point P (i.e. no change in volume).
This stress path PS, involves both elastic and plastic change in volume
since the overall change in volume is zero;
Or in terms of volumetric strain;
The elastic volumetric strain is negative i.e. swelling;
Note: +ve volumetric strain is compression.
The plastic volumetric strain is positive;
0 = + =
p e
v v v o o o
0 = + =
p
p
e
p p
oc oc oc
'
'
vp
p
e
p
o
k oc =
( )
'
'
o
o
p
p
p
vp
p
v
v o
k
o
oc = =
P
1. Note that even though the stress paths PR, PS and AB produce the same
yield locus yl 2, they have the same plastic but diff. elastic volumetric strain.
2. Expansion of the yield locus is associated with equal plastic volume change
(i.e. vertical distance between two url in compression plane) but the elastic
volume change would be different due to the different change in p.
3. Yielding can occur in undrained condition i.e. stress path PS with elastic and
plastic deformation balanced to give zero resultant volume change.
4. The condition of no overall volume change i.e. undrained condition does not
stop elastic and plastic deformation from taking place.
Expansion of yield locus elastic + plastic vol. change
Ap elastic vol. change
21
q
p
v
p
C
A
B
B
O
yl 1
yl 2
G
Av
p
p
o1
p
o2
H
Av
e
Expansion of yield locus elastic + plastic vol. change
Ap elastic vol. change
If Ap = 0 then purely plastic volume change
i.e. no elastic vol. change
F
E
D
A
L
K
N
M
Q
P
HOW THE DIFFERENT IN Ap PRODUCE A DIFFERENT ELASTIC VOLUME CHANGE BUT THE
SAME PLASTIC VOLUME CHANGE
q
p
v
p
C
A
B
B
O
yl 1
yl 2
G
Av
p
p
o1
p
o2
H
Av
e
D
A
Q
P
Compare stress paths PQ and CD
1. Same plastic strain, Av
p
.
2. Different in elastic strain, Av
e
.
Expansion of the yield locus
can be achieved by one of the
stress paths AB, CD, EF, GH,
KL, MN and PQ.
The recoverable volume
change would be different
due to different changes in
net mean stress, p.
The irrecoverable volume
change would be the same
caused by each stress path
since the change in p
o
(i.e.
indicate the size of the yield
loci) caused by each stress
path is the same. The
magnitude is given by the
vertical separation between
the url.
22
23
Stress path in q p space
a. Drained triaxial test
b. Undrained triaxial test
( )
'
3
'
2
'
1
3
1
' o o o + + = p
In triaxial test, (i.e. biaxial symmetry);
'
3
'
2
o o =
( )
'
3
'
1
2
3
1
' o o + = p
As o
1
is increased uniaxially
'
3
'
1
o o = q
( ) ( )
'
3
'
3
'
3
'
1
'
3
'
1
3
1
'
3
3
1
2
3
1
'
o
o o o o o
+ =
+ = + =
q p
p
' 3
3
1 '
dp dq
dq
dp
=
=
In drained triaxial test; there is no pore pressure increase
q
P
'
Mp q =
C
D
U
3
1
p
1
p
1
u
1
O
OC represent isotropic compression and at C,
o
1
= o
3
and u = 0
CD is the drained effective stress path.
Pore water pressure changes during
undrained triaxial compression
q
c
a
u
c
a
In undrained triaxial test
If u
1
is the pore water pressure
increase during undrained triaxial
compression, then CU will be the
effective stress path.
0, since constant
24
EXAMPLE (Response of soil as isotropic and elastic material)
A triaxial soil specimen of diameter 50mm and height 100mm is subjected to an axial
effective stress of 400kPa and radial effective stress of 100kPa. The resultant axial and
radial displacements are 0.5mm and -0.04mm respectively. Assuming the soil is an isotropic
and elastic material, calculate (a) the mean and deviatoric stress (b) the volumetric and
shear strains and (c) the shear, G, bulk, K and elastic, E moduli.
kPa 400
'
1
= o
SOLUTION
kPa 100
'
3
= o
kPa p 200
3
100 2 400
3
2
'
3
'
1 '
=
+
=
+
=
o o
kPa q 300 100 400
'
3
'
1
= = = o o
(a)
(b)
To determine the volumetric and shear strain.
005 . 0
100
5 . 0
1
= =
A
= =
L
z
z
c c
0016 . 0
25
04 . 0
3
=

=
A
= =
r
r
r
c c
3 1
2c c c + =
p
% 18 . 0 0018 . 0 0016 . 0 2 005 . 0 2 = = = + =
r z
e
p
c c c
( )
3 1
3
2
c c c =
q
( ) ( ) % 44 . 0 0044 . 0 0016 . 0 005 . 0
3
2
3
2
= = + = =
r z
e
q
c c c
(c)
'
'
1
p
K
e
P
= c q
G
e
q
3
1
= c
kPa
p
K
e
p
111 , 111
0018 . 0
200 '
' = = =
c
kPa
q
G
e
q
727 , 22
0044 . 0 3
300
3
' =

= =
c
( ) ' 1 2
'
'
u +
=
E
G
' 6 2
2 ' 3
'
K G
G K
+

= u
4 . 0
111 , 111 6 727 , 22 2
727 , 22 2 111 , 111 3
' 6 2
2 ' 3
' =
+

=
+

=
K G
G K
u
( ) ( )
kPa
G E
636 , 63
4 . 0 1 727 , , 22 2 ' 1 2 '
=
+ = + = u
25
Cam clay model: Stress and strain relationship
'
'
vp
p
e
p
o
k oc =
q
G
e
q
o oc
' 3
1
=
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
q
M vp
p M
M vp
p
p
qo
q
k
o q
q
k
oc 2
'
'
'
2 2
2 2
2 2
+

+
+

=
( )
( )
( )
( ) ( )
q
M M vp
p
M vp
p
q
o
q
q
q
k
qo
q
k
oc
2 2
2
2 2 2 2
4
'
' 2
' +

+
+

=
Elastic volumetric
strain
Elastic deviatoric
strain
Plastic deviatoric
strain
Plastic volumetric
strain
(

=
(
(

q
p
G
vp
e
q
e
p
o
o k
oc
oc '
' 3 / 1 0
0 ' /
( )
( )
( )
( )
(

=
(
(

q
p
M
M
M vp
p
q
p
p
o
o
q q q
q q
q
k
oc
oc '
/ 4 2
2
'
2 2 2
2 2
2 2
( )
'
0
'
p
p
v
o p
p
o k
oc
(

=
26
Cam clay model: Stress and strain relationship
p
o

q
p
2
'
o
p
2
'
o
Mp
p
q
oc
p
p
oc
Whenever there is a stress increase
beyond the current yield locus, plastic
strain is triggered, the elliptical yield locus
enlarged. This is the hardening of the soil.
Stress path confined within the yield locus
only associate with the elastic strain.
( )
2 2
2
'
'
q +
=
M
M
p
p
o
'
p
q
= q
Equation of ellipse
Size of ellipse is
controlled by p
o
and the
shape controlled by M
( )
q
p p M M
o
p
q
p
p
2
' 2
2
' 2 2 2

=
q
q
oc
oc
( )
'
0
'
p
p
v
o p
p
o k
oc
(

=
( )
(

=
k oc
o
' '
o
p
p
o
vp p
Hardening relationship
Magnitude of plastic volumetric strain
27
Cam clay model: Stress and
strain relationship in Drained
Triaxial Compression
( )
'
0
'
p
p
v
o p
p
o k
oc
(

=
Magnitude of plastic volumetric strain
'
p
q
= q
p
o

q
p
p
q
oc
p
p
oc
' 3 p q o o =
Since the cell
pressure is
constant.
F
A
B
O
C
url 1
ncl
csl
url 2
v
p
Isotropically
consolidated to point
A, followed by
unloading to point B.
Then the specimen is
shear to C and
progressively to F.
At F ultimate plastic
shear strain developed
with no plastic
volumetric strain.
ylF
Note: Plastic
volumetric strain is
associated with the
expansion of the
yield locus.
0 =
p
p
oc
M
p
q
= =q
'
At F
0
'
=
p
p
p
o
oc
=
q
p
q
o
oc
CSL
Note:
Yielding only
produces plastic
volumetric and
plastic shear strain
i.e. no elastic
strain.
?
28
( )
( )
( )
( ) ( )
q
M M vp
p
M vp
p
q
o
q
q
q
k
qo
q
k
oc
2 2
2
2 2 2 2
4
'
' 2
' +

+
+

=
' 3 p q o o =
3 / ' q p o o =
or
Substitute this into
above equation.
( )
( )
( )
( ) ( )
q
M M vp
q
M vp
p
q
o
q
q
q
k o
q
q
k
oc
2 2
2
2 2 2 2
4
' 3
2
' +

+
+

=
The plastic shear strain
can be calculated from
this equation and thence
the stress-strain curve
can be predicted.
( )
( )
( )( )
q
M M vp
M
p
q
o
q q
q q q
k oc
2 2 2 2
2 2 2
' 3
12 2
+
+
=
Rearrange
Cam clay model prediction of stress and strain response
p
o

q
p
F
A B
O
C
ylF
CSL
1
3
q
Plastic shear strain,
p
q
c
Linear elastic stress path BC
within the yield locus
Note:
Yielding only
produces plastic
volumetric and
plastic shear strain
i.e. no elastic
strain.
?
Note:
Yielding only
produces plastic
volumetric and
plastic shear strain
i.e. no elastic
strain.
?
29
EXAMPLE (Cam clay model prediction of soil response to stress)
A specimen of Cam clay is in equilibrium in a triaxial cell under effective stress; o
r
= 200kPa
and o
a
= 300kPa. The specimen was deforming plastically just before this effective stress
state was reached. Then the specimen is subjected to changes in effective stresses; oo
r
=-1
kPa and oo
a
= +4 kPa. Estimate the increments in axial and radial strains that will result.
Take the values of soil parameters; =0.26, k=0.07, N=3.52, M=0.85 and G=1500 kPa.
SOLUTION
kPa 300
'
1
= o
kPa 200
'
3
= o
kPa p 3 . 233
3
200 2 300
3
2
'
3
'
1
'
=
+
=
+
=
o o
kPa q 100 200 300
'
3
'
1
= = = o o
( ) ( ) | | kPa p
3
2
1 2 4
3
1
2
3
1
'
'
3
'
1
= + + = + = oo oo o
Given
1
'
3
= oo
4
'
1
+ = oo
kPa q 5 ) 1 ( 4
'
3
'
1
+ = + = = oo oo o
429 . 0
3 . 233
100
'
= = =
p
q
q
To calculate total volumetric strain, oc
p

p
p
e
p p
oc oc oc + =
To calculate total deviatoric strain, oc
q

p
q
e
q q
oc oc oc + =
'
'
vp
p
e
p
o
k oc =
q
G
e
q
o oc
' 3
1
=
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
q
M vp
p M
M vp
p
p
qo
q
k
o q
q
k
oc 2
'
'
'
2 2
2 2
2 2
+

+
+

=
( )
( )
( )
( ) ( )
q
M M vp
p
M vp
p
q
o
q
q
q
k
qo
q
k
oc
2 2
2
2 2 2 2
4
'
' 2
' +

+
+

=
10 . 2 42 . 1 52 . 3 3 . 233 ln 26 . 0 52 . 3 ln
'
= = = =
o
p N v
?
1
= = c c
a
?
3
= = c c
r
3 1
2c c c + =
p
( )
3 1
3
2
c c c =
q
Solved for
c
1
and c
3
.
30
3 1
2c c c + =
p
( )
3 1
3
2
c c c =
q
p
o

q
p
p
v
kPa p 3 . 233
'
=
kPa q 100 =
kPa p
3
2
' = o
kPa q 5 + = o
Plastic
deformation
A
B
To calculate total volumetric strain, oc
p

To calculate total deviatoric strain, oc
q

00009525 . 0
3 . 233 10 . 2
3 / 2
07 . 0
'
'
=

= =
vp
p
e
p
o
k oc
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
q
M vp
p M
M vp
p
p
qo
q
k
o q
q
k
oc 2
'
'
'
2 2
2 2
2 2
+

+
+

=
( ) 00111 . 0 5
1500 3
1
' 3
1
= +

= = q
G
e
q
o oc
( )
( )
( )
( ) ( )
q
M M vp
p
M vp
p
q
o
q
q
q
k
qo
q
k
oc
2 2
2
2 2 2 2
4
'
' 2
' +

+
+

=
A
B
Plastic
deformation
along ncl
url
ncl
Solution continue
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
| | 00199 . 0 29 . 4 359 . 0 000428 . 0
5 429 . 0 2
429 . 0 85 . 0 3 . 233 10 . 2
07 . 0 26 . 0
667 . 0 429 . 0 85 . 0
429 . 0 85 . 0 3 . 233 10 . 2
07 . 0 26 . 0
2 2
2 2
2 2
= + =

+

+

+

=
p
p
oc
( )
( )
( )
( ) ( )
( )
| | 00317 . 0 836 . 6 572 . 0 000428 . 0
5
429 . 0 85 . 0
429 . 0 4
429 . 0 85 . 0 3 . 233 10 . 2
07 . 0 26 . 0
667 . 0 429 . 0 2
429 . 0 85 . 0 3 . 233 10 . 2
07 . 0 26 . 0
2 2
2
2 2
2 2
= + =
+

+

+

+

=
p
q
oc
002085 . 0 00199 . 0 00009525 . 0 = + = + =
p
p
e
p p
oc oc oc
00428 . 0 00317 . 0 00111 . 0 = + = + =
p
q
e
q q
oc oc oc
3 1
2 002085 . 0 c c + =
( )
3 1
3
2
00428 . 0 c c =
Then, solve for c
1
and c
3
.
31
3 1
2c c c + =
p
( )
3 1
3
2
c c c =
q
3 1
2 002085 . 0 c c + =
( )
3 1
3
2
00428 . 0 c c =
Then, solve for c
1
and c
3
.
Solution continue
3 1
00642 . 0 c c =
3 1
2 002085 . 0 c c + =
Subtract
3
3 004335 . 0 c =
001445 . 0
3
= c
004975 . 0
) 001445 . 0 ( 00642 . 0
00642 . 0
1
1
3 1
+ =
+ =
+ =
c
c
c c
-ve radial strain = swell
+ve axial strain = compressed
32
MAGNITUDE OF PRIMARY CONSOLIDATION SETTLEMENT
For overconsolidated clays
Virgin consolidation
curve for
overconsolidated clay,
slope = C
c
.=
compression index
e
e
o
Pressure, p
(log scale)
p
c
Ap
slope = C
s
.= swell index
p
o
Ap
Case 1
Case 2
( ) 10 009 . 0 = LL C
c
(Skempton 1944)
Ap
CLAY
SAND
SAND
H
c
Depth
GWT
H
s2
H
s1
If p
o
+ Ap s p
c
.
|
|
.
|

\
| A +
+
=
0
0
0
log
1 p
p p
e
H C
S
s
Case 1
If p
o
< p
c
< p
o
+ Ap .
|
|
.
|

\
|
A +
+
+
+
=
c
c
o
c s
p
p p
e
H C
p
p
e
H C
S
0
0 0
log
1
log
1
Case 2
p
o
= average effective stress at the middle of clay layer.
| | | |
w clay sat
c
w sand sat s sand dry s
H
H H p + + =
) ( ) ( 2 ) ( 1 0
2
H
e
e
S
0
1+
A
=
or
since
|
|
.
|

\
| A +
A
=
0
0
log
p
p p
e
C
c
33
+
PRIMARY CONSOLIDATION OF NORMALLY CONSOLIDATED CLAY
A layer of fine sand of 10.4m thick overlies a 2m layer of
soft normally consolidated clay. GWT is 3m below
ground level. Assume that G
s
for sand and clay is 2.7,
the C
c
for clay is 0.3, void ratio of sand is 0.76 and the
water content of clay is 43%. If the construction of a
building will impose an increase in the effective stress of
140kPa at the centre height of the clay layer, determine
the primary consolidation settlement of the clay.
e
Log o (kPa)
140
kPa
e
D
= ?

C
c
=0.3

C
r
A

B

C

D

ncl
?

?

e
B
= ?

What is known and unknown?
1. The clay is normally consolidated thence it will follow the path ABD and the gradient C
c
is known.
2. The increase in stress due to load is 140kPa. 3. Initial void ratio, e
o
of clay (Need to calculate).
4. The initial effective stress at mid clay layer is required which correspond to point B in the graph. Thence
the unit weight of sand and clay is required to calculate the overlying pressure at the mid clay layer.
Effective
stress at
mid-depth of
clay layer
135.9 135.9
135.9
275.9
|
|
.
|

\
|
A +
+
=
0
0
0
log
1 p
p p
e
H C
S
c
34
DETERMINATION OF C
c
FROM TEST DATA & PRIMARY CONSOLIDATION
A saturated clay specimen was normally consolidated to a vertical stress of 200kPa in an oedometer and
the corresponding void ratio is 1.52. An increase in vertical stress by 150 kPa compresses the specimen
to a void ratio of 1.43. Determine the compression index C
c
.
The specimen was unloaded to a vertical stress of 200kPa and the void ratio increased to 1.45.
Determine the slope of the recompression curve, C
r
, i.e. recompression index.
What is the overconsolidation ratio of the soil sample after being unload.
If the specimen were reload to a vertical stress of 500 kPa what is the void ratio attained?
e
Log o (kPa)
200
350
500
1.52
1.45
1.43
e
500
= ?

C
c
C
r
A

B

C

D

( ) ( )
( )
37 . 0
200 / 350 log
52 . 1 43 . 1
200 log 350 log
52 . 1 43 . 1
=

=

=
c
C
Slope of AB,
Slope of CB,
( ) ( )
( )
08 . 0
200 / 350 log
45 . 1 43 . 1
200 log 350 log
45 . 1 43 . 1
=

=

=
r
C
( )
( )
'
'
.
max
z
stress ef f current
stress ef f imum past
OCR
zc
o
o


=
75 . 1
200
350
'
'
= = =
z
zc
OCR
o
o
37 . 1 43 . 1 log 37 . 0 43 . 1
350
500
log 37 . 0 43 . 1
500
= =
|
.
|

\
|
= A =
BD B
e e e
E

BE

| | 350 log 500 log 37 . 0 = = ED C BE
c
ncl
H
e
e
S
0
1+
A
=
To determine
settlement, S
from void
ratio change
url
url
?

?

35
q
p
v
NCL
CSL
CSL in
elevation
O
CSL in plan view
Stress path along the state boundary
surface i.e. Roscoe surface for
normally consolidated clay
C
U
D
C
U
D
Isotropic consolidation stage: O C
Undrained shearing : C U
Drained shearing : C D
During consolidation under isotropic
stress p the stress path is O-C and the
volume change path moves along the
normal compression line (NCL).
Definition of CSL
Critical state line (CSL) is a curve
drawn on a three-dimensional state
boundary surface in q-p-v space.
36
Critical state line (CSL) in
triaxial compression
p
q
p
v
O
C
1
C
2
C
3
U
1
U
2
U
3
D
1
D
2
D
3
U
1
U
2
U
3
D
1
D
2
D
3
NCL
CSL
CSL
ln p
v
U
1
U
2
U
3
D
1
D
2
D
3
NCL
CSL
C
1
C
2
C
3
p
01
p
02
p
03
Consolidation stages: O C
1
, O C
2
, O C
3

Undrained shearing : C
1
U
1
, C
2
U
2
, C
3
U
3
Drained shearing : C
1
D
1
, C
2
D
2
, C
3
D
3
Six triaxial compression tests
During (uniaxial) shearing stages
Undrained : Specimen volume remain constant
Drained : Change in volume takes place
During isotropic consolidation, p; the
volume change path will move along the
Normal Compression Line (NCL)
ln p = ln 1 = 0
I

1
N
Formed
Roscoe surface for
normally
consolidated clay
37
p
q
p
v
O
C
1
C
2
C
3
U
1
U
2
U
3
D
1
D
2
D
3
U
1
U
2
U
3
D
1
D
2
D
3
NCL
CSL
CSL
ln p
v
U
1
U
2
U
3
D
1
D
2
D
3
NCL
CSL
C
1
C
2
C
3
p
01
p
02
p
03 ln p = ln 1 = 0
I

1
Defining equations for CSL
q = (o
1
- o
3
) = (o
1
- o
3
)
p = [(o
1
+ 2o
3
)/3] - u
Defining equations for CSL
'
Mp q =
'
ln p v I =
M = slope of the CSL in q-p plane.
I= the specific (v) at p = 1.0 kPa
= slope of CSL in the v-ln p plane
'
Mp q =
'
ln p v I =
|
.
|

\
|
I
=

v
p exp '
|
.
|

\
|
I
= =

v
M Mp q exp
'
or
N
Formed
Roscoe surface for normally
consolidated clay
38
What is governing the soil shear
strength and volumetric behaviour ?
There used to be a strong believe that effective stress control
completely both the shear strength and volumetric behaviour of soils.
Terzaghi (1936) described the controlling factor for the
behaviour of saturated soils as follows :
All the measurable effects of a change in stress,
such as compression, distortion, and a change in shearing
resistance, are exclusively due to changes in effective
stress o
1
, o
2
, o
3
,.
Shear strength Volumetric behaviour
Net / effective
stress
Suction
Yield stress
Mobilised shear
strength
Applied stress
Mean normal
effective stress, p ?
q = (o
1
- o
3
)
p = [(o
1
+ 2o
3
)/3] - u
39
Roscoe surface and stress path for
normally consolidated clay
p
q
p
v
O
C
2
U
2
D
2
U
2
D
2
NCL
CSL
CSL
p
01
'
Mp q =
C
2
M

1

u

ln p
v
U
2
D
2
NCL
CSL
ln p
01
C
2
ln p = ln 1.0 = 0
I
N
1

1

Roscoe surface is applicable for
normally consolidated clay.
For normally consolidated clay the
stress path commences on the NCL.
40
q
p
v
NCL
CSL
CSL in
elevation
O
CSL in plan view
Roscoe state boundary surface after
the late Professor K. H. Roscoe
Applicable to normally consolidated
or lightly overconsolidated soil.
Stress path along the state boundary surface i.e.
Roscoe surface for normally consolidated clay
Note:
Notice the projection of the of the stress paths
on the Roscoe surface on to the q-p plane.
No volume change on undrained path.
Fundamental concept in
Critical state model is
that
a unique failure surface
exist in (q, p, v) space
irrespective of the
history of loading or the
stress paths followed
41
Roscoe surface and stress path for
lightly over-consolidated clay
p
q
p
v
O
L

U

D

U

D

NCL
CSL
CSL
p
0
'
Mp q =
M

1

u

L

q/p = 0
q/p = M
p
m
SRL
v
L
v
crit
For lightly overconsolidated soil the
stress path commences on the SRL at
point L, which is located between the
NCL and the CSL.
The specific volume at L is greater
than at critical state, and water
content wetter.
42
Hvorslev surface (T-S) and
stress path for heavily over-
consolidated clay
p
q
p
v
O
T

S

H

p
0
'
Mp q =
M

1

DH

p
C
UH

H

UH

DH

Hvorslev surface
N
o
-
t
e
n
s
i
o
n

c
u
t
-
o
f
f

(
o

3
=
0
)

L

A

The past maximum pressure is represented by
point A (preconsolidation pressure).
For lightly overconsolidated soil the current stress
condition is like at L.
For heavily overconsolidated soil the net mean
stress is much further away from point A along the
SRL or URL such as point H, below the CSL on v: p
plane.
Under undrained loading (i.e. volume constant) the
stress path is H UH, where UH is above CSL in
q: p plane. After yielding the stress path will
continue with further straining along a straight line
TS to meet the CSL at S. The greater the degree of
overconsolidation, the greater is the strain required
to bring the soil to its critical state.
Under drained loading of heavily overconsolidated
soil, HDH, the soil will expand and the volume
will continue to increase after yielding. DH is a
failure point located on the line TS.
Therefore TS represents that part of the state
boundary surface which governs the yielding of
heavily overconsolidated soils and is called the
Hvorslev surface.
The third part of the state boundary surface is OT
which is called no-tension cut-off, which
represents the condition of zero tensile stress (i.e.
o
3
= 0, then p = (q+0+0)/3 = q/3 or q = 3p).
43
Roscoe surface
Hvorslev
surface
No-tension
cut-off (o
3
=0)
p
q
O
T

S

N
o
-
t
e
n
s
i
o
n

c
u
t
-
o
f
f

(
o

3
=
0
)

3-D
44
Question 1
a) Differentiate between yield and failure in soil mechanics.

b) Show that in triaxial test where the cell pressure is kept constant during the shearing
stage the relationship between the small increase in net mean stress, ' p o and the small
increase in the deviator stress, q o is as follows irrespective of the drainage conditions i.e.
whether drained or undrained.
3 / ' q p o o =

c) In drained triaxial test the stress path OBF would stop at critical state strength at point
F( )
cs cs
q p ,
'
on the critical state line as shown in Figure 1. The location of point F in the q
p space is dependent on the value of M and the initial net mean stress,
'
o
p . The
gradient of the drained stress path is fixed as 3 vertical: 1 horizontal and the final failure
point will stop at the critical state line. The undrained stress path will also stop at the
critical state line but at a lower strength. The expressions for the possible values of
'
cs
p
and
cs
q are as follows;

M
p
p
o
cs

=
3
3
'
'


M
Mp
Mp q
o
cs cs

= =
3
3
'
'


Briefly discuss on the impossible stress states where soil cannot have infinite strength and
soil cannot sustain tension. Sketch the zone in the q p space. The zone is also known
as no tension cut off zone.

3
1
A
B
F
p
o

q
p
O
CSL
45
Answer Question 1(a)
Yields:
A material yields when its stress-strain behaviour changes from being
purely elastic to partly plastic OR when the deformation stops being
recoverable upon unloading. This is often marked by an abrupt change in
the slope (i.e. stiffness) of stress-strain curve. Yielding does not
necessarily mean failure.
Failure:
In Mohr-Coulomb theory failure is the onset of mobilising the maximum
shear stress where the Mohr stress circle (i.e. representing normal and
shear stresses on a slip plane) touches the failure envelope.
In critical state the onset of critical state is considered as failure at which
deformation continues at constant stress ratio and volume.
Yields:
A material yields when its stress-strain behaviour changes from being
purely elastic to partly plastic OR when the deformation stops being
recoverable upon unloading. This is often marked by an abrupt change in
the slope (i.e. stiffness) of stress-strain curve. Yielding does not
necessarily mean failure.
Failure:
In Mohr-Coulomb theory failure is the onset of mobilising the maximum
shear stress where the Mohr stress circle (i.e. representing normal and
shear stresses on a slip plane) touches the failure envelope.
In critical state the onset of critical state is considered as failure at which
deformation continues at constant stress ratio and volume.

46
SHOW THAT
THE VARIATION OF Aq and Ap
IN TRIAXIAL TEST IS
oq=3op irrespective of drained or
undrained condition
In triaxial test o
3
is kept constant
therefore oo
3
= 0
'
3
'
1
o o = q
oo
3
= 0
'
1
oo o = q
( ) ( )
'
3
'
1
'
3
'
2
'
1
'
2
3
1
3
1
o o o o o + = + + = p
'
1
3
1
' oo o = p
'
1
3 ' p o oo =
'
1
3 p q o o =
q
p
3
1
Drained stress
path since no pwp
eveloped
3 / ' q p o o =
Undrained stress
path since pwp
eveloped
SHOW THAT
THE VARIATION OF Aq and Ap
IN TRIAXIAL TEST IS
oq=3op irrespective of drained or
undrained condition
In triaxial test o
3
is kept constant
therefore oo
3
= 0
'
3
'
1
o o = q
oo
3
= 0
'
1
oo o = q
( ) ( )
'
3
'
1
'
3
'
2
'
1
'
2
3
1
3
1
o o o o o + = + + = p
'
1
3
1
' oo o = p
'
1
3 ' p o oo =
'
1
3 p q o o =
q
p
q
p
3
1
3
1
Drained stress
path since no pwp
eveloped
3 / ' q p o o =
Undrained stress
path since pwp
eveloped
Answer Question 1(b)
47
Answer Question 1(c)

M
p
p
o
cs

=
3
3
'
'


M
Mp
Mp q
o
cs cs

= =
3
3
'
'

When M =3 then net mean stress and deviator stress is infinity and this is not possible.
When M > 3 then net mean stress and deviator stress is negative and this is also not
possible.

3
1
A
B
F
p
o

q
p
O
CSL
3
1
Impossible
stress
state
48
Question 1
A clay specimen was normally consolidated isotropically to
'
i
p kPa. Then the specimen
was drained shear until critical state. Assuming the clay response to stress is in
accordance to critical state Cam clay model, show that the increase in net mean stress,
Ap to reach failure at critical state is as follows.

M
Mp
p
i

= A
3
'
'
(10 marks)
Where
'
i
p is the net mean stress at the end of the isotropic compression
M is the stress ratio at critical state where ' Mp q =
Apply the sketch in Figure 1 to assist your derivation.

If kPa p
i
100
'
= , initial specific volume at the end of isotropic compression, v
i
= 1.849,
M = 0.9, = 0.25 and 0 . 3 = I , determine the final stress state at failure. Illustrate your
calculation by sketching the stress plane and the compression plane. (10 marks)
49

3
1
Drained compression
stress path
CSL
M
1
A(p
i,
0)
p
q
Ap
k
B
O
Answer Question 1

To determine the coordinate at the intersect k.
Equation of line kAB is,
k p q + = ' 3
Since the line passes through A then, when q = 0,
'
'
i
p p =
Then,
k p
i
+ =
'
3 0
Therefore,
'
3
i
p k =
To solve for coordinate of point B
' Mp q = (1)
'
3 ' 3
i
p p q = (2)
Solve Equation 1 and 2,

'
3 ' 3 '
i
p p Mp =
( )
'
3 3 '
i
p M p =

3
3
'
'

=
M
p
p
i
or
M
p
p
i

+
=
3
3
'
'
Note that this is the value of p at point B
Then ' p A is given by;

'
'
3
3
'
i
i
p
M
p
p

+
= A

( )
M
Mp
M
Mp p p
M
p M
M
p
p
i i i i i i

+ +
=

+
= A
3 3
3 3
3
3
3
3
'
' ' ' ' ' '
Proved.
50
If kPa p
i
100
'
= , initial specific volume at the end of isotropic compression, v
i
= 1.849, M
= 0.9, = 0.25 and 0 . 3 = I , determine the final stress state at failure. Illustrate your
calculation by sketching the stress plane and the compression plane. (10 marks)

3
1
Drained compression
stress path
CSL
M
1
A(p
i,
0)
p
q
Ap
k
B
O
ln p
csl

1
'
ln
cs cs
p v I =
p=1
I
? =
cs
v
Failure stress state is the stress state at critical state.
Value of p at B is kPa
M
p
p p
i
cs
86 . 142
9 . 0 3
100 3
3
3
'
'
'
=

+
=

+
= =
Then the corresponding value of deviator stress, q
cs
is,
' Mp q =
'
cs cs
Mp q = kPa q
cs
57 . 128 86 . 142 9 . 0 = =

76 . 1 24 . 1 0 . 3 96 . 4 25 . 0 0 . 3 86 . 142 ln 25 . 0 0 . 3 = = = =
cs
v
'
ln p v I =
51
The end
Thank you
52
What is meant by stress path in critical state ?
In t/ s space:
s = 0.5(o
1
+ o
3
)
t = 0.5(o
1
- o
3
)
Stress states can be conveniently represented by Mohr circle.
Stress path is the locus of the point of maximum shear stress on a Mohr
circle during shearing stage.

In q / p space:
q = (o
a
- o
c
)
p = [(o
a
+ 2o
c
)/3] u
Stress path is the locus of point (p , q) during shearing.
Half sum and half difference