Prediction of Mechanical Response of Geomaterials Using an Advanced Elasto-plastic Constitutive Model

Phenomenological models using plasticity theory are constantly evolving with the increased computational advancements. This evolution is inevitable especially for modeling heterogeneous, anisotropic materials systems like granular or cemented granular materials as newer aspects of their physics come to light. In this study, we present a brief compendium of the evolution of constitutive models for granular materials. The essence of this research study lies in selecting an appropriate advanced third generation elasto-plastic constitutive model and checking its efficacy in predicting the various aspects of granular and cemented granular response. The Lade's isotropic single hardening elasto-plastic constitutive model is selected for this study. The model description is laid out for granular system and the modifications that are made to incorporate the effect of cohesion are also clearly established. Further, the material/model parameters are obtained from appropriate experimental procedures and a comparison between the single point integrated model predictions and experimental results are made.