Can Cam‐Clay Model Be Generalized?

Abstract

The development of the Cam‐clay model, based on critical state concepts associated with the plasticity theory, is a consequence of the geotechnical engineer's desire to simply predict the behavior of fine‐grained soils with a small number of easily measurable input parameters. Encouraged by the success in generalizing the compressibility of fine‐grained saturated soils using the Gouy‐Chapman diffuse double‐layer theory, an attempt has been made to logically extend this theory to generalize the shear strength behavior in the working stress range of engineering interest. This has indicated the possibility of generating a unique Cam‐clay model, which in turn implies a constant value of M for any soil. From basic considerations, the constancy of M has been substantiated, and the reasons for deviations from this constant value in actual practice have been indicated. It is believed that such generalizations will greatly enhance the predictive capability and practical applicability of the Cam‐clay model.