A volume–stress model for sands under isotropic and critical stress states

Abstract

A simple volume–stress model for granular soils under isotropic and critical stress states is presented. The model is formulated in the double logarithmic space of void ratio versus mean stress. It has the same number of parameters as used in the Cam Clay models to describe isotropic compression, with one additional parameter to define the critical state curve. The model can qualitatively describe a number of unique features of sand behaviour. Comparison with experimental data indicates that the model is able to predict well the volume change of a range of different sands subjected to isotropic and triaxial compression.