Incorporating a microstructural state variable in constitutive modelling

Abstract

The selection of constitutive variables has been extensively discussed when modeling unsaturated soils. In general, suction and degree of saturation have been involved in the definition of constitutive variables. Recently, microstructural features have also been included due to their relevant effects on the mechanical and hydraulic soil response. This is the case of a model recently published by the same authors which includes a state variable in the definition of the constitutive variables to take into account microstructural effects. Details of the performance of this model, which has a relatively simple elastoplastic formulation, are presented. The simulation of isotropic stress paths illustrates the capabilities of the model and the effect of the microstructural state variable.