1‐ D Strain in Normally Consolidated Cohesionless Soils

Abstract

A stress‐strain model for one‐dimensional strain in normally consolidated cohesionless soils is compared to test results covering the stress range from 0 to 1,300 atmospheres. The model is called the “1/e versus ${\sigma }_{\nu }^{\prime P}$ model” because the implied relationship between void ratio e and vertical effective stress ${\sigma }_{\nu }^{\prime P}$ is linear in the low‐stress range. The relationship between 1/e and ${\sigma }_{\nu }^{\prime P}$ is nonlinear at higher stresses where the effect of particle crushing becomes significant. The effects of initial void ratio, relative density, particle shape, particle size distribution, and particle material on one‐dimensional strain behavior have been examined in the framework of the model. The model can accurately represent one‐dimensional strain in rockfill‐like materials as well as in sands and gravels. The data and equations presented provide a means of estimating shrinkage during placement of rockfills and estimating settlement of structures on rockfills where it is not practical to conduct one‐dimensional strain or penetration tests. One‐dimensional strain is a primary component of three‐dimensional constitutive relations and the model can be used to define class 2 plastic hardening of cohesionless soils.