Prediction of strain localization in granular soils

Strain localization is a well-known phenomenon in geomaterials. In this process, plastic deformation isobserved to concentrate in narrow zones called shear bands. The accurate numerical simulation of theslope stability problems, the bearing capacity of shallow and deep foundations, and the active andpassive stresses acting on retaining walls depend strongly on formation of shear bands in granular soils.In this study, an advanced plasticity model formulated within the bounding surface plasticity family andcritical state soil mechanics is applied for prediction of strain localization in granular soils. It is shownthat realistic predictions are obtained for states at which strain localization can take place

Keywords:

Sand , Bounding surface plasticity , Dilatancy , Hardening