Elasto-viscoplastic damage model for structural clays

On the basis of the micro deformation mechanism of natural clays, the deformation of structural clays is divided into three such phases as elastic, structural strength damage and remolded soil, and an elastoviscoplastic damage model is developed. Numerical simulation of the preloading test of a deep and thick soft ground at the alluvial flat of Yangtse River is carried out by use of the mode. Calculation results show that the elastoviscoplastic damage model can simulate the loading and consolidation deformation and creep of structural clays, and that the model can be used to calculate practical settlement and to predicate the creep deformation of structural clays.