Modeling Strain Rate-dependent Behavior in Consolidation of Natural Clay

In order to analyze effects of strain rate on consolidation of natural clay, this paper presents a nonlinear elasto viscoplastic model in which viscoplastic behavior is modeled by a unique effective stress-strain-strain rate relationship (equation omitted). The predicted values using numerical analysis are compared with measured ones in several laboratory tests such as creep test, multistage load test, and relaxation test for Berthierville clay. It is possible to estimate consolidation behavior of natural clay with reasonable accuracy using the proposed nonlinear viscoplastic model.