A bounding surface plasticity model for cemented sand under monotonic and cyclic loading

A plasticity model is proposed to simulate the monotonic and cyclic behaviour of cemented sand. The model is an extension of the critical state-based bounding surface plasticity model originally developed for clean sand by researchers Y. F. Dafalias and M. T. Manzari in 2004. The elastic parameters, state parameter, yield function, flow rule and plastic modulus of the base model are modified for cemented sand mainly by incorporating a bonding strength variable. In addition, the critical state variables, stress ratio and void ratio of cemented sand are linked to the initial cement content. The model formulation is presented first in the triaxial and then in generalised stress space. The capabilities of the model are illustrated by simulating the response in a series of monotonic and cyclic tests on cemented sand. This shows that the model can capture the main features of the mechanical behaviour of cemented sand well, including cement-induced enhancements of stiffness, strength, dilatancy and liquefaction resistance.