Numerical verification of similar Cam-clay model based on generalized potential theory

ZHONG Zhi-hui(钟志辉)¹, YANG Guang-hua(杨光华)^{1, 2, 3, 4}, FU Xu-dong(傅旭东)¹, WEN Yong(温勇)¹, ZHANG Yu-cheng(张玉成)^{2, 3, 4}

(1. School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China;
2. Guangdong Research Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower, Guangzhou 510610, China;
3. Geotechnical Engineering Technology Center of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510640, China;
4. Emergency Technology Research Center of Guangdong Province for Public Events, Guangzhou 510640, China)

Abstract:From the mathematical principles, the generalized potential theory can be employed to create constitutive model of geomaterial directly. The similar Cam-clay model, which is created based on the generalized potential theory, has less assumptions, clearer mathematical basis, and better computational accuracy. Theoretically, it is more scientific than the traditional Cam-clay models. The particle flow code PFC3D was used to make numerical tests to verify the rationality and practicality of the similar Cam-clay model. The verification process was as follows: 1) creating the soil sample for numerical test in PFC3D, and then simulating the conventional triaxial compression test, isotropic compression test, and isotropic unloading test by PFC3D; 2) determining the parameters of the similar Cam-clay model from the results of above tests; 3) predicting the sample’s behavior in triaxial tests under different stress paths by the similar Cam-clay model, and comparing the predicting results with predictions by the Cam-clay model and the modified Cam-clay model. The analysis results show that the similar Cam-clay model has relatively high prediction accuracy, as well as good practical value.

Key words:generalized potential theory; similar Cam-clay model; modified Cam-clay model; numerical test; PFC3D