Elastoplastic model for unsaturated expansive soils
Abstract
In order to formulate a constitutive model for unsaturated expansive soils two levels of structure (micro and macro) have been considered basic swelling/shrinkage characteristics and associated with the microstructural level whereas structural searrangements are properly interpreted through the macrostructura. Using conceps of the theory of hardening plasticity and some hypothesis concerning the coupling between both levels of soil structure, a model capable of making accurate quantitative predictions has been developed. Model predictions have been compared with experimental results involving suction controlled tests, under oedometer conditions of a compacted mixture of sand and clay.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Soil and Unsaturated Flow
Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Mechanics
Dam Engineering and Safety
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Numerical Methods in Geotechnical Engineering
- Publisher
- CRC Press
- Pages
- 11–18
- Publication date
- 17 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter