Hardening soil model - Influence of plasticity index on unloading - Reloading modulus

Abstract

Numerical analyses based on Finite Element Method (FEM) to solve geotechnical problems are carried out using software implementing various soil models. Currently, Hardening Soil Model (HS) is often used in the geotechnical engineering practice. One of the parameters describing the model is the unloading-reloading (Eur) modulus. This paper presents triaxial test results of cohesive soils aimed at determination of unloading-reloading (Eur) modulus. Based on test results, empirical correlations for evaluation of Eur modulus were determined. The correlations determine Eur modulus on the basis of plasticity index and vertical effective stress.