Finite element simulations of clayey soil ground with a three-dimensional nonlinear elastic viscoplastic model

Abstract

This paper presents a study on numerical simulations of clayey soil using nonlinear elastic viscoplastic (EVP) model. The nonlinear EVP model is based on Yin (1999)’s nonlinear creep equation in which a creep strain limit is considered. The model in the general stress-strain condition is implemented by finite element program Plaxis and is used to simulate clayey soil under Berthierville embankment. Good agreement between simulated and measured settlements and excess pore pressure validates the feasibility of the nonlinear EVP model. Furthermore, a parametric study is presented to demonstrate the importance of creep strain limit.