Abstract

Based on elastic considerations, a new four parameter model of the hydrostatic compression curves of sandy soils is presented. Using a unique set of parameters, this model is capable of accurately representing the infinite family of compression curves that result when soil is subjected to stresses below particle breakage. The parameters are readily estimated from two hydrostatic tests conducted at different initial densities during loading and unloading stages. The resulting equations are able to predict the effect of progressive stiffness increase and compressibility reduction that occur as void ratio decreases during both loading and unloading conditions. The same normalized stress scale employed for the hydrostatic compression curves can also be used to describe the steady state line, which leads to a unique framework for representing the stress-void ratio curves of sandy soils. A comprehensive series of simulations on 13 different types of sandy soils in both loose and dense states was performed under a wide range of mean stresses during loading and unloading conditions. The simulations gave very satisfactory agreement with published experimental results. © 2008 NRC Canada.