DSC Constitutive and Computer Models for Soil-Structure and Liquefaction Analysis

Abstract

This paper presents a unified and simplified constitutive modeling approach, called the disturbed state concept (DSC), for the characterization of the mechanical behavior of soils and interfaces. It is calibrated and validated with respect to laboratory stress-strain-volume change-pore water pressure behavior. Finite element procedures based on generalized Biot's theory for coupled response of saturated materials is developed with the DSC model. It is applied to a number of soil-structure interaction problems in which the predictions in terms of displacements, stresses and pore water pressures, and liquefaction potential are compared with laboratory or field observations. It is believed that the DSC can provide improved constitutive models towards analysis and design of geotechnical problems, and a fundamental procedure for identification of liquefaction potential.