Statistical Damage Constitutive Model for Cemented Sand considering the Residual Strength and Initial Compaction Phase

Abstract

Based on continuum damage mechanics and the assumption of volume invariance, a damage constitutive model of cemented sand under triaxial stress was established while considering residual strength. Statistical theory was then introduced into this model. Assuming that the microunit strength of cemented sand obeys a Weibull random distribution, an expression of microunit strength based on the Mohr–Coulomb criterion was derived. Additionally, a damage evolution equation and a statistical damage constitutive model of cemented sand under triaxial stress were established. In order to consider the nonlinear deformation and volume change in the initial pore compaction stage, the critical point reflecting the completion of the initial compaction stage was determined. This was done by applying the volume invariance assumption to the linear portion of the stress and strain curve and performing a coordinate transformation. The nonlinearity of the initial compaction stage was fitted by a quadratic function. A triaxial compression test of cemented sand was then carried out to verify this proposed method. The results show that the calculated values by the damage constitutive model fit well with the actual experimental values and that the calculated results can reflect the stress softening, residual strength, and initial compaction characteristics of cemented sand, which shows the rationality and feasibility of the model.