EFFECT OF CONSOLIDATION ON STRAIN LOCALIZATION OF SOFT CLAYS

A finite element formulation developed by Belytschko and his coworkers [1] is used to examine localized deformation as it exists for laborat ory specimens of compressible Chicago clays. The element is based on a n assumed strain formulation wherein localized and non-localized zones ave embedded into an element when material based bifurcation is detec ted. A plane strain compression test of a natural clay specimen in whi ch deformations localized into a single shear band during undrained sh ear is simulated using this element. Localization is initiated by impo sing a non-uniform applied displacement consistent with that measured experimentally. Results indicate that to insure localization to a sing le band, considerations must be made for non-uniformities developed du ring the consolidation phase. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.