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.