Observations on Mohr-Coulomb plasticity under plane strain

Coombs, W.M.; Crouch, R.S.; Heaney, C.E.

Abstract

Linear elastic-perfect plasticity using the Mohr-Coulomb yield surface is one of the most widely used pressure-sensitive constitutive models in engineering practice. In the area of geotechnical engineering a number of problems, such as cavity expansion, embankment stability and footing bearing capacity, can be examined using this model together with the simplifying assumption of plane-strain. This paper clarifies the situation regarding the direction of the intermediate principal stress in such an analysis and reveals a unique relationship between hydrostatic pressure and the principal stress ratio for Mohr-Coulomb and Tresca perfect plasticity under those plane-strain conditions. The rational relationship and direction of the intermediate principal stress are illustrated through both material point and finite-element simulations. The latter involves the analysis of a rigid strip footing bearing onto a weightless soil and the finite deformation expansion of a cylindrical cavity.

Citation

Coombs, W., Crouch, R., & Heaney, C. (2013). Observations on Mohr-Coulomb plasticity under plane strain. Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 139(9), 1218-1228. https://doi.org/10.1061/%28asce%29em.1943-7889.0000568

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2013
• Deposit Date: Sep 13, 2011
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 30, 2013
• Journal: Journal of Engineering Mechanics
• Print ISSN: 0733-9399
• Electronic ISSN: 1943-7889
• Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 139
• Issue: 9
• Pages: 1218-1228
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/%28asce%29em.1943-7889.0000568
• Keywords: Intermediate principal stress, Mohr-Coulomb, Tresca, Elasto-plasticity, Plane-strain analysis, Geomaterials.
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1505415