A constitutive model for sand with anisotropic hardening rule

Abstract An anisotropic hardening model for sand or other granular materials is presented. The state of initial densification is represented by a configuration surface and the state of loading by a loading surface in the stress space. The domain of elastic response may not exist and the irreversible strain is assumed to occur for both active and reverse loading. The derived constitutive equations are applicable both for dense and loose sands. Some model predictions are compared with available experimental data for triaxial compression and extension under undrained condition.