A consistent framework with embedded microstructural considerations for stress-dilatancy behaviour of sands

The paper describes a stress dilatancy model with embedded microstructural features derived from energy considerations at both micro- and macro-scales. The stress dilatancy formulation is found to be a generalization of Rowe's stress dilatancy equation in that it is capable of addressing both inherent and stress induced anisotropies, as well as dependencies on stress level (barotropy) and void ratio (pyknotropy). Sand behaviour in undrained conventional triaxial tests and other special conditions such as constant strain increment ratio paths are explored with particular reference to influence of initial void ratio, confining stress and fabric.