A simple stress-dilatancy equation for sand

Abstract

The stress-dilatancy relation is of critical importance for constitutive modelling of sand. A new fractional-order stress-dilatancy equation is analytically developed in this study, based on stress-fractional operators. An apparent linear response of the stress-dilatancy behaviour of soil after sufficient shearing is obtained. As the fractional order varies, the derived stress-dilatancy curve and the associated phase transformation state stress ratio shift. But, unlike existing researches, no other specific parameters, except the fractional order, concerning such shift and the state-dependence are required. The developed stress-dilatancy equation is then incorporated into an existing constitutive model for validation. Test results of different sands are simulated and compared, where a good model performance is observed.