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Some Characteristics of the Soil Deformation Process¹

ABSTRACT

Existing deformation theories—infinitesimal and finite deformation elasticity theory, plasticity theory, and linear viscoelasticity—were discussed as to their applicability to soils. Analysis of data obtained on a Yolo loam utilizing triaxial compression equipment showed that deformation is nonlinear, finite, irreversible, that the component ratios such as Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio were not constants during the deformation process, and therefore elasticity theory is not generally applicable. Plasticity theory was found to be unsatisfactory as as general theory because of its assumption of a region of Hookean behavior or of yield after only small deformations, neither of which condition holds for soils. Performance of creep tests showed that the basic assumption of viscoelasticity theory, the time-dependence of the relationship between stress and strain states, is valid for soils. It is concluded that viscoelasticity offers the best hope for a deformation theory for soils.

¹ Contribution University of California, Department of Soils and Plant Nutrition, Davis and Berkeley.

² Assistant Professor in Soil Physics, Davis, Calif.

Received for publication June 5, 1962. Accepted for publication June 15, 1962.