MCC - Triaxial Tests PDF

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Modified Cam-clay triaxial test simulations

1 Introduction
This example simulates a series of triaxial tests which can be used to verify that Modified Cam-Clay
constitutive model is functioning properly. The simulations include:
Consolidating the sample to an initial isotropic stress state

A drained strain-controlled test
An undrained test with pore-pressure measurements
A load-unload-reload test
Consolidation with a back-pressure
The verification includes comparisons with hand-calculated values and discussions relative to the
Cam-Clay theoretical framework.
2 Feature highlights
GeoStudio feature highlights include:
Using the axisymmetric option to simulate a triaxial test

Displacement-type boundary conditions to simulate a strain-controlled test
Using the MCC model with a Load/Deformation analysis with no pore-pressure changes due
to the loading
A fully coupled analysis with specified initial pore-pressures
A fully coupled analysis with zero-flow boundary conditions to simulate an undrained test
3 Included files
Full details of this example and the GeoStudio files are included as:
MCC-triaxial tests.gsz MCC-triaxial tests.pdf
The specifics of each analysis are available in the GeoStudio data file.
4 General Methodology
The simulated shearing phases are preceded by the simulation of the consolidation phase of a triaxial test.
Consolidation is isotropic with the confining pressure equal to 100 kPa or 150 kPa. The isotropic stress
state is simulated by applying a normal stress on the top and on the right side of the sample equal to 100
kPa or 150 kPa. The consolidation stage is set as the “Parent”; that is, the initial condition, for the
subsequent simulations involving shearing.
SIGMA/W Example File: MCC - triaxial tests.doc (pdf) (gsz) Page 1 of 13

GEO-SLOPE International Ltd, Calgary, Alberta, Canada www.geo-slope.com
60
50
metres (x 0.001)
40
30
20
10
-10
-10 0 10 20 30 40
metres (x 0.001)
Figure 1 Triaxial test configuration for establishing initial stress state
The shearing phase of the analysis is simulated as a strain-rate controlled test. The definition of the
strain-rate involves defining the number of „time‟ steps and the displacement that occurs over each step.
Although the „time‟ steps are being defined, it is more appropriate to think of the time steps as load steps.
Absolute time has no meaning in the context of these analyses. The number of load steps defined in the
shear stage simulations is generally 50 or 25 and the incremental y-displacement of the top of the
specimen is defined as -0.0002 m (per load step), where the negative sign indicates downward
displacement. Consequently, 50 and 25 load steps multiplied by a y-displacement of -0.0002 m per load
step results in a total vertical displacement of 0.01 m and 0.005 m, respectively.
Symmetry is assumed about the vertical and horizontal centre-lines; consequently, only ¼ of the specimen
is simulated. The dimensions of the simulation portion of the specimen are 0.025 m by 0.05 m, which is
half of the width and height of a conventionally sized triaxial specimen. Total vertical y-displacements of
0.01 m and 0.005 m produce axial strains of 0.2 (or 20%) and 0.1 (10%), respectively.
Notice that Linear-Elastic parameters are used when setting up confining stresses; non-linear models are not
required for this and the value of E is not relevant
5 Initial yield surface with OCR 1.25

The Cam-Clay properties are in the data file.
The material has a Ø of 25.84 degrees and an OCR of 1.25. A Ø of 25.84 is equivalent to an Μ value of
1.0.

The first step in using the Cam-clay models is to establish the yield surface created sometime in the past
under some particular stress state condition. In the field this would be some past insitu condition. This is
referred to as the past or initial yield surface.
SIGMA/W uses the initial vertical stress specified together with a specified Ø value and a specified OCR
(over-consolidation ratio) value to establish the past or starting yield surface.
The initial confining stress is 100 kPa. The past vertical effective stress then is,
σ΄y = 100 x OCR = 100 x 1.25 = 125 kPa
Ko = 1- sin Ø = 1 – 0.44 = 0.56 (formula in SIGMA/W code)
σ΄x = σ΄z = 125 x 0.56 = 70.52
σ΄mean = (125 + 70.52 + 70.52) /3 = 88.68
The shear stress q at the past mean stress is,
1
q ( y x )2 ( z y )2 ( x z ) 2 = 54.48 kPa
2
This is one point on the yield surface created by the past stresses. Since the sample is slightly
over-consolidated, the past stress state was higher than the current stress state. Currently, the sample is
isotropically consolidated to 100 kPa (σ΄x = σ΄y = σ΄z).
The past maximum-mean stress (pre-consolidation pressure) is,
1 1
pc 2
q2 2
p2 2
54.482 12 88.682 122.15
p 1 88.68
p΄x is at the center of the yield surface where q is at its maximum value on the initial yield surface; p΄x =
122.15 / 2 = 61.08 kPa.
Now that p΄c is known, we can draw the initial yield surface for an assumed range of p΄ values between
0.0 and p΄c using the equation,
2 2
q pc p p2
Figure 2 shows the initial or past yield surface. The three means stresses computed above are marked on
the diagram. The maximum q value occurs where the yield surface passes through the CSL (critical state
line), as it properly should.
The qpast and p΄past values form the starting point for establishing the initial yield surface.

80
qmax = 61.08
70
qpast = 54.48
60
Shear stress - q
50
40
1
L
30
CS
1
20
10
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130
Mean stress - p'
px = 61.08
ppast = 88.68
pc = 122.15
Figure 2 Initial yield surface for the past stresses at OCR = 1.25 (produced in EXCEL)
6 Analysis 1 – Drained-load deformation

A drained test can be done with a Load/Deformation analysis, which does not involve any changes in
pore-pressures due to the loading (straining).
During drained loading, the yield surface continues to increase in size as Figure 3. The total stress path
(which is equal to the effective stress path in this case) on a q-p‟ plot for a triaxial test will have a slope of
1h:3v. This being the case, the stress path intersects the CSL at 150 kPa.

160
140
120
3
100
Shear stress - q
L
CS
1
80
Effective stress path &
Total stress path
60
40
20
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Mean stress - p'
Figure 3 Total stress path and final yield surface under drained loading
The final deviatoric stress (q) will be 150 kPa. The final vertical (y) stress will be the confining stress
plus the deviatoric stress; that is, 100 + 150 = 250 kPa.
Moreover, this being a drained test, the sample will undergo some volumetric strain.
The next three figures from SIGMA/W confirm this behavior.
Stress path
150
Deviatoric Stress (q) (kPa)
100
50
0
100 110 120 130 140 150
Mean Effective Stress (p') (kPa)
Figure 4 Stress path under drained loading

Y stress - strain
250
Y-Total Stress (kPa)
200
150
100
Y-Strain
Figure 5 Vertical stress versus vertical strain
volumetric:axial strain
0.1
0.08
Volumetric Strain
0.06
0.04
0.02
0
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45
Y-Strain
Figure 6 Volumetric strain versus load step number
7 Analysis 2 – Drained with fixed pwp

This analysis is a repeat of the previous drained test simulation, but now using the fully coupled
formulation with pore-pressure specified as a constant equal to zero pore-pressure. The specified pore-
pressure becomes a specified hydraulic boundary condition. Notice in Figure 7 how the hydraulic
boundary condition is specified at all nodes and outside edges.

60
50
metres (x 0.001)
40
30
20
10
-10
-10 0 10 20 30 40
metres (x 0.001)
Figure 7 Hydraulic boundary conditions for coupled drained simulation
q versus strain
150
100
50
0
Y-Strain
Figure 8 Deviatoric stress versus y-strain for coupled drained test
The results from the Coupled analysis are identical to the previous Load/Deformation analysis. This
verifies that two different formulations give matching results.
This example also illustrates that drained conditions in a Coupled analysis can be simulated by fixing the
pore-pressures with a specified boundary condition.
8 Analysis 3 – Undrained OCR 1.25

The previous coupled analysis is now repeated, but the hydraulic boundary conditions are specified as no
flow. Actually, leaving the hydraulic boundary conditions undefined has the effect of zero flow across the

perimeter. By not allowing flow to exit from the sample, this analysis simulates a consolidated-undrained
test with pore-pressure measurements.
Based on theoretical consideration for the MCC model, the effective stress path should be vertical until it
meets the past maximum yield surface as in Figure 9. Once the effective stress path meets the past yield
surface, the path bends to the left and continues to rise slightly until it hits the CSL. The total stress path
again is straight line rising at a 1h:3v slope. The different between the total and the effective stress paths
is the excess pore-pressure.
The final total mean stress is 122 kPa. The effective mean stress where the effective stress path hits the
CSL is 66 kPa. The final pore-pressure therefore is 122 – 66 = 56 kPa.
90
80
70
u = 56 kPa
60
Shear stress - q
50
3
40 1
Effective stress path
30
20
Total stress path
10
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130
Mean stress - p'
Figure 9 Stress paths for undrained loading
Two SIGMA/W output graphs below confirm these values. The SIGMA/W q-p΄ plot ends at p΄ = q = 66
kPa (Figure 10).
The SIGMA/W pore-pressure versus y-strain plot indicates the maximum pore-pressure is 56 kPa (Figure
11).

Stress path
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105
Figure 10 Effective stress under undrained loading
pore-pressure:axial strain
60
Pore-Water Pressure (kPa)
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12
Y-Strain
Figure 11 Excess pore pressure in undrained test
The volumetric strain for this test is zero, as it properly should be.
The sample, however, undergoes some plastic strain, which results in some strain-hardening and the yield
surface consequently expands such that it passes thorough the point where the effective stress path meets
the CSL.
9 Analysis 4 – Load-unload-reload
The MCC model treats the soil as elastic when the stress state is under the past maximum yield surface.
In an undrained test, the effective p‟:q stress path is vertical inside the yield locus whether the loading
path is one of unloading or loading. Figure 12 reveals that this is indeed the case: the stress path resumes
its non-linear behavior once the yield locus is crosses upon re-loading.

p':q stress path

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105
Mean Ef f ective Stress (p') (kPa)
Figure 12 Effective loading – unloading stress path
10 Initial yield surface with OCR 5.0

In this analysis, the sample is subjected to a cell pressure of 150 kPa and the back pressure is set to 50
kPa. The cell pressure is simulated with normal stress boundary conditions equal to 150 kPa. The back
pressure is specified as a material activation PWP equal to 50 kPa. This makes the effective confining
consolidation stress equal to 100 kPa.
The next step is to simulate a consolidated undrained test with pore-pressure measurements for an over-
consolidated soil.
In this test, we will set the confining stress to 150 kPa with a back pressure of 50 kPa. The effective
confining stress is again 100 kPa. This is discussed further in the next section.
With and initial effective confining stress at 100 kPa, the past vertical effective stress is,
σ΄y = 100 x OCR = 100 x 5.0 = 500 kPa
Ko = 1- sin Ø = 1 – 0.44 = 0.56 (formula in SIGMA/W code)
σ΄x = σ΄z = 500 x 0.56 = 282.07
σ΄mean = (500 + 282.07 + 282.07) /3 = 354.71
The shear stress q at the past mean stress is,
1
q ( y x )2 ( z y )2 ( x z ) 2 = 217.93
2
This is one point on the yield surface created by the past stresses. Since the sample is slightly
over-consolidated, the past stress state was higher than the current stress state. Currently, the sample is
isotropically consolidated to 100 kPa (σ΄x = σ΄y = σ΄z).
The past maximum-mean stress (pre-consolidation pressure) is,
1 1
pc 2
q2 2
p2 2
217.92 12 354.7 2 488.6
p 1 354.7

p΄x is at the center of the yield surface where q is at its maximum value on the initial yield surface; p΄x =
488.6 / 2 = 244.30 kPa.
Now that p΄c is known, we can draw the initial yield surface for an assumed range of p΄ values between
0.0 and p΄c using the equation,
2 2
q pc p p2
Figure 13 shows the initial or past yield surface. The three p‟ stresses computed above are marked on the
diagram. The maximum q value occurs where the yield surface passes through the CSL (critical state line)
as it properly should.
The qpast and p΄past values form the starting point for establishing the initial yield surface.
350
300
250
qpast = 217.93
200
q - kPa
150
L
100
CS
50
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
p' - kPa
px = 244.30
ppast = 354.71
pc = 488.61
Figure 13 Initial yield surface for OCR = 5
Now the effective stress path starts at 100 kPa and rises vertically until it hits the initial yield surface.
The soil behaves in a elastically up to this point, as illustrated in Figure 14.
After meeting the yield surface, the effective stress path bends to the right and rises slightly until it
intersects the total stress path. This is the point at which the excess pore-pressure is zero. After this point
the excess pore-pressure diminishes until the effective stress path intersects the CSL. Beyond this point
the soil behaves in a plastic manner with no further change in load or pore-pressure.

350
300
u = -39
L
CS
250
u = 0.0
200
q - kPa
150
Effective stress path
100
Total stress path
50
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
p' - kPa
Figure 14 Effective stress for over-consolidated case (produced in EXCEL)
Of significance in this case is the fact that the effective stress path remains below the initial yield surface.
This is in response to dilation that occurs once the stress path meets the initial yield surface.
11 Analysis Undrained OCR 5.0

The following graphs from SIGMA/W confirm this behavior.
The effective stress path is vertical until meets the initial yield surface. Then it bends over to the right and
continues to the right until the path meets the CSL.
Stress path
250
200
150
100
50
0
80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220
Figure 15 Effective stress path with OCR = 5

pore-pressure:axial strain
120
Pore-Water Pressure (kPa)
100
80
60
40
20
0
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25
Y-Strain
Figure 16 Pore-pressure variations with OCR = 5
The pore-pressure starts at 50 kPa, which is the starting back pressure. The pore-pressure then rises until
the effectives stress path meets the initial yield surface. After that, the pore pressure diminishes due to the
tendency for dilation until it approaches the CSL. The ending pore-pressure is around 10 KPa. Without
the initial back pressure, the ending pore-pressure would be around -40 kPa.
In SIGMA/W the MCC model is actually formulated only for saturated conditions and in the SIGMA/W
formulation, this means the pore-pressure must be positive. This is the reason for the back pressure. The
pore-pressure in this case can fall below the initial value and yet remain positive, so the SIGMA/W results
can be compared with the hand-calculated values in Figure 14.

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GEO-SLOPE International Ltd, Calgary, Alberta, Canada www.geo-slope.

Modified Cam-clay triaxial test simulations

Consolidating the sample to an initial isotropic stress state

Using the axisymmetric option to simulate a triaxial test

SIGMA/W Example File: MCC - triaxial tests.doc (pdf) (gsz) Page 1 of 13

5 Initial yield surface with OCR 1.25

SIGMA/W Example File: MCC - triaxial tests.doc (pdf) (gsz) Page 2 of 13

SIGMA/W Example File: MCC - triaxial tests.doc (pdf) (gsz) Page 3 of 13

6 Analysis 1 – Drained-load deformation

SIGMA/W Example File: MCC - triaxial tests.doc (pdf) (gsz) Page 4 of 13

Figure 4 Stress path under drained loading

SIGMA/W Example File: MCC - triaxial tests.doc (pdf) (gsz) Page 5 of 13

Figure 5 Vertical stress versus vertical strain

Figure 6 Volumetric strain versus load step number

7 Analysis 2 – Drained with fixed pwp

SIGMA/W Example File: MCC - triaxial tests.doc (pdf) (gsz) Page 6 of 13

Figure 8 Deviatoric stress versus y-strain for coupled drained test

8 Analysis 3 – Undrained OCR 1.25

SIGMA/W Example File: MCC - triaxial tests.doc (pdf) (gsz) Page 7 of 13

Figure 9 Stress paths for undrained loading

SIGMA/W Example File: MCC - triaxial tests.doc (pdf) (gsz) Page 8 of 13

Figure 10 Effective stress under undrained loading

Figure 11 Excess pore pressure in undrained test

SIGMA/W Example File: MCC - triaxial tests.doc (pdf) (gsz) Page 9 of 13

p':q stress path

Figure 12 Effective loading – unloading stress path

10 Initial yield surface with OCR 5.0

SIGMA/W Example File: MCC - triaxial tests.doc (pdf) (gsz) Page 10 of 13

Figure 13 Initial yield surface for OCR = 5

SIGMA/W Example File: MCC - triaxial tests.doc (pdf) (gsz) Page 11 of 13

Figure 14 Effective stress for over-consolidated case (produced in EXCEL)

11 Analysis Undrained OCR 5.0

Figure 15 Effective stress path with OCR = 5

SIGMA/W Example File: MCC - triaxial tests.doc (pdf) (gsz) Page 12 of 13

Figure 16 Pore-pressure variations with OCR = 5

SIGMA/W Example File: MCC - triaxial tests.doc (pdf) (gsz) Page 13 of 13

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