Numerical simulations of shear bands along different stress paths

In order to apply an elastoplastic constitutive model for overconsolidated clay based on the revised Hvorslev envelope to numerical analysis of shear bands, a subroutine is developed for the implementation of the model into a nonlinear finite element software ABAQUS by using the return mapping algorithm. Numerical simulations of triaxial compression, triaxial extension and plane strain tests are performed. The algorithm is verified by simulating the mechanical behaviour of overconsolidated clay with different initial overconsolidation ratios. By using the implemented program, three-dimensional finite element analysis of shear band is carried out under triaxial compression, triaxial extension and plane strain stress paths. The numerical results show that, onset of strain localization occurs in the softening regime under triaxial compression and triaxial extension conditions; and under plane strain condition onset of the strain localization occurs in hardening regime; and the shear dilatancy of overconsolidated clay plays an important effect on the formation of shear bands.