Localization and Bifurcation Theory for Soils and Rocks

Strain localization, bifurcation and plastic instability phenomena play important roles as precursors of failure of geomaterials. In geomechanics, it has been recognized that stiff soils such as overconsolidated or cemented soils are progressively strained and reach failure with shear banding and that a strain-softening phenomenon in the stress-strain relation is observed on a macroscopic level. The proper modelling of strain localization and bifurcation phenomena and its role in deformation and progressive can be very significant in such engineering problems as slope stability, liquefaction, borehole stability, the stability of foundations, embankments, retaining walls, excavations and faulting, etc. Theoretical work has been directed towards developing constitutive models and analyzing strain localization. In experimental works, much effort has been made to gain insight into the development of shear bands and the measuring of shear band structures. In geotechnical practice, it is often pointed out that existing designing and/or construction techniques should be reevaluated for dealing with geostructures, which are prone to progressive failure.