Novel permanent deformation model for granular materials

Abstract

Ensuring the long-term functionality of traffic infrastructures requires systematic and reliable evaluation of the structures’ deformation behavior. To address this need, this paper introduces a novel material model for describing the permanent deformation behavior of granular materials. The primary principle of model development has been maximizing its practical usability through streamlined parameterization. Consequently, the model is simplified to have only one material-dependent parameter, the cyclic threshold stress, which can be estimated with reasonable accuracy using static strength parameters. The proposed theory has been validated utilizing a wide range of data available in literature on various types of materials, which have been tested in laboratory and field conditions. Based on the verifications, the model’s accuracy can generally be considered good overall. The simple parameterization, combined with reliable accuracy, enhances the model’s practical usability, making it a viable option alongside existing methods.