A new isotropic hardening constitutive model based on reference compression curve

In this paper we revisit the problem of simulating the compression and dilatancy behavior of sand by means of a new isotropic hardening constitutive model. First, the reference compression curve, which is constructed as a straight line in the log-power space, is used to establish the volumetric hardening parameter by considering the unified hardening parameter. In addition, a stress-ratio dependent compression curve is regarded as the state parameter reference curve, to describe the shearing behavior as well as the isotropic compressive behavior of sand. Finally, results of triaxial tests for Fujian standard sand and Toyoura sand are used to determine the parameters and verify the proposed model. Comparisons show that this constitutive model is able to describe the stress–strain relationship and dilatancy of sand in a convincing accuracy.