Asymptotic behaviour of a granular soil in strain path testing

This Paper investigates the asymptotic behaviour of a granular soil in strain path testing for triaxial samples and cuboidal mutiaxial samples using constant strain increment ratio paths. Techniques for the precise control of strain increment ratio of samples were developed. Strain path control started from isotropic and anisotropic stress states. Asymptotic behaviour associated with the SOM (swept-out memory) concept was observed. For test data from tests with strain path control starting from a pre-failure stress state, a unique relationship between the asymptotic stress ratio and strain increment ratio can be established. Different asymptotic behaviour was observed when strain path control started after the failure stress state had been achieved. The concept of a limit surface is also shown by asymptotic behaviour.