Soils can rarely be described as ideally elastic or perfectly plastic and yet simple elastic and plastic models form the basis for the most traditional geotechnical engineering calculations. With the advent of cheap powerful computers the possibility of performing analyses based on more realistic models has become widely available. One of the aims of this book is to describe the basic ingredients of a family of simple elastic-plastic models of soil behavior and to demonstrate how such models can be used in numerical analyses. Such numerical analyses are often regarded as mysterious black boxes but a proper appreciation of their worth requires an understanding of the numerical models on which they are based. Though the models on which this book concentrates are simple, understanding of these will indicate the ways in which more sophisticated models will perform.
Reviews
"...an interesting book which has fully accomplished its objectives. The text is well written and clearly illustrated. The exercises at the end of each chapter provide a good teaching tool. This book can be recommended as a textbook for advanced courses in geomechanics. As well, it will be very useful as a reference for practicing geotechnical engineers and as a guide for researchers in soil mechanics." Aleksandra M. Vinogradov, Applied Mechanics Review "A good book for graduate students and faculty interested in learning about the applicability and limitations of critical state soil mechanics in research and in engineering practice." Choice
