Modelling the shear strength of overconsolidated clays with a Hvorslev surface

The modelling of highly overconsolidated clays with a so-called Hvorslev yield surface is discussed in this paper. After a brief review of the mechanical behaviour of clays, the mathematical relationships of the Hvorslev surface based on critical state soil mechanics are presented. The Hvorslev surface is implemented in a multilaminate constitutive model; hence, an introduction to this type of model is provided. The model is validated by comparing model predictions with the experimental undrained stress paths, peak shear strengths and excess pore pressures of two overconsolidated clays.