Modeling sand behavior using a critical state model implemented in FLAC

A critical state constitutive model previously developed at the University of Alberta for the prediction of the behavior of sands was implemented in the computer program FLAC using its specific FISH programming code. Accuracy of the predictions obtained by the program was verified in the single-element scale by comparing predicted and observed results of triaxial tests on Toyoura and Syncrude sands, and in the full-scale level by modeling the field event of the CANLEX project, and comparing predictions with readings of field instrumentations. The current study showed that in order to obtain correct results from the analysis, it is important to use an appropriate soil constitutive model, to account for the simultaneous pore pressure generation and dissipation during loading, and to consider soil anisotropy.