Developing a constitutive approach for peats from laboratory data

Recent research effort carried out at Delft University of Technology to improve the experimental knowledge and develop a comprehensive modelling approach for fibrous organic soils is summarised. Experimental results numerical analyses are combined discuss some contradictory which have delayed advanced characterisation peats. Part apparent inconsistencies commonly found in literature due influence testing apparatus, including rough platens membrane restraint, inhibit homogenous deformation modes alter response samples compared true material behaviour. The consequences non-homogenous particularly relevant on peats unique combination their exceptionally low stiffness high strength. An elastic–plastic constitutive framework was developed starting from repeatable reconstituted peats, taking care reducing end restraint large extent setup. suggested that an model should include non-associated flow rule mixed volumetric–deviatoric hardening law. role played by different fibres laboratory scale discussed, additional reinforcement offered bigger observed behaviour natural addressed. • Peats not weird. composite materials. Some can be explained obey volumetric-deviatoric Natural require explicit description kinematics big fibres.