A simple procedure to improve the explicit integration of Cam-Clay models

A simple procedure is proposed to reduce the error in the calculation of the stresses when simulating stress paths applying explicit stress integration schemes in Cam-Clay models with an associated flow rule. The procedure consists of defining the value of the preconsolidation stress (the hardening parameter of a Cam-Clay model) so that the drift of the yield surface is zero at each calculation step. The results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed procedure, especially along softening paths. The method can easily be implemented in existing explicit integration modules, which facilitates its practical application.