A Closed-Form Solution for the Limit Pressure of Cylindrical Cavity Expansion in Anisotropic Clay

A closed-form solution for the limit pressure of undrained cylindrical cavity expansion in anisotropic clay is provided. The solution considers the effect of anisotropic strength and initial in-situ stress. The cavity-wall limit pressure under an isotropic initial stress (K = 1) was larger than the anisotropic initial stress (K not equal 1) and holds true for all anisotropic strength ratios. The cavity-wall limit pressure increased linearly with increasing anisotropic strength ratio. The cavity-wall limit pressure was a minimum for a polar angle theta = pi/2.