Abstract: An expansion theory of spherical cavities in strain-softening materials with different moduli of tension and compression was presented. For geomaterials, two controlling parameters were introduced to take into account the different moduli and strain-softening properties. By means of elastic theory with different moduli and stress-softening models, general solutions calculating Tresca and Mohr-Coulomb materials’ stress and displacement fields of expansion of spherical cavity were derived. The effects caused by different elastic moduli in tensile and compression and strain-softening rates on stress and displacement fields and development of plastic zone of expansion of cavity were analyzed. The results show that the ultimate expansion pressure, stress and displacement fields and development of plastic zone vary with the different elastic moduli and strain-softening properties. If classical elastic theory is adopted and strain-softening properties are neglected, rather large errors may be the result.

Key words: Expansion of spherical cavity, Tresca material, Mohr-Coulomb material, Elastic theory with different moduli of tension and compression, Stress-dropping softening model

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