Abstract: A constitutive model based on the concepts of damage mechanics has been developed for cemented clays. This model can simulate the process of progressive failure of clays due to the breakage of inter-particle bonding. Accordingly, an elasto-plastic damage matrix has been deduced and a finite element program CONDAM has been compiled based on Biot’s consolidation theory. This model contains 9 parameters which can be easily determined by conventional both confined and unconfined compression test. As an illustration, the test results of Zhanjiang clay and the computed responses of a 10m thick clay foundation under strip surface loading are presented.