A simple, practical procedure for representing the nonlinear, stress-dependent, inelastic stress-strain behavior of soils was developed. The values of the required parameters employed in the stress-strain relationship may be derived from the results of standard triaxial tests on plane strain compression tests involving primary loading, unloading, and reloading. Comparisons of calculated and measured strains in specimens of dense and loose silica sand showed that the relationship was capable of accurately representing the behavior of this sand under complex triaxial loading conditions, and analyses of the behavior of footings on sand and clay showed that finite element stress analyses conducted using this relationship were in good agreement with empirical observations and applicable theories.