I aim to calculate the tensile capacity of a pile after a cycle of lateral loading and unloading in Plaxis 3D. When I compare the post-lateral-loading axial capacity (Q1) with the axial capacity with no prior lateral loading (Q_ref), I observe that Q1 has slightly increased compared to Q_ref. In other words, the Q1 pile shows a stiffer axial response. While I can understand that this might be due to a stiffer response upon unloading, it is contrary to what one can observe in the real world.

I am using the Hardening soil model with tension cut-off activated. I would appreciate your feedback on the reason for such behavior.