A general constitutive model is proposed to characterize short-term quasi-static stress-strain behavior of rock salt. It is a simplified model based on rate independent theory of elastoplasticity and includes such factors as hardening, stress path, cohesive and tensile strengths, and variations of yield behavior with mean pressure. The constants for the model are determined from laboratory tests under different initial pressures and stress paths using a multiaxial testing device and standard triaxial test results available in literature for rock salts. The model is verified with respect to tests used for finding the constants. The proposed model requires less or equal number of constants as compared with other models with similar capabilities. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1987