<p>This study investigated the compaction-hardening and softening behavior of remolded Guiyang red clay specimens that were first prepared at the optimum moisture content (35%) and then fully saturated before axial cyclic loading. Conventional and cyclic triaxial tests were conducted under confining pressures of 50, 100, and 200&#xa0;kPa, with cycle numbers (<i>n</i>) of 3, 5, and 7 and stress ratios (<i>α</i>) of 0.70, 0.85, and 0.95, respectively. The results indicate that the cumulative strain develops rapidly within the first four cycles before stabilizing. The internal structure of the soil transitions from hardening to softening as <i>n</i> and <i>α</i> increase. The peak strength (<i>σ</i>₁-<i>σ</i>₃)_<i>p</i> increases modestly under cyclic loading, whereas the residual strength (<i>σ</i>₁-<i>σ</i>₃)_<i>r</i> decreases. The hysteretic loop area contracts with cycles, signalling progressive densification and reduced energy dissipation. Analysis of the loading‒unloading modulus reveals a compaction effect at a low stress ratio (0.7), whereas at medium‒high stress ratios (0.85, 0.95), the increasing unloading modulus reflects deteriorating recoverability. Drawing upon the concept of damage evolution, a semiempirical nonlinear prediction model was formulated to capture the envelope curve. The model incorporates the number of cycles (<i>n</i>) and stress ratio (<i>α</i>) as coupling variables.</p>