The Effect of a Random Wave Field on Wave Induced Pore Pressure Generation

Cyclic loading of saturated sand will result in the generation of excesspore pressures. The amount of excess pore pressure depends not only on the soil properties, but also on the rate of dissipation and the loading history. In this study an approach is described to take into account the random nature of the wave field, using the wave spectrum. The approach is implemented in a program that is capable to take into account the combined effect of pore pressure generation and dissipation. It is shown that the actual sequence of wave heights and wave periods influences the calculated maximum amount of residual excess pore pressure and the time of occurrence of the maximum residual pore pressure. With this model a more realistic prediction of the residual excess pore pressures can be made and improved insight in the probability of seabed liquefaction or stability loss can be obtained.