Ocean wave-induced liquefaction analysis: A simplified procedure

Cyclic shear stresses developed below the ocean bottom as a result of a passing wave train may progressively build up pore pressures in certain soils. Such built-up pore pressure may eventually be large enough to result in significant deformation or develop cyclic liquefaction of these soils. A typical ocean wave-induced liquefaction analysis requires data on ocean wave characteristics, geotechnical details of the subbottom soil profiles, cyclic shear stress distribution below the sea bottom resulting from passage of waves, and laboratory test results defining the cyclic shear strength of the liquefiable soils. Analytical and testing methods currently available for performing such analyses are complex, time consuming, and generally too expensive. This paper presents a simplified procedure which can be used as a first step to check if a more detailed analysis is warranted.