Experimental study on mechanism of wave-induced silty seabed fluidization

In this study, process of wave-induced silty seabed response was explored in a rectangle flume. Based on the experimental phenomena, the variations of pore water pressure and theory analysis, discussions were made on the mechanism of wave-induced silty seabed instability. Results indicated that seabed under wave nodes would experience fluidization and oscillation under wave actions, obvious pore pressure accumulation was observed at the same time. The mode of wave-induced silty seabed instability was fluidization. The mechanism of wave-induced silty seabed fluidization was a combination of excess pore water pressure and shear failure, the chief factor of fluidization could be ascribed to wave-induced cycling shear stress. The steady state strength was somewhat an expression of the level of wave-induced decrease of soil strenth that could finally reach, therefore, it could be used for the estimation of wave-induced fluidization of silty seabed.