Centrifuge modelling of wave-induced seabed response in clay

This paper describes a programme of centrifuge tests investigating the behaviour of clayey seabed under wave loading using an in-flight wave loading system. Three model seabeds of kaolin clay capturing typical unconsolidated, normally consolidated and overconsolidated soil responses were considered, with each seabed experiencing several episodes of wave loading and resting. Data acquisition measures included pore pressure transducers, accelerometer, bender elements and T-bar penetrometers. The depth-wise distribution of excess pore pressure, soil strength and modulus, as well as the motion of the liquefied layer of the seabed, was monitored throughout to enable a thorough investigation into the liquefaction and reconsolidation features of the soil. For the unconsolidated and normally consolidated soils, remarkable development of residual pore pressure was observed, and there was evidence that the strength/modulus recovery cannot be achieved by the surficial soil within a prototype time of 15 days. Within a certain depth below this surficial layer, there was a drastic increase in undrained strength, and this phenomenon was carefully examined by a modified moving-boundary model. For the overconsolidated soil, the build-up of residual pore pressure was rather limited, but discernible amplification of oscillatory pore pressure amplitude was observed. Implications for practice in offshore engineering are discussed based on the experimental findings.

Automated summary

This paper describes a series of centrifuge tests conducted to investigate the behavior of clayey seabed under wave loading. The tests focused on three different types of soil response, with different levels of consolidation. Various sensors were used to measure pore pressure, soil strength, and motion of the liquefied layer. The study found significant development of residual pore pressure in unconsolidated and normally consolidated soils, while overconsolidated soils showed limited accumulation of residual pore pressure. The findings have important implications for offshore engineering practice.