Wave‐induced pore pressure in relation to ocean floor stability of cohesionless soils

One of the important geotechnical considerations for many engineering installations, such as pipelines and anchors, in an oceanic environment involving sand deposits is that of potential ocean floor instability due to the development of high pore pressures caused by the direct action of waves. This article presents a procedure for evaluating the magnitude and distribution of wave‐induced pore pressures in ocean floor deposits. The method takes into account the distribution of wave‐induced pore pressures in ocean floor deposits. The method takes into account the distribution of cyclic shear stresses in the soil profile as well as the important factor of pore‐pressure dissipation. The variation of properties within the soil profile can also be easily incorporated into the analytical procedure. The analysis provides the complete time history of pore‐pressure response and shows clearly that failure to include the pore‐pressure dissipation effects would lead to radically conservative design. The results also provide a basis for designing remedial measures, if required, to avert the development of high pore pressures and their deleterious effects.