Transient Stresses Induced in Sandbed by Wave Loading

Abstract

Waves propagating over a permeable seabed will alter the stresses and fluid pressures within the bed and affect the erodibility and stability of bottom sediments. This paper examines the cyclic stresses which occur within a rigid bed subjected to wave loadings by means of a rational pseudo‐static approach. The results of this study suggest that wave loadings on a saturated sand bed can alter the effective stress state throughout the bed. Cyclic stress ratios are maximum at the sediment surface and decrease with sub‐bottom depth. Laboratory and field experimentation are needed to verify existing theories and to better understand the stressing mechanisms involved in this complicated problem.