Analysis of the mechanism of seabed liquefaction induced by waves and related seabed protection

As one of the most serious offshore hazards, wave-induced seabed liquefaction can trigger massive landslides on the ocean floor and pose a great threat to submarine structures (e.g., coastal levees, oil platforms, drilling platforms and seabed pipelines). In view of the complexity and practicability of the problem, this study systematically analyzes the mechanism, factors and remedial measures of liquefaction. Compared with seismic liquefaction, waved-induced liquefaction varies in many respects, such as the load pattern, loading position, drainage condition and characteristics of pore water pressure, resulting in different mechanisms of seabed liquefaction under the action of waves. Both wave characteristics and soil characteristics, including the wave period, water depth, wave height, degree of saturation, seabed thickness, permeability and stress history, affect the degree of seabed liquefaction. Moreover, to ensure the sustainable development of the ocean, a series of remedial measures against liquefaction, including evaluation of the liquefaction potential, management of disaster prevention, ocean monitoring and forecasting, are proposed.