Stability analysis of a seabed under combined action of waves and seismic loading

Resumo

The stability analysis of a seabed under wave and seismic loading is conducted within the framework of yield design theory using the pseudo-static method. The strength properties of the constitutive material are modeled by means of a purely cohesive condition. The loading associated with water waves is modeled through the linear wave theory, whereas the inertial forces induced by the passage of seismic waves is addressed in the framework of pseudo-static method. The material cohesion that increases linearly with dept is adopted in the analysis. A sufficient stability condition is obtained through the static approach of limit analysis, while a necessary condition is determined from the kinematic approach. The effects of seafloor surface inclination, as well as seismic intensity, are analyzed through pseudo-static coefficients. The determination of the limit load obtained through the pseudo-static approach is based on existing literature, particularly when seismic coefficients are not considered.