Experimental dynamic sediment behavior under storm waves with a 50 year recurrence interval in the Yellow River Delta

Abstract

The dynamic response of marine sediment from the Yellow River under extreme sea conditions is attracting increasing academic and engineering attention because of the high occurrence frequency of geologic hazards. To simulate the dynamic response process of sediment samples under waves with a 50 year recurrence interval, we collected undisturbed sediment samples from six sites on the intertidal flats of the Yellow River Delta and performed dynamic triaxial experiments to analyze the pore-water pressure and liquefaction process. The empirical patterns of pore-water pressure generation and ranges of sediment parameters were determined, and the factors affecting sediment liquefaction were discussed. Under the cyclic loading of waves with a 50 year recurrence interval, the pore pressure response of sediments at a depth of 4 m could be generalized into three stages: rapid growth, slow growth, and stable maintenance. Moreover, the build-up of pore-water pressure was effectively represented by a logarithmic growth model. The liquefaction characteristics of sediment in the Yellow River Delta were more related to its plasticity index, mean particle size, and clay, silt, and sand contents, as well as the sedimentary history. These factors should be considered in the development of disaster assessment models in coastal environments of the Yellow River Delta.