Abstract
Cnoidal wave theory perfectly describes nearshore wave characteristics. However, cnoidal wave theory is not widely applied in practical engineering because the formula for the wave profile involves a complex Jacobian elliptic function. In this paper, the approximate cnoidal wave theory is presented. Based on the Biot consolidation theory and the approximate cnoidal wave theory, an analytical solution for the pore water pressure around buried pipelines caused by waves is derived. In addition, based on the principle of effective stress, a theory of soil liquefaction around pipelines is proposed. The theoretical results were virtually identical to the results obtained in a practical flume test. Thus, the analytical method proposed in this paper is feasible. Further, the theory is applied to analyze the instantaneous liquefaction of the seabed around buried pipelines and the stability of the pipeline in the Chengdao oilfield.