Uni‐axial wave propagation and pore pressure generation in fluid saturated sands exhibiting irreversible compaction

The propagation of a plane load–unload pulse through a compacting sand is analysed and illustrated for both dry sand and liquid saturated sand in undrained conditions. A major feature is the interaction between the initial loading wave and the faster following unloading wave. Free draining and undrained conditions exhibit distinct qualitative and quantitative results, and the pore liquid pressure generation is a significant physical feature. Illustrations show the effects of different applied surface pulse shapes. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.