Scaling of transient wave–soil interaction problems

Within the framework of compressible multi‐phase flow through deformable porous media, wave–soil interactions in the near‐shore region during wave runup and drawdown are modeled. Critical non‐dimensional parameters governing the interaction processes are identified. Within the context of wave basin and centrifuge wave tank facilities, we propose scaling relations for the experimental investigations of the transient and steady‐state responses of wave–soil systems. Numerical simulations are conducted to illustrate and confirm the theoretical and scaling analyses. Based on the simulations results, the implications on the design of experiments and interpretation of results are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.