Mapping scour depth around group bridge pier under controlled conditions

Abstract

As a destructive process, scouring exposes bridge foundations to failure and disastrous consequences. Control structures of various arrangements are capable to change and manage the adverse effects. This paper aims to investigate the effect of submerged vanes of a quasi-triangular arrangement (of heights 0, 4, and 6 cm), eppi, and sills (of height 4.5 and 9 cm) on scour development. All tests were executed in a rectangular slope-less flume covered with sediments of D50=1.8 mm. Temporal and equilibrium scour depth were mapped for Froud numbers: 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, and 0.6. Results clarified the aggregate effect of the eppies on the scour depth due to section contraction. Submerged vanes and sill were set up to deteriorate sediment transport. Although the vane of height 4 cm had the most superior performance, but the sill installation of height 4.5 cm greatly increased vane's effect, so that a remarkable reduction of scour was occurred at the first pier foundation.

Keywords

• sediment transport
• control structures
• scouring
• bridge pier