Practical method for scour prediction at bridge piers

Abstract

A practical method is presented for prediction of local scour at bridge piers which is based on a comparison of many well known equations and supported by field data. This equation includes the effect of pier width and shape, angle of attack, approach flow velocity and depth, and bed configuration. The equation can also be used for several special conditions such as scour around exposed footings and pile caps located in the flow. A modification to this equation is proposed to extend the capability of the equation to consider the effect of bed material size.