Assessment of Methods of Riprap Size Selections as Scour Countermeasures at Bridge Abutments and Approach Embankments

Abstract

In flood season, abutment scour is one of the main causes of bridge damages or even bridge collapse resulting in the interruption of traffic and possibility death. The most commonly employed method of protecting bridge abutments against scour is the application of bank-armoring method. Riprap is the most common armoring scour protection method used at bridge abutments and approach embankment. The selection of riprap size is based on the assumption of riprap layer failure mechanisms. Despite the widespread use of riprap protection in Vietnam, the guidelines for its design at bridge abutments and approach embankment are based on limited research. This article presents assessment of methods of riprap size selections as scour countermeasures at bridge abutments and approach embankments and procedure of design guidelines for their uses.