Pier scour in clear water for sediment mixtures

Junke Guo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

The current pier scour design in the USA is mainly based on the CSU equation, yet a recent incisive evaluation indicates a need to change it because substantial advances were made in the last two decades for understanding the pier scour processes. The objective of this research is then to propose a simplified scour mechanism and a physically-based scour depth equation for practical design purposes. A critical review on selected previous studies is first made to form the basis of this research. A simplified scour mechanism is next proposed in terms of the pressure gradient through flow-structure, flow-sediment and sediment-structure interactions. A hypothesis on the equilibrium scour depth equation is then proposed based on the understanding of the scour mechanism and tested by flume data. Finally, the proposed scour depth equation provides a criterion and a rule of thumb for scour design and evaluation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)18-27
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Hydraulic Research
Volume50
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2012

Keywords

  • Bridge scour
  • CSU equation
  • Hager number
  • pier scour
  • sediment mixture

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Water Science and Technology

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