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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 18-27 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of Hydraulic Research |
Volume | 50 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 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