Smart Scour Countermeasures
Project Information
Project ID:
FHWA-PROJ-11-0103
Project Abstract:
Bridge pier scour is a major concern; it is a dynamic phenomenon that varies with water depth and angle of flow, pier shape and width, and other factors. If scour at a pier can affect the stability of a bridge, countermeasures to protect the pier should be considered. The current design philosophy in the hydraulic engineering circular no. 18 (HEC-18) to estimate scour at bridge piers does not recommend using countermeasures to protect the pier as part of the design. The reason for this approach is that important data to evaluate the performance of countermeasures on a continuing basis is missing.
Comprehensive data on monitoring the performance of scour countermeasures for pier protection is needed before a change in design philosophy can be considered. Current policy in the United States considers riprap placed at bridge piers to be only a temporary countermeasure against pier scour. Federal guidance requires that riprap placed at bridge piers be monitored periodically by visual inspection or by fixed instruments. This policy stems from the challenge in adequate sizing of riprap to withstand the turbulence and hydraulic stress generated in the vicinity of a bridge pier under flood-flow conditions. Therefore, the use of smart countermeasure can increase the confidence of using countermeasure around bridge piers as well as abutments.
Goals
The key project objective of this research is to start developing comprehensive data to assess the long-term performance of scour countermeasures for bridge foundation protection.
Research HUB ID:
7659
Project Status:
Completed
Project Funding Amount (Contract Award Amount):
$241,010.00
Start Date:
End Date:
Public Access Plan:
No
Laboratory:
Grant/Contract ID:
- DTFH61-11-D-01010
FHWA Program Area:
- Infrastructure
Fiscal Year / AMRP Program / AMRP Activity:
- FY 2002-2022 / Infrastructure / Geotechnical and Hydraulics
AMRP = Annual Modal Research Plan
Contact Information
First Name:
Frank
Last Name:
Jalinoos
Phone Number:
(202) 493-3082
Email Address:
Team:
Long-Term Infrastructure Performance Team
Office:
Office of Infrastructure Research and Development
Office Code:
HRDI-30
Management Organizations
Sponsor Organization
Organization Role:
Sponsor Organization
Organization:
Federal Highway Administration: Office of Research, Development, and Technology - Office of Infrastructure Research and Development
Contact Role:
Project Lead
Contact:
Managing Organization
Organization Role:
Project Managing Organization
Organization:
Federal Highway Administration: Office of Research, Development, and Technology - Office of Infrastructure Research and Development
Contact Role:
Project Contact
Contact:
Performing Organization
Organization Role:
Performing Organization
Organization:
Federal Highway Administration: Office of Research, Development, and Technology - Office of Infrastructure Research and Development
Contact Role:
Project Contact
Contact: