Local scour at bridge abutments

Abstract EN

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of local scour at bridge abutment models of three common shapes placed in labo- ratory Hume with uniform sand with < / 5ll = 0.775 mm.

The maximum scour depths and extent of scour were determined corresponding to clear water con- ditions.

For design purposes, a general nondimensional equation for clear water scour prediction is proposed.

The equation addresses all the important variables in terms of shape and size of abutment, sediment and flow character- isties.

The equation was verified with the present experimental data as well as with the data obtained by previous investigators under comparable conditions.