State-of-the-art of Pier Scour Prediction for Design Application

Scour at bridge pier is a complicated three-dimensional problem involving interaction of fluld force on movable aid nonuniformily distributed sand grains. Although several analytical solution approaches, experimental research and field investigations for scout at piers have been conducted, no comprehensive and universally acceptable solution is so far available. Even though many methods and equations for predicting scour at piers are available in the literature, hydraulic and/or bridge design engineers are often at a loss over which method or equation is applicable for the specific bridge sites. To provide better understanding about scour phenomena and better predicting of scour at piers, intensive research is conducted through comprehensive review of published literature. Based on the research the state-of-the-art of pier scour prediction for design application is provided as a design guide for practicing engineers in this field. Recommendations for applying aggradation and degradation, contraction scour, and local scour prediction methods or equations are suggested. It is hoped that this paper may provide good information for the prediction of scour at piers.