Scour hole characteristics of two unequal size bridge piers in tandem arrangement

Abstract

The work reported herein is concerned with a carefully controlled extensive experimental investigation of the effect of mutual interference of a group of two bridge piers of unequal sizes placed in tandem arrangement at varied pier spacing under steady, uniform flow clear water scour conditions on scour hole characteristics. The data on various characteristics of scour holes developed around the piers are collected and analyzed. Present study reveals considerable mutual interference effect on scour hole characteristics which may lead to bridge failure, if pier group effect is ignored and bridge piers are designed merely as an isolated pier.

Keywords:

• local scour
• bridge pier
• pier spacing
• scour hole
• experimental