Submerged flow diversion structure as an effective countermeasure to protect bridge piers from scour

Pier-scour is a common cause of waterway bridges failure. In order to decrease the potential of bridge pier-scour failure, a triangular flow diversion structure hereafter referred as FDS, was optimised in this study, as an effective countermeasure against local scouring. An efficient statistical approach to experimental design, called Taguchi’s method, was employed to design the experimental program and reduce the number of experimental tests. This scientific method can be used to find the best values of the controllable factors with a minimum number of tests. According to Taguchi’s method, 25 tests were conducted to optimise the dimensions and the installation location of the proposed flow diversion structure. Besides, to compare the experimental results and to assess the effectiveness of FDS, the control and optimum tests were performed. In this study, an advanced technology of 3-D printer was employed to build accurate physical models of the pier and the flow diversion structures. To measure the topography of the scoured bed after each test, a precise 3-D scanner was used. The experiments were conducted in a steady flow and under clear water scour conditions. After achieving equilibrium conditions, the bed profile was measured and the volume of the scour hole determined for each experimental test. The results of these tests revealed the optimum dimensions of the proposed FDS and its best possible place of installation to achieve the maximum reduction in the pier-scour. In the optimum condition, around 40% of the maximum scour depth, and 60% of the scour volume were reduced. This structure can be suggested to be used in the real situation due to its low cost and easy installation procedure.

• Authors:
  • Ranjbar-Zahedani, M
  • Keshavarzi, A
  • Khabbaz, H
  • Ball, J E
• Conference:
  • Australian Small Bridges Conference, 9th, 2019, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia
• Publication Date: 2019-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 10p
• Monograph Title: 9th Australian Small Bridges Conference, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, 1-2 April 2019

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge piers; Bridges; Erosion; Flow; Statistical analysis; Water
• ATRI Terms: Bridge; Bridge pier; Erosion; Flow; Statistical analysis; Water
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Data and Information Technology;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01714760
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB Group Limited
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 26 2019 11:34AM