Local scour around bridge piers a study of its effects around cylindrical pier groups

Abstract

Laboratory experiments were conducted to measure local scour around cylindrical piers in different arrangements. Also experimental data was compiled for each arrangement to develop semi-empirical equations by means of statistical analyses. The methodology of Salim & Jones (1996) was tested with the experimental data and a new equation to predict scouring in pile groups is proposed. Finally the goodness of piers with slot is verified as a mechanism to minimise the scouring phenomenon.