A STUDY OF SCOUR AROUND AL-KUFA BRIDGE PIERS

Abstract

Bridge pier scouring is a significant problem in the safety estimation of bridges. This research is carried out to study the local scour around the piers of Al-Kufa bridge ,and to estimate the effect of the spacing between the piers on the depth of equilibrium scour . Dimensional analysis technique was used ,and from the collected data filed measurements ,an empirical formula was derived .I has been found that the predicated scour depth from the formula compares well with the observed values . It was found that no mutual influence on maximum scour depth occurs for spacing ratio in Al-Kufa bridge piers , and the scour depth in the middle pier is greater than the others . The study showed that the piers of Al-Kufa bridge is safe against scouring in the present time , However the scour around the piers should be main laned when the hydraulic conditions is change in the location of the bridge.