Abstract
This study centers on analyzing the behavior of individual bridge piers subjected to the dynamic effects of flowing water. The investigation specifically targets the quantification of scour depths and the identification of key parameters that influence scour intensity around bridge-supporting piers. These parameters include pier diameter, variations in flow velocity, discharge rates, water depth, and the Froude number. To explore the influence of these variables, a physical model was constructed to simulate and measure scour depths around piers under controlled conditions. The findings reveal a direct correlation between these factors and the extent of scour in the underlying soil. The primary mechanism driving scour around piers is the formation of various types of vortices namely horseshoe, surface, wake, and local vortices which generate localized hydrodynamic forces. These forces dislodge and transport soil particles from the upstream face of the pier to downstream regions where the vortex-induced forces diminish, thereby causing sediment erosion and scour development.