A Reassessment of Contraction Scour at Bridge Waterways
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 148, Issue 12
Abstract
This technical note reassesses the prevailing understanding of lateral-contraction scour at bridge waterways. Herein, lateral contraction (or simply contraction) implies a reduction of flow width. Nonuniform flow to and along a channel contraction, the formation of a vena contracta within a contraction’s entrance, and complexities in alluvial bed dynamics to and along a contraction serve to complicate estimation of contraction scour depth. The reassessment uses data from flume experiments and explains that the aforementioned complexities invalidate the commonly assumed concept of long-contraction scour. These considerations cause trends in the depth of contraction scour, especially live-bed scour, to deviate from the trends suggested by common guidelines. Consequently, this note suggests adjustments to the standard equations, but it also suggests flow in alluvial, open-channel contractions requires further investigation. Also, this note briefly discusses the practical implications of the reassessment.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The flume experiment portion of this study was done as part of NCHRP Project 24-47, Reanalysis of Clear-Water and Live-Bed Contraction Scour. The lead Ayres engineer for the project was Dr. Pete Lagasse of Ayres Associates, to whom the authors extend their thanks.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 148 • Issue 12 • December 2022
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 13, 2021
Accepted: Aug 4, 2022
Published online: Sep 26, 2022
Published in print: Dec 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Feb 26, 2023
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Alluvial channels
- Bridge engineering
- Bridges
- Channels (waterway)
- Flow (fluid dynamics)
- Fluid dynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Hydraulic contraction
- Hydraulic engineering
- Hydraulic properties
- Hydraulic structures
- Hydraulics
- Hydrologic engineering
- Nonuniform flow
- River and stream beds
- River engineering
- Rivers and streams
- Scour
- Structural engineering
- Water and water resources
- Waterways
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