Two-Dimensional Hydraulic and Scour Modeling of Existing and Original Bridges at I-35 and Cimarron River

This study calculates maximum potential scour of the existing bridge structures at the Interstate-35 and Cimarron River crossing and the previous structures that were damaged by a flood in 1986. The complexity of the site merits a two-dimensional analysis using the FESWMS-2DH computer model. FESWMS-2DH uses the Galerkin finite element method to calculate the depth averaged velocities and water surface elevations in a two dimensional plane. The use of the program is simplified by using SMS, developed by Brigham Young University, to provide a graphical environment to input data and view the output. From this analysis the maximum potential scour for the structures may be calculated. The results from this study are compared to determine if the design of the existing structures reduced the maximum potential scour at the structures and validate the changes made to the Interstate-35 river crossing. The results may also be used to further validate the use of FESWMS-2DH and SMS for the hydraulic modeling of bridges.