Flow-Field Complexity and Design Estimation of Pier-Scour Depth: Sixty Years since Laursen and Toch
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 143, Issue 9
Abstract
This paper, written to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, presents a structured, contemporary approach to scour-depth estimation that matches design method practicality to pier flow-field complexity. The approach involves a mix of semiempirical formulation, advanced experimentation aided by new instruments, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Highly useful for understanding complex pier flow fields, CFD holds patent promise for substantial use in design estimation of scour depth. Presently, however, CFD’s limited ability to simulate erosion and scour at a pier foundation hampers CFD’s practicality for design estimation of pier-scour depth. The writers reflect back 60 years when Laursen and Toch’s milestone publication provided major insights into pier scour, and when the hot-film anemometer first became available for investigating complex flow fields. Sixty years ago, pier flow fields were thought too complex to measure, or even visualize. The writers indicate where, today, further research into pier flow fields would benefit design estimation of scour depth.
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Acknowledgments
This paper is partially based on an extensive review conducted as Project 24-27(1) of the U.S. Transportation Research Board’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program, which has funded much of the bridge-related research in the United States during the last 55 years. NCHRP kindly permitted the writers to use in this paper some of the figures, tables, and brief descriptions used in the writers’ report for the project mentioned. The writers thank NCHRP and the paper’s reviewers, whose suggestions enhanced the paper.
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Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 143 • Issue 9 • September 2017
Copyright
©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 28, 2016
Accepted: Feb 21, 2017
Published online: Jun 10, 2017
Published in print: Sep 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Nov 10, 2017
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