A Critical Evaluation of Bridge Scour for Michigan Specific Conditions

A Critical Evaluation of Bridge Scour for Michigan Specific Conditions

Project Goals

  • The objective of this research is to improve the MDOT bridge scour prediction capability.  This will be accomplished by calibrating and/or modifying level 2 (HEC-18) scour prediction equations for Michigan specific conditions.
  • The research plan consists of:
  • Literature Review
  • Evaluate MDOT’s Current Scour Evaluation Procedures
  • Review Scour Evaluation Methods Utilized by Other States
  • Calibrate Level 2 (HEC-18) Scour Prediction Equations for Michigan Specific Conditions

    A Critical Evaluation of Bridge Scour for Michigan Specific Conditions
    A Critical Evaluation of Bridge Scour for Michigan Specific Conditions

Criteria for Selection

  • Bridges on the Scour Critical List – State and County Trunk lines
  • Location
    •   spread through multiple watersheds
    •   access and ease of monitoring
    •   proximity to flow data
  • Soil Conditions – cohesive
  • Presence of scour counter measures

Selected Sites

  • Bay Region = 3 Locations
  • Bad River @ M-52
  • Flint River @ M-15
  • Pine River @ Lumberjack Road
  • Grand Region = 2 Locations
  • Rogue River @ US-131
  • Rogue River @ Edgerton Road

Instrumentation

  • Continuous Monitoring
  • Episodic Monitoring
  • Scour Chains
  • Jet Scour