Methods to detect and measure scour around bridge foundations

Abstract

Bridges are indispensable structures vital to the operation of road and rail transportation networks. Crossing rivers and artificial waterways, however, presents a risk to their foundations due to scour actions. Scour is the number one cause for bridge failures and may occur beneath any bridge, large or small, with supports located within the waterway. This paper provides a summary of present scour detection and measurement equipment and associated assessment methodologies. In this regard, particular emphasis is placed on structural health monitoring better to evaluate the presence and influence of potential scour. A Sensitivity Analysis on a newly introduced monitoring system is also assumed. Furthermore, much research has been undertaken to create a technology that can instantly identify and detect bridge scour, improving survey reliability through prior inspection and prompt intervention. This research will explore and evaluate bridge scour detection methods employed and suggest a possible path for developing the detection system to identify scour depth effectively and efficiently. Finally, our key aim is to minimize human effort in identifying and bridge scour by using a quick, easy-to-use, cost-effective process, resulting in fewer injuries and economic savings.