Numerical simulation of scour and flow field for different arrangements of two piers using SSIIM model

Abstract

Scour around bridge piers in the flow is an inevitable issue. In this study, the numerical model SSIIM was used to simulate both the flow field and scour pattern around side by side piers. Both k – ɛ and k – ω turbulence models were employed to solve the eddy viscosity of flow equations and their performances were evaluated. Temporal investigation of the higher accurate turbulence model were presented. Moreover, the model was skill-assessed for different pile spacing (G/D) in side by side piers and several angles of piers (α) in staggered arrangements and their numerical results were obtained. Although model was successful in reproducing the scour depth in front of piers for side by side piers, it overestimated the bed scour depth between the piles. Furthermore, in the staggered arrangements, the numerical model underestimated the scour depth in front piles while good agreements were achieved between the piers in different angles of attack.