Review of Research Methods and Prediction Models for Local Scour of Bridges_Vol. 2 No. 4 (JCTE 2025)_Journal of Civil and Transportation Engineering (ISSN: 3005-5695)

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Review of Research Methods and Prediction Models for Local Scour of Bridges

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jcte.202506404

Author(s)

Bin Chen1, Yuxuan Ding2, Chengquan Wang1,*, Xiangjun Yan3, Jianwei Wang3

Affiliation(s)

1Department of Civil Engineering, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China 2College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, Guangxi, China 3Hangzhou Municipal Facilities Management Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

Bridges, key transportation infrastructure, face severe local scour threats to safe operation; statistics show hydrological factors cause 46.69% of bridge collapses, with scour contributing 31.53%-far more than floods or collisions. This paper systematically sorts out the core research on bridge local scour: it analyzes scour’s nature via flow-pier interaction and sediment transport, identifying key drivers like stagnation points and vortices; quantitatively examines four influencing factors-flow, sediment, piers, protective devices-and clarifies parameter regulation on scour depth with experimental data; compares three research methods-in-situ tests, flume tests, numerical simulations-and their applicability in complex scenarios; reviews scour depth prediction models for unprotected piers and compares formula accuracy via engineering cases. Finally, it notes issues-insufficient combined protective device research, inadequate flow field analysis, limited models-and proposes directions-multi-device synergistic optimization, CFD-AI modeling, intelligent monitoring. The paper offers theoretical support and engineering reference for bridge foundation design optimization, scour protection implementation and long-term health maintenance.

Keywords

Local Scour of Bridges; Scour Mechanism; Influencing Factors; Research Methods; Scour Depth Prediction Models; Pier Protective Devices

References

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