Analytical Studies of the Schoharie Bridge Failure

by P. F. Lagasse, Resource Consultants Inc, United States,
J. D. Schall, Resource Consultants Inc, United States,
D. M. Frick, Resource Consultants Inc, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Soil Properties Evaluation from Centrifugal Models and Field Performance

Abstract:

Analytical studies consisted of geomorphic, hydrologic, hydraulic, and erosion analyses including mathematical modeling with HEC-1 and WSPRO, the new FHWA water-surface profile model. Geomorphic analysis included evaluation of overall system response to changing land use, upstream dams and reservoirs, and downstream controls. Hydrologic analysis was completed to accurately quantify the flood hydrograph at the bridge site. Hydraulic analysis quantified information necessary for scour analyses at various discharge conditions. Results of the study indicated that local scour was the primary hydraulic factor contributing to the failure and that this scour had occurred in a cumulative manner during a number of larger floods.

Subject Headings: Failure analysis | Soil analysis | Scour | Highway bridges | Bridge failures | Hydraulics | Mathematical models | New York | United States

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