In-Depth Scour Evaluations for Bridges in Pennsylvania

by Erez Sela, Parsons Brinckerhoff Inc, West Trenton, United States,
George R. Oliger, Parsons Brinckerhoff Inc, West Trenton, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

The scour evaluations described herein have been prepared for the Pennsylvania Turnpike bridge crossing the Unami Creek, the first bridge studied in a series of nineteen major Turnpike bridges. These evaluations have been prepared as a part of one of the first known bridge scour evaluation programs to be implemented by the highway authorities in Pennsylvania. The scour evaluations for this bridge were based on the Federal Highway Administration's HEC-18 methodology. The depth of scour resulting from these evaluations appear to be overpredicted, as was also concluded from previous research prepared by Penn State University. The overpredicted scour depths are also in part attributed to the lack of soil gradation curves. Recommendations for pier and abutment protection using riprap were provided. The potential cost saving that would result from the preparation of soil gradation curves analyses and down-scaling the design of protection is being now debated and will be discussed at this conference. The results of these evaluations and recommendations will be useful to highway authorities and engineers.

Subject Headings: Highway bridges | Bridge tests | Scour | Bridge abutments | Maintenance and operation | Bridge management | Bridge engineering | Pennsylvania | United States

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