LOCAL SCOUR VARIATION AT PARALLEL BRIDGES A CASE STUDY ON GOLAGHATI BRIDGE, TRIPURA, INDIA

B. DALAL, B. ACHOUR

Abstract


Bridge pier scour poses a significant risk to hydraulic infrastructure, often leading to structural instability and failure. This study presents a comprehensive numerical simulation of local scour around bridge piers in the Wardha River using the HEC-RAS (Hydrologic Engineering Center's River Analysis System) model. The research aims to evaluate the scour depth under varying hydrodynamic conditions by simulating both historical and design flood events. A detailed geometric model of the study reach was developed, incorporating bathymetric and hydraulic data. The model was calibrated and validated using observed water surface elevations and discharge measurements. Results indicate a strong correlation between discharge magnitude and scour depth, with peak scouring occurring during high-flow regimes. A parametric analysis revealed the influence of pier geometry, flow velocity, and sediment characteristics on scour formation. The findings underscore the utility of HEC-RAS in predicting localized scour and demonstrate its applicability in river engineering and bridge design. This work contributes to improved flood risk management and safer hydraulic infrastructure planning.


Keywords


Local scour, Parallel bridges, Burima River, HEC-RAS model

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