Scour at bridges and other hydraulic structures manual

This updated manual reflects significant advances in the understanding of scour through research and improved experience and practices.

• From: Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Research and Development Programme and Environment Agency
• Published: 23 February 2021

• Category: Whole life asset management
• Topics: Alternative construction materials, Asset maintenance, Asset monitoring, Asset performance and Design and build
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  Deterioration, Health, safety and wellbeing, and Resilient infrastructure
• Project status: Completed
• Project code: SC120081
• Date of completion: 31 March 2015

Documents

External link: Manual on scour at bridges and other hydraulic structures

Details

Background

Structures built in or near rivers and other channels can be vulnerable to scour around their foundations. If the depth of scour becomes significant, the stability of the foundations may be put at risk. This may damage the structure and cause failure.

The factors affecting scour are complex and they differ depending on the type of structure. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events over the past 10 years has highlighted the vulnerability of older infrastructure assets. It has also highlighted that the design basis for more newly constructed works may not be as robust as intended.

Approach

This second edition of the 2002 manual (‘Manual on scour at bridges and other hydraulic structures’) reflects significant advances in the understanding of scour through research and improved experience and practices. Emphasis has been placed on providing specific guidance within the contexts, regulations and legislation of England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. The manual is relevant to scour problems affecting new and existing structures in the UK and worldwide.

This project ran from 2013 to 2015.

Published 23 February 2021