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Experimental Investigation of Local Scour Around Inclined Bridge Piers on Clay-Sand Mixed Cohesive Sediment Bed in Clear-Water Conditions

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Abstract

A few investigations on clear water local scour around vertical bridge piers on clay-sand mixed (cohesive sediment) beds are found in the literature. However, no research has been reported on local scour around inclined bridge piers for clay-sand mixed cohesive beds. This research work was carried out to investigate the impact of dual inclined bridge piers (convergent-vertical piers) on maximum scour depth installed in flow direction on four beds containing different clay contents from 20–80% with sand. Three different pier shapes of different cross sections were tested (circular, rectangular & diamond) in each case. The effect of inclination (0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°) with the vertical on the same beds was analyzed and discussed. The results revealed a considerable reduction in maximum scour depth with inclined bridge piers in comparison with vertical bridge piers. The least scour depth was observed around 10° inclination for rectangular and circular shaped sections and 5° for diamond bridge pier. On average 53.25%, 57.25%, and 72% reduction in scour depth was observed for inclined rectangular, diamond, and circular bridge piers respectively as compared to the vertical bridge piers. The circular bridge pier proved the most effective inclined pier, exhibiting the least scour depth among the three pier shapes. Furthermore, no equation was found in the literature to predict the maximum scour depth around inclined bridge piers on clay-sand mixed beds, so three non-linear regression-based equations for three different upstream collinear piers as a function of clay content percentage and inclination were predicted which reasonably described the experimental data.

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Funding

The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan

    Qadeer Ahmad & Usman Ghani

Authors
  1. Qadeer Ahmad
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  2. Usman Ghani
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Contributions

The research, as indicated by its title, presents a novel contribution to the field. The co-author (Engr. Qadeer Ahmad) defended the proposal title, securing approval for its continuation as an innovative study. The author (Usman Ghani), a seasoned PhD supervisor, provided invaluable expertise, offering guidance and technical support in material selection and the preparation of pier shapes according to literature specifications. During the experimental phase, the author played a pivotal role in establishing optimal conditions in the hydraulics laboratory of the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Engineering and Technology Taxila, Pakistan. The author meticulously inspected each experiment both before commencement and upon completion, ensuring clarity and addressing any issues promptly. Experiment initiation was contingent upon the author's inspection, and any discrepancies encountered during experimentation were swiftly resolved. The co-author undertook data analysis and statistical procedures, subsequently engaging in discussions with the author to address any discrepancies observed. The manuscript's composition, including the integration of graphs and tables, adhered to submission guidelines under the author's guidance. The author demonstrated a dedicated commitment to addressing feedback from esteemed reviewers, with the co-author diligently implementing revisions as suggested. After thorough review and modification, the manuscript was resubmitted with the author's approval. Overall, I express gratitude for the author's unwavering dedication and support throughout this endeavor.

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Correspondence to Qadeer Ahmad.

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The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. All co-authors have seen and agree with the contents of the manuscript and there is no financial interest to report. We certify that the submission is original work and is not under review at any other publication.

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Ahmad, Q., Ghani, U. Experimental Investigation of Local Scour Around Inclined Bridge Piers on Clay-Sand Mixed Cohesive Sediment Bed in Clear-Water Conditions. Iran J Sci Technol Trans Civ Eng (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40996-024-01529-z

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