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Methodology and Estimates of Scour at Selected Bridge Sites in Alaska

Water-Resources Investigations Report 2000-4151
By: , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri004151

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Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey estimated scour depths at 325 bridges in Alaska as part of a cooperative agreement with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. The department selected these sites from approximately 806 State-owned bridges as potentially susceptible to scour during extreme floods. Pier scour and contraction scour were computed for the selected bridges by using methods recommended by the Federal Highway Administration. The U.S. Geological Survey used a four-step procedure to estimate scour: (1) Compute magnitudes of the 100- and 500-year floods. (2) Determine cross-section geometry and hydraulic properties for each bridge site. (3) Compute the water-surface profile for the 100- and 500-year floods. (4) Compute contraction and pier scour. This procedure is unique because the cross sections were developed from existing data on file to make a quantitative estimate of scour. This screening method has the advantage of providing scour depths and bed elevations for comparison with bridge-foundation elevations without the time and expense of a field survey. Four examples of bridge-scour analyses are summarized in the appendix.

Suggested Citation

Heinrichs, T.A., Kennedy, B., Langley, D.E., Burrows, R.L., 2001, Methodology and Estimates of Scour at Selected Bridge Sites in Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 2000-4151, iii, 44 p. : ill., map ; 28 cm. , https://doi.org/10.3133/wri004151.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Methodology and Estimates of Scour at Selected Bridge Sites in Alaska
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 2000-4151
DOI 10.3133/wri004151
Year Published 2001
Language ENGLISH
Description iii, 44 p. : ill., map ; 28 cm.
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