Comparison of Observed and Predicted Abutment Scour at Selected Bridges in Maine
Scientific Investigations Report
2008-5099
Prepared in cooperation with the Maine Department of Transportation
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Abstract
Maximum abutment-scour depths predicted with five different methods were compared to maximum abutment-scour depths observed at 100 abutments at 50 bridge sites in Maine with a median bridge age of 66 years. Prediction methods included the Froehlich/Hire method, the Sturm method, and the Maryland method published in Federal Highway Administration Hydraulic Engineering Circular 18 (HEC-18); the Melville method; and envelope curves. No correlation was found between scour calculated using any of the prediction methods and observed scour. Abutment scour observed in the field ranged from 0 to 6.8 feet, with an average observed scour of less than 1.0 foot. Fifteen of the 50 bridge sites had no observable scour. Equations frequently overpredicted scour by an order of magnitude and in some cases by two orders of magnitude. The equations also underpredicted scour 4 to 14 percent of the time.
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Comparison of Observed and Predicted Abutment Scour at Selected Bridges in Maine |
| Series title | Scientific Investigations Report |
| Series number | 2008-5099 |
| DOI | 10.3133/sir20085099 |
| Edition | - |
| Year Published | 2008 |
| Language | ENGLISH |
| Publisher | Geological Survey (U.S.) |
| Contributing office(s) | Maine Water Science Center |
| Description | iv, 24 p. |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |