Scour Development Around an Oblong Bridge Pier: A Numerical and Experimental Study

The complex flow structure around bridge piers is challenging for both experimental and numerical studies. Therefore, investigating the capabilities of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools in resolving mechanism sediment entrainment into out scour hole remains a task. In this study, depth an oblong pier bed shear stress distributions time space were numerically investigated using tool Sediment Simulation Intakes with Multiblock option (SSIIM). Clear water conditions sand known granulometric composition considered accordance study carried out. Laboratory data results characterization 0.11 m wide to calibrate validate model. averaged form Navier–Stokes equations was simulate turbulent fields anticipation long scales. show that calibrated models can reproduce measured depths laboratory environment considerable accuracy, average relative error less than 3%, especially piers.