Scour Prediction Model at Bridge Abutments

A model to predict local abutment scour is presented. The model is based on a large number of laboratory experiments over the past half century. The dependent variable, a ratio that includes local scour depth, is scaled with the contraction scour depth. Independent variate ratios are the approach Froude number, a conveyance ratio and a scaled nonlinear function of depth, width of abutment in the direction of flow and particle size. The model has a low standard error mainly attributed to measurement errors and its predictions need little, if any, safety factor adjustment.