Bridge Scour Publications
Science Center Objects
Publications about North and South Dakota bridge scour.
Estimation of potential scour at bridges on local government roads in South Dakota, 2009-12
In 2009, the U.S. Geological Survey and South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) began a study to estimate potential scour at selected bridges on local government (county, township, and municipal) roads in South Dakota. A rapid scour-estimation method (level-1.5) and a more detailed method (level-2) were used to develop estimates of...
Thompson, Ryan F.; Wattier, Chelsea M.; Liggett, Richard R.; Truax, Ryan A.
Estimation of potential bridge scour at bridges on state routes in South Dakota, 2003-07
Flowing water can erode (scour) soils and cause structural failure of a bridge by exposing or undermining bridge foundations (abutments and piers). A rapid scour-estimation technique, known as the level-1.5 method and developed by the U.S. Geological Survey, was used to evaluate potential scour at bridges in South Dakota in a study conducted in...
Thompson, Ryan F.; Fosness, Ryan L.
Estimated and measured bridge scour at selected sites in North Dakota, 1990-97
A Level 2 bridge scour method was used to estimate scour depths at 36 selected bridge sites located on the primary road system throughout North Dakota. Of the 36 bridge sites analyzed, the North Dakota Department of Transportation rated 15 as scour critical. Flood and scour data were collected at 19 of the 36 selected bridge sites during 1990-97....
Williams-Sether, Tara
Scour assessments and sediment-transport simulation for selected bridge sites in South Dakota
Scour at bridges is a major concern in the design of new bridges and in the evaluation of structural stability of existing bridges. Equations for estimating pier, contraction, and abutment scour have been developed from numerous laboratory studies using sand-bed flumes, but little verification of these scour equations has been done for actual...
Niehus, C.A.