Scour Evaluation of Bridge 2487 in Cayey, Puerto Rico

Abstract

Abstract - Scour at bridges should be monitored constantly using proper procedures in order to secure the safety of the public. According to The US Department of Transportation the most common cause of bridge failures is from floods scouring bed material from around bridge foundations. Bridge 2487 in Cayey, PR was analyzed in order to understand better how scour affects a bridge. Laboratory tests were conducted on bulk samples collected at the bridges general areas and later classified. This and other information gathered along the bridge was used to conduct a hydraulic and scour model to find out the potential for scouring along the bridge. A potential scour depth of 2.91 meters was calculated using the HEC-RAS (Hydrologic Engineering Center-River Analysis System) computer program. With this information proper countermeasures were elected in order to prevent further scouring along the studied area. Key Terms - Bulk Samples, Countermeasures, HEC-RAS, Scour.