Methods for monitoring scour from large-diameter heat probe tests

Scour is the main cause of bridge failures. Monitoring of bridge scour is an essential method to control the damages caused by flood events. In this study, a large-scale tube consisting of heating and temperature-sensing elements was developed, and its application for detecting saturated soil and water was analyzed. Laboratory experiments confirmed the applicability of the thermal sensor for scour-monitoring purposes. Three methods are proposed in this article for analyzing the data obtained from a heat probe. A linear relationship between temperature increase from the initial to the secondary time and heat production in the probe was observed, and a line that can be used to determine scour was introduced. This method is simple and can be used for low-cost, large-diameter heat probes that are easy to fabricate

The effect of non-dimensional parameters of a circular collar on percentage reduction; a) Ac/A_T b) Z/D.

<p>The effect of non-dimensional parameters of a circular collar on percentage reduction; a) Ac/A_T b) Z/D.</p

Comparison of measured and predicted values for a) a circular collar and b) a rectangular collar.

<p>Comparison of measured and predicted values for a) a circular collar and b) a rectangular collar.</p

Longitudinal profiles of the bed changes around the bridge pier with the rectangular collars: a) W/D = 2, b) W/D = 2.5, c) W/D = 3, d) W/D = 3.5 (scale, 1∶5).

<p>Longitudinal profiles of the bed changes around the bridge pier with the rectangular collars: a) W/D = 2, b) W/D = 2.5, c) W/D = 3, d) W/D = 3.5 (scale, 1∶5).</p

Flow and scour pattern around a cylindrical pier.

<p>Flow and scour pattern around a cylindrical pier.</p

Schematic view of the experimental flume and single bridge pier.

<p>Schematic view of the experimental flume and single bridge pier.</p

Comparison of the performances of the circular and the rectangular collars.

<p>Comparison of the performances of the circular and the rectangular collars.</p

Two developed grids in SSIIM 2.0 grid editor for a single bridge pier.

<p>Two developed grids in SSIIM 2.0 grid editor for a single bridge pier.</p