Objective: Three-dimensional characterization of the scour cavity geometry development around a complex bridge pier

A set of 15 experiments were performed in a 32.2 m long and 1 m wide recirculation flume, located in the Hydraulics Laboratory of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP). Longitudinal view of the experimental setup (dimensions in meters):

- Glass side-walls: to enable the visualization of the flow;

- Sediment boxes: sand pit (complex pier was installed) and sand trap (eroded sediments were retained).

Geometric charcateristics and position relative to the initial riverbed of the complex pier (dimensions in meters):

- Pier components:

• Column: acrylic glass
• Pile cap: acrylic glass
• 4 Cylindrical piles foundation: PVC material

• Gradation coefficient: σd = 1.4
• Median diameter: D50 = 0.86 mm
• Sand density: ρ = 2650 kg/m3

• Flow depth: h = 0.18 m
• Inflow discharge: Q = 0.059 m3/s
• Approach flow velocity: u = 97% uc (0.327 m/s)

• Measurement of the scour depths at different positions:
  • at the pile cap front (by means of a limnimeter);
  • at each individual pile foundation (by reading off the scale attached).
• Spatial characterization of the scour cavity geometry: by means of close-range photogrammetry.

- Photogrammetric apparatus in the laboratory:

• Limnimeter measurement point (cross);

• Ground control points (circles);

• Camera captures (squares).

• Bed profiles along the centerline of the complex pier: bed_profiles.7z
• Digital Elevation models (DEM) of the scour cavity: dem_xyz.7z
• End experiment (11 days): Scour depth evolution at the pile cap front and at the piles front:scour_depths_t.7z
• Relation between maximum scour depth and volume rates to the end experiment: v_ve_t_te_ds_dse.7z
• Cavity's volume scour rate time evolution: v_ve_t_te_ds_dse.7z