Numerical Simulation of Pier Scouring Applying a Eulerian Multi-Phase Model

Soil scouring occurs frequently due to water flowing around bridges piers and abutments. This investigation aims to simulate pier scouring process applying numerical approach. The CFD software package FLUENT is applied to model pier scouring. The Eulerian multi-phase model in FLUENT is used to simulate soil-water interaction. The numerical modeling results are compared with measured scours at the sites and common scour prediction methods including SRICOS, old and modified Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 18 (HEC - 18). Measured scour depths occurred at two bridge sites are also available to provide a comparison. Numerical scour predictions are in a reasonable agreement with old HEC - 18 method which is compatible for non-cohesive soil. The effects of various pier width and nose shape on scour were also investigated.