Development of design guidelines for protection against erosion at bridge piers of rectangular cross section and estimating effects of pressurized flow on erosion potential

Bridge piers are vulnerable to severe erosion (scour) during high-flow and flooding conditions, which can compromise structural stability and, in extreme cases, lead to bridge failure. Existing riprap design methodologies used to protect bridge piers have limitations, particularly for rectangular piers and for conditions in which bridge decks become submerged and flow transitions from open channel to pressurized regimes. Inadequate riprap sizing under such conditions increases risk of structural distress, traffic interruption, and potential safety hazards. This project develops improved design guidelines for riprap protection at rectangular bridge piers under both open channel and pressurized flow conditions. Using validated three-dimensional numerical simulations, the research will quantify how pier geometry, aspect ratio, angle of attack, and flow regime influence critical shear stress and the Froude number associated with stone failure. The project will propose a multi-parameter riprap sizing formula applicable to a broader range of geometrical and hydraulic conditions, including overtopping scenarios. Recommendations will be provided for adapting existing HEC-18 methodologies to account for pressurized flow conditions at bridge sites.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $147,756.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348307

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Mid-America Transportation Center

  University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  2200 Vine Street, PO Box 830851
  Lincoln, NE  United States  68583-0851
• Project Managers:

  Bruner, Britain

• Performing Organizations:

  University of Iowa, Iowa City

  National Advanced Driving Simulator, 2401 Oakdale Blvd
  Iowa City, IA  United States  52242-5003
• Principal Investigators:

  Constantinescu, George

• Start Date: 20260601
• Expected Completion Date: 20270531
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge design; Bridge engineering; Bridge piers; Riprap; Scour; Simulation
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01989955
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Mid-America Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348307
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: May 23 2026 5:39PM