Effects of Stream Scour on Structures
Credits: 4 PDH
PDH Course Description:
This course is based on a technical supplemental publication released by the USDA National Resources Conservation Service or (NRCS). It focuses on providing guidance and methodologies for calculating scour, which is the process of erosion and removal of sediment around structures caused by flowing water, such as bridges, culverts, or other hydraulic structures. Scour can undermine the stability of these structures, leading to potential failures and safety concerns.The course provides engineers, hydrologists, and other professionals involved in designing and evaluating hydraulic structures with the necessary tools and techniques to assess the scour potential and estimate the depth and dimensions of scour holes that may occur. It covers various aspects related to scour calculations, including the principles of scour, methods for determining scour depth, and recommended formulas and equations for scour analysis. Further highlighted, is the importance of site-specific data collection, including hydraulic and sediment data, to accurately assess scour potential. It also discusses the selection and application of appropriate scour equations based on different scenarios and site conditions.
Technical Supplement 14B serves as a valuable resource for professionals involved in hydraulic structure design, as it provides standardized procedures and methodologies to evaluate the scour phenomenon and make informed decisions regarding the safety and stability of such structures. It ensures that engineers and designers have access to reliable guidelines to effectively mitigate scour-related risks and ensure the longevity and performance of hydraulic structures.
Topics:
- Introduction to Scour Calcualtions
- Processes which cause scour
- Effects of stream types
- Scour computations for design
- Long-term bed elevation change
- Armoring, Equilibrium slope, Cohesive beds
- Armoring/slope reduction processes in sand, gravel, and coarser sediments
- Sediment continuity analysis
- complex approaches for long-term aggradation or degradation
- Live-bed contraction, and clear-water contraction scour
- General, bridge, bend, bedform scour processes
- Scour associated with structures
- Step-pool scour
- Grade control structures and weirs
- Structures that partially span the channel
- Example computations (sand-bed and gravel-bed reaches)
- Design features and measures to address scour
To take this course:
1.) Enroll in Course:Click below to enroll:
(must be logged into your user account)
Download the Study Guide
3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.
Take the final exam
4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.
Print the Certificate of Completion
Intended Audience: This course is intended primarily for riverine, hydraulic, civil, construction, and environmental engineers, though it may apply to any surveying and engineering professionals whose job description may require an intermediate knowledge of scour analysis.
Publication Source: USDA NRCS
Print the Certificate of Completion
Intended Audience: This course is intended primarily for riverine, hydraulic, civil, construction, and environmental engineers, though it may apply to any surveying and engineering professionals whose job description may require an intermediate knowledge of scour analysis.
Publication Source: USDA NRCS
Donald Parnell, PE