Comparative study between Chinese code and US code on calculation of local scour depth around bridge piers

Aimed at Chinese and US calculation formulas of local scour depth around bridge piers, considering the influences of dimensional consistency principle, hydraulics meaning and variable parameters on scour depth, a comparative study between Chinese code and US code on calculation of local scour depth around bridge piers was conducted. Meanwhile, two real bridge piers were selected to calculate local scour depth around bridge piers and calculation results were compared. The results show that compared with US code, Chinese code on scour calculation shows strong empirical and some deficiencies on dimensional consistency, hydraulics meaning and parameters of scour influence, and does not consider the effect of accumulation floating debris on local scour around bridge piers. Moreover, when calculationg local scour depth around real bridge piers, the calculation results are smaller. US code simplifies scour calculation with fewer variables and clear scour concept, which helps to be easily adopted in engineering application. © 2016, Editorial Department of China Journal of Highway and Transport. All right reserved.