Pap*r Nc.

I
I

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5SS

..SilOLIR gft SSULtr}ERV EgE}

FR{}i)* Str* F SR&Lit,4*" -

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By

I
I
I
I
I

R.K. DHruaNE

CONTENTS

ntroduction
iicour Around Bridge Pier

5C*

cour 3p gyg1r,.,i e.*,,

ilrese iit Practice for Determination of Maxirnum
Scour Around Piers
iled Material Characteristics of Bculdery Bed and
inter Rslated Factor for Scour
ljcour Oi:servations and Interpretation of Data Case Studies
Ilerivation of Farmu!a to Determine Scour Depth in
Bouldery Bed
f{ecorcmendations anci Conci usion

in?

l.

Ii

6.
7.
a
().

1'"

r}

5{i.4

<'!r-,|

J-IL'

52i
{?<

ABSTRACT
Bouldery beci basically consists of bed material of differeni size and shape ancl oi
ncn uniform stratification. Scour around bridge piers is gavernri by the bed rnateriai
around its vicinity and flolv conditions. Extreme care need to be exerciseri to estabiisii
maxirnum sccur depth to prevent undermining ciuring servic* life ci the bridge.
Estirnation of scour fbr bridge pier iocaied irr bouldery bed has been a chailenge fgr
bridge engineers. Consiruction of foundations has many times led to a time and cosi
overrun. as there is no empiricallralional f,ormula availabie to establish the same. Effbrts
havc becn made to cclh'ci the data of briciges aiready ccnstructed in bouidery bed anci
thi:ir be iraviour has been t-rbserved. Based on data coilection and analysis, an empirical
rclation i:as becn deve lcped to co-relate the scour rvith velocity in the cross section of
the rivci' and an atten:pt to develop fcrmuia in this type of strata has been made in
lhis papcr"
o

lVriitcn commenis trn this Paper are ii^rvited and will be received up to 3 ist December
2{t*4
s llcputy {icr,eral lvia-::ager {P) Zaranj, Care F{Q DGBR, Seema Sadak Bharvan,
Delhi Cantt-110 CIC

Dnttttrrx ox

500

1. INTRODUCTION

Stability of bridge foundation is dependent on scouring of river bed near

its vicinity. Extreme care should be exercised to establish foundations at
sufficient depths to prevent its undermining. Economy of bridge foundations
depend upon the degree of certainty with u'hich the scour is assessed. Estimation
of scour and foundation depth in rivers having bouldery beds pose a real challenge
to the bridge engineers as no method is presently available for prediction of
scour in such cases. Such uncertainty often leads to not only uneconomical bridge
foundation designs but also to expensive river training works and counterlneasures. In the absence of a rational formula, the present tendency is to apply
Lacey' s formula as applicable for alluvial bed with ajudicious choice ofvalues
of silt factor and unit discharge. The result so obtained is compared with past
experience before fixing up a value. This is not a very satisfactory solution
especially for situations where bridges are to be built on new alignments. To
work out the scour depth, consideration has to be given to general scour, local
scour, lateral channel, migration and degradation. Proper method for soil
investigation of bouldery strata is also an important factor for scour assessment.
Bouldery bed strata generally encountered is shown in Photo 1.
ij,*;
iir::i

i;i:i

t-!Bi

,*k

YAtl7

V.;'.+

il

d :..t

:,ry!

:-:r

v*+*p*E

Photo

l. Bouldery river bed

Border Roads Organisation has collected data on this aspect during last 9
years. Efforts have been made to derive a reliable and practicable formula for
estimation of maximum likely scour based on observations on number of bridges
in bouldery bed.
2. SCOUIT AROUND BRIDGE PIER

Scour is the erosive action of water in excavation and carrying away

Scoua

iici;roEnv.Sep -.,PRorosg.n Fonuula

501

materials from the channei ,bed. An.obstruction.s,uch-as a,bridge pier causes

interference in the flow'cf s**am,. rvhich'changes the JIow pattern at obstruction.
This resuits in deepening.the seour,hole around,the bridge,pier beyond the Ieve I
that rvoulC naturaily occur frcm,dqgradation and generalscour.: This is coutmoniy
termed as iocal scour:. The.florv,arourid:'the bridge pier is complex. As the
stream flow approachs,the.pier,..adverse gradient'caused by the pier. drives a
portion of the approach flou'do*ryrwards,justahead of the pier,',A change in the
d"*n*urd flow velocity has a direct,effec-t on the rati,of scour and thus on the
depth of scour hole (Fi5,,1);
{:r.;{1F{

Il.f3Lil l*,

-',.'t'
-i.+'-*"*

ei.

r|

::lg *$"i rj'r

\*t

5A:.Cf,tJ rs-

('itF.4,'f

l'lCtLE

, x

:*r-:"tltt-l E F|r*

Fig. 1. Scour profile around

2.1. Local

Scour

Local scour is the local lorvering of the bed in the vicinity of hydraulic
struciurs such as bridge pier, spur, guide bund, etc. Bridge pier locally distorts
the flow pattern by'increasing local,velocities or by inducing whirls, eddies and
r,'ortices etc. resultin-s in increased sediment transporting capacity of the stream.
The bed particles are lifted up and carried away with the current.: This process
continues till the norrnal {ransponting capacity of the channel is restored (Photos
7. &, 3). This stage of dynarnic equilibrium may also be achieved when the
armouring of the bed reaehes a limit. When,upper particles of,the bed can no
more be dislodged by the strearn action, further development of scour ceases.
The finally attained scour:depth is known as maximum or limiting scour. The
pllenomenon of local scour is very complex due to large variation in the field
conditions, besides numerous variables describing the flow, fluid and sediment

DHtuex oN

542
r

lran

.'.:ra.

Photo 2. Lacal scour around pier in sandy bed

iii:iti;^Yi-f
i
.i
t.

. ::'i;F{$;;i;i1i;r:
::/j.;.4*:.4Ma

1'za,,:

';i

*.:'::-:

Photo 3. Local scour around pier in bouldery bed

characteristics, the channel and the pier geometry etc., which have their own
cffect ol1 this phenomenon. The efforts made by designers and research scholars
in this regard are broadly classified as below :
(a)

Use of empirical formulae for estimation of scour depth.

(b)

Laboratory investigations by research scholars to gain insight into

the mechanism of scour around a bridge pier, the various parameters
entering into the problem and their effects and estimate scour depth
in terms of known variables such as depth of flow, velocity, grain
size, geometry of the pier and other variables.

Sqoun r.: Bor-'Loe*y Bnn _. Pnoposen F:onuula

(ci

503

Prototype observations of scour with a view to investigate model

and place the conclusions from laboratory siudir:s.
3. SCOUR

AN

OVERVIEW

,.i:

The design and construction of foundations of bridges is linked to realistip

assessment of scour depth, both global and local. The foundations are genera|ly

designed to withstand the loads and moments transmitted by the other

components of the bridge. They are also designed to have a minimum grip
Iength below the deepest scour level, which is usually calculated based on various
parameters. The best way of assessing the depth of scour in :r river is to observe
the same during the highest flood period. Unfortunately with the methods
available in the country it has not been possible to approach the intended pier
location during high floods and observe the deepest scour. Thus the design
engineer generally relies on the use of empirical formulae for calculations of
scour depth. While the various available formulae have been known to give
reasonable results in respect of sandy strata, the results hirve been erratic in
other cases. lv{oreover the various formulae have been origirrally evolved based
on the study and observations of particular type of strata, soil classification and
water flow regime. Over the years there has been a incri:asing tendency to
apply the same formulae for other types of harder strata including conglomerates,
large boulders and soft rock. This has resulted in skewing of,results and totally
unrealistic scour value in extreme cases. While, fortunately in India, there has
not been many cases of failure of foundations due to scour, a large number cf
bridges are required to have their foundations taken deeper than necessary due
to the above referred approach. The consequences to this, the time overrun in
many cases have been more than double with corresponding cost overrun. In a
number of well foundations, steinings have been damaged due to blasting while
sinking, necessitating extensive repairs. In a few cases, the wells had to be
rejected because of extensive damages. The situation is acute while dealing
with conglomerate strata, particularly encountered in the rivers flowing through
the foothills of Himalayas. The substrata may consist of boulders, shingles,
gravels etc. either in loose form or cemented by a matrix, which may be

calcareous in nature. Such heterogeneous combination of materials with

individual particle size upto two or three meters does not easily lend itself
to any Iogical assessment or interpretation of scour using available tools
(Photo 4).
Substantial reliance needs to be placed on observations of behavior of
structures built in the past coupled with reasoned judgernent of the decision
makers in each individual case. Similar situations may also arise in other parts
of the country as well. Conglomerate strata are known to have been encountered

504

iriiiiitli{x&;x

during tht
Photo 4. Lat'ge size of boulders encountered
bed
in a boulde:'Y
dilemm'
in the plains in various locations leading to
assesslnent of scour'

I',RAcrIcE ooto

1. PRESENr

ifJf$|tt-\flt""

er
The theoretical method recon'lmended to
is repr
based on Lacey's formulae IRC:78-2000

dsnt : 1.34 (Dbz lf)ttz

Where "dsm' is normal scour depth belor

Where Db: intensity of discharge in cum''

be the maximum of the following'

(i)

l'he total discharge divided by the effective

abutments 0r guide bunds;

(ii)

J.lte value obtained taking into accoullt any co,

'

throughaportionofthewaterrvayassessedfron.
cross section of the river;

(iii)

Actual observation, if anY'

f : Silt factor given by the expression
1.76tr m

where

.m, is the weighted mean diameter of the bed material in millime'

!.\ lJt-

]I,A

505

Irurther IRC:78-2000 recommends that if a river is fl;rstry in nature and the bed
does not lend itself readily to the scouring effect of floods, the method given
above for calculating maximum depth of scour shal.t be assessed from actual
observations. However for bouldefy bed there is no rational or empirical
formulae available for use.
5. BED MATERIAL CI{ARACTERISTICS OF BOULDERY BED AND INTER
RELATED FACTOR FOR SCOUR

The size of the channel material is important at low veiocity, the scour
depth is less for a bigger size boulder since it is difficult for slow moving water
to pick up and carry the large size boulder. This may eventually result in an
armoured bed rvithin the scour hoie, slowing or stopping of erosion process
until higher velocity scours the armored layer. Soil strata generally available in
bouldery bed is indicated in Fig. 2. Various interreleited important parameters
which affect the type and depth of foundation are type of strata, design discharge,
silt factor and soil parameters. The important aspect affecting the scour are as
under:

Rt

Plctor1al Descrlptlon

Strata descrlptlon

160.735

Strata comprising of
sand sllt mlxed wlth
60t boulders slze
varylng from 300 to

150.780

600

145.360

mm

Sandy soll mixed

r+1th 60t boulders
size varying from
600 mm to 900mm.

141.180

60t red clay mlx

Sandy

soll mlxed

wlth boulders

varylng from 300

to

130.730

1500

Compacted

125.000
CN-

{)N

mm

mm.

strata

comprlslng of red
clayey sandy soll 401. Boulders upto
300 mm - 30t.
Boulders 300 to ?00
mm = J[$.
PNqf ATtc s I.NX,K

Fig. 2. Soil strata encountered during foundation construction in bouldery bed

(Typical)

IiHii"r'br oN

5{i6

5.1. Type of

i,i

,li
:Jr
'g
+*

,:#r

w
...

'

+,

.F:

+-

t'
.*.

:i..
"ji
ir:r

Str*t*

Er.odible/nonerCIdeble beds lead to adopting foundation based on scourl

non scour criteria and also an entirely .different philosophy irr planning and
designing oibridge foundat!ons. The aspects ofweathered/fissureci rocks further
above'
adci to the uncertainty in branching out to the two approaches described
is
execution
In a,Jdition, the type of strata encountered during the actual
invariably at variance from the one catered for during the planning stage' Thus
owing ro partially/entirely clifferent strata encountered during execution stage
(SSI), and/or
at times necessitates in redoing the entire sub soil investigation
besides
also adopting an entirely diff'erent type of foundation on the other extreme
eausing exceptional dela.v in order to ensure safety of the structure. on a
moder;te site, it tantamounts to raising/lowering of the foundations, the effect
raising/
of ,,vhich however becomes quite substantial, incase there is a significant
lo,rering of the founding levels.

-!r:
,{r:
?1:

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5.2. Design Discharge

{.

&.

F.
#

*+

s;

S. ,
.s:
;t*-

*r
.
n
{
#
;i:i

'l'he design discharge for the foundation design is done based on various
ernpirical/rational forrnul,ae er,'olved quite some time back. T'he applicability
from
of ihese formulae is best suited for rivers flowing in the plains. It is seen
in
experience that these empirical relations are not entirely dependable/reliable
esiimatio' of discharge for hilly regions of the Himalayas and Northeastern
Region. Invariably this leads to an enigma regarding this vital parameter leading
to a doubt regarding the safety of foundations at alater date.

&.
-d
#
a,

5.3. Silt Factor:

:s
g
3i

s
r#
'

$:

tlfi'
S"1.

IE
&
q

.B

&

*E
*s

*
#E
{i
.ti.

E:
s-.
e

&
4

g,
g!

(a)

Silt factor plays a significant role in finalising the scour depth and
also the founding levels for the bridge structures' Due to lack of
adequate borehole data and also various uncertainties associated,
the bridge engineers are confronted with a difficult job of choosing
an appropriate value of silt factor. This has importance because
IRC:78-2000 caters for a maximum silt factor of upto 2.42
(applicable for heavy sand) only. Though IS 7784(Pt-l) gives a
values beyond the range of 2.42, there is in discreet jumps of
4.75,g,12,15 &24 rather than a continuous spectra. However, in
the absence/identification of correct silt factor for boulderly bed,
there is a problem in the selection of this important parameter as
the same is left to the judgement, discretion and experience of the
designer. Also results obtained by the above formulae for bouldery
bed are erratic and impracticable.

Scoun rN Bouloenv Beo

(b)

Pnoposeo FoRlrrul,q

s07

Ttt understand the affect of silt factor, a special study was carried
out where the value of discharge was fixed (50 Cumees/rn) and
silt factor was changed frorn 0.5 to 20. The results are given in
Table 1.

Tanr,B 1. Nonnal.t Scoun

Drprs

FoR

A Dtscs'rRcs or 50 Cuuecs/nr

Silt Factor

dsm

0.50

22.91

0.60
0.85
1.00
1.25

21.56

6t'

1.50

15.88

2.00

14.43

I0

2.42

13.54

3.00

12.60

4.00

11.45

15
16
t7
t8

13.00
17.00
I 9.00
20.00

7.73

Sl

No

2
3
4

19.19
i 8.18
16.24

7.473
6.82
6.74

can be seen that small change in the value of silt factor has much
variation in normal scour depth and accordingly depth of foundation will change
substantially. In case there are number of foundations, the result will have
more impact in all over all cost. Accordingly based on these observations result
have been plotted in graphical fornrat in Fig 3.

It

From the graph it can be seen that normal scour depth does not have
nruch variation beyond silt factor value 8 for a particular value of discharge
per meter Iength

508

DrxuaN ox

t
I]lt
a
I

$"

}utq fi|;t
AEJ
i

Itlt'*

r.r.xa !
I
I

t.t

a
a

**.Fl

!ilt* lLEltll

Fig 3. Mean scour depth vs. silt factor

- a graphical representation

There is problem of sinking of well foundations in bouldary bed due

to
construction difficulties and in case deeper depths are planned the same
will
lead to cost and time overrun. Review of such cases has been done
based on
soil strata actually encountered. The application of silt Lacey,s factor theory
has been critically examined for its application to bouldary
bei and it has been
found that the theory can not be applied in present shape to bouldary
bed.
However foundation level in bouldary bed can be finaiised based
on past
experience in such strata and also on the basis of results of model study.

5.4. Factors affecting Scour Depth

In addition to the various unknown parameters and uncertainties mentioned
above, the problem assumes a bigger dimension because of lack of appropriate
formulae for finalising the scour depths. Scour pattern in various natural
channel
in case of different soil starta are shown in Fig. 4.

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

<d Normal scour depth is less than depth of water

dsm =d Normal scour depth is equal than depth of water
dsm >d Normal scour depth is greater than depth of water
dsm : Normal scour depth
d: depth of water in channel
dsm

various reasons connected with it are enumerated as under

(a)

The type of strata/bed ie erodiblity or nonerodibility has a direct

impact on deciding whether to finalise a foundation based on scour/
non scour criteria, and also to decide whether an open foundation
would suffice or a deep foundation would have to be catered for. It

Scoun N BouI-psnv Bep

- Pnorosep Fon*ruu

509
I

g:Qil,"

lv{ I }C E

Cisl;' FrI:lg,t tt

$.

Ll-

E 1AttT}l

'f4i, 7*I.

tir 1,.itJl E-'

,ft S l+ Ltt i= r+s

Sf,JLJLt}era

{ rrt4,tl

r+,*.

*rn}

, *fi I l-

Fig. 4. Typical scour pattern

would be in order to state that this significant difference in adopting

different philosophies and depth of two types of foundations have
direct impact on the cost of the structure.

(b)

Scour depth calculations significantly depend on the design

discharge to be adopted for foundation design. Since the formulae
for design discharge are by themselves not applicable, the reliability
of scour depth calculations is thus questionable.

(c)

The applicability of these formulae for rivers in hilly region with

bouldery beds is debatable and quite often disputed since these have
an origin from alluvial/quasi alluvial streams. This aspect has also
been highlighted in clause 7A3.2.5IRC 78: 2000.

(d)

IRC 78:2000 also clearly states that these formulae are not
applicable to rivers with flashy nature.

(e) A close scrutiny of the formulae indicates that the uncertainties

associated with the selection of strata, design discharge and silt
factor as pointed out above gets further substantiated for various
anomalies in the adoption of these formulae for various reasons.

(0

Structures designed from scour considerations on the basis of above

formulae had led to unnecessary time and cost over run during
execution.

Drirptnti oN

-)iti

In addition to above, tirere are other factors such as whether the flow is
ciear or it carries sediments, depth of flow, angle of inclination of pier, cpening
ratio, etc. which have significant.'effect on scour depth.
6. SC{}UR OBSERVATIONS AND INTERPRETATION OF
DATA - CASE STUDIES

. There are number of bridges in bouldery beds in our country.

Observations of' Ranga - I bridge is being discussed. Ranga-l river is basically
a tributary of the Brahmaputra river. Bridge is located on Kimin-Ziro road in
6. i

Arunachal Pradesh. Bridge was completed during 1968 on bouldery strata.

The salient features of the bridge are as under (Fig. 5):
(a) Length
(b) Deck Level

(c) HFL
(d) LwL
(e) LBL
(f) Foundation Level
(e) Type of foundation
(h) Dia of well
(i) Soil strata

[i) Year cf construction

90 m (2 x45 m)
RL 267.53
RL 254.00
RL 250.00
RL 249.115
RL 233.853
Well
9.14 m
Soil mixed
with Boulders
1968

r, '.. ,''.'' 1:l'. ':j':': :l:::'111\:.ii:l]

/:;.:ri-rN.

Fig. 5. Gencral arrangernent ranga-I

Scor-rn rN Boulueny

Brn

- Pnoposeo Fonuula

5ll

Well founclation construction planning was done as per codal provision.

Based on the construction difficulties faced, the foundation level was reviewed
and well was plugged at RL 233.853 m in bouldery packed strata, where as
designed foundat ion level was 229.5 m. During construction, the advantige of
changed properties of the soil strata was considered. Soil starta of bouldery bed
are less erodible Bridge was completed and opened for traffic during Feb
1968. During June (1968)there was heavy flood with increased discharge about
1.6 times the designed discharge, which changed the pattern of flow around the
pier and was observed as oblique. This enhanced discharge caused heavy scour
around the pier foundation and reoriented the flow on right channel only.
Observations of scour reveal that there was increased scour from 1979 onwards
(Table 2 refers). Rehabilitation measures were taken to arrest the scour. For
this purpose, plain concrete block of 2.Ax2.Ax2.0 m size were laid around the
foundation as per practice in vogue. There have been instances when most of
the concrete blocks laid around the pier were either washed away or dislocated
due to water force. Scour remained within the designed limit.
Tanr,r 2. Ossrnvro Scoun Anourn Prnn
Year

Observed Scour

Designed Scour

From Lowest
Bed Level (m)

From Lowest Bed

Level (m)

1979

1.0

l98l

1.5

t982

1.5

983

2.0

1984

1.0

I 985

1.5

l 986

t.25

t987

1.5

988

t.9

t999

2.1

2000

2.2

Remarks

Protection of pier foundation

was done on different
occasion with PCC blocks to
arrest further scour
4.95

To control the scour damage during pastyears PCC block were cast during
the years 1981, 1984 and 1985. Few of these blocks got dislocated and later on
all the blocks were interconnected using 20 mm steel wire rope (SWR). Under
pining qf the blocks was also done. In fact, more damage was noticed due to
oblique flow hitting the pier at an angle and on left bank there was very less
flow (Photo 5). There is sharp turn on down steam (d/s) leading to sudden
change in flow pattern. Detailed examination of the problem done during 2000

512

Dgit*x ox

keeping in view the past scour and rehabilitation

measures taken so far revealed
fc!lowing:

(a)
(b)

FIow in the channel is oblique and maximurn

flow is passing through
the right side span.

All the pCC btocks need to be made matching with

the bed level in
order to avoid the obstruction of flow and to
avoid formation of

eddies.

Fhoto 5. Damage to concrete blocks

it has been observed that inspite of erratic flow pattern in

the river specially
on u/s the scour had been within limit and the bridge
has behaved well so far.
However, it has been observed thar in case of bourdJry
t.J;;; ; arge size of
particles in the river bed, more force of water
is required to lift una'"urry-ti"
material to d/s' Scour hole was observed near the pier
and more stress was
given to have streamlined/smooth flow under the
entire length of the bridge
(Photos 6 u7 and Fig.6).

Photo

Bridge prer

bank

ilI
a

Scoun N BouLoenv Beo

Pnoposeo Fonuula

513

Photo 7. Bridgc pier and left bank

BE/-.) /.1v' /2/.iM

3Ot-l L.l)t::f< L'f

,<EN{3.4'-.r

FY.'

Bl=.IJ

trlflt csRaarv

-g

Le-

r*-r

ABrJ-r

:r r E) b,
M E iJ-T

't.-

A t\t

c;/r.- .'- t:5F,rC)G E

+5tFF:

R1<:'lfi

-"-'

r- t

----1

lna3ur<ss

E-

,..

r-, rrr
cr r

L- {>

cA'r'

{2

^J

e x F rt LL
s<7 u r- E r:-r+s

Fig. 6. Plan showing bed of Ranga-I bridge

5t4

DmueN ow

6.2. scour observations for Bridges under construction

In addition to above, there are number of bridges on bouldery beds under
construction, where regular record of soil strata is being compared with
the
sub soil investigalion report during actual execution oi work. The scour
observations have also been made in these bridges. For pasighat Bridge,
model
study was also carried out before start of work and on facing OitficultGs during
construction of bridge, review of foundation level was done in consultation
with Central Water Research Station, Pune (CWRS) and IIT Roorkee. and
final foundation levels were approved for implementation on ground based on
such reviewed due to large size of boulders encountered during the process
of
well foundation sinking.

Revised Scour Level

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Max. Design Flood Discharge

Design HFL
Model study carried out by Up Irrigation
Research Institute (maximum scour level)
Designed Maximum Scour level
Final level after review

41543 Cumsec
163.50 m
134.00 m
I 18.00 m
125.00 m

After the greater review of the soil strata and comparison of data, the
foundation depth was reduced from 50 m to 25 m. Bridge was started in iqSt
and still under construction due to over delay in sinking of well foundation
(Figs. 7 & 8 and Photos 8,9 & t0).

i'

.-'t-:--

( <-;..:.>)

'---{ -.--

i: ::.t.

$i.!: !... _ t:*,. dt..f :r_

Fig. 7. Bridge pier model prepared for bridge before start of construction
during model study

Scoun nq BouloBny Beo .*.pnoposeo

FoRNt,L,q
r69
161

t6t
t6,
t6t
t59

t5t

Itl
rtt
r5I

t{t
t17

til
lct

!.gg-Er{g,:-

;:::f#;.ji;;t:

Fig' 8' X section of River siang showing position

of river b,ed profile before
and after flash flood occurred on ll June
2A00

Photo 8. Scour actually recorded during

the construction of bridges

Photo 9. Bridge pier in bouldery bed

twin wells

5i5

516

Dsrv..qx cN

Photo 10. 480 m (60x8) long bridge under construction in bouldery bed
The monitoring

of

the scour pattern reveals the following

in

bouldery

bed:

(a)
(b)

Scour depth in bouldery bed should be constantly monitored with

proper records after construction of bridge to ensure the
serviceability and soundness of the bridge for designed life.
Reasons for damages if any due to excessive scour should be
investigated and remedial measures be taken on priority.

{c)

Documentation of the scour data in bouldery bed can save lot of

time and money in finalisation and construction of bridges.

(d)

Scour record observations at each bridge site should be taken

judiciously as it will be helpful to optimisation of cost of many
bridges in future as due to present use of formulae there is sizable
and cost overrun for completion of foundation;

Similar problems have already been faced by bridges in bouldery beds.

After due consideration of Pros and cons of the scour in bouldery bed, a detailed
discussion was cione by the Core Croup in the depaltment and bridges were
selected for data collection. The guidelines for collection of data was issued to
the site staff. The data for every bridge was collected as per (Table 3). Data
collection was done with a systematic approach to correlate maximum scour
with other important parameters. In fact the data of scour observed and existing
hydraulic data was critically examined keeping in view the difficulties faced to
finalise the foundation level in absence of bouldery bed formula. There are
number of bridges constructed on bouldery bed in the country, where the
foundation levels for these were finalised on the basis of existing formula/IRc
Codes and have behaved reasonably well barring few where excessive scour

n Bouloenv

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Dilil"iAx oli

iras been reported. Since this practice irad been fcllowecl in various bridges irr
the couutry, an effort r.tas made tcl collect ihe design elata of these bridges as
these act as a live rnodeis'for observations and have fuced numbr:r of flash
f-loods lvithout any damage and abnormal scour around the piers. Based on
the, data of bridges, collected resuits were examined with refere nce to tlre
velocity and maximum scour below the lowest bed level and subsequent to
various reviews of foundation levels in each case. It is further menl.ioned that
r.vhenever the velocity is calculated based on the Manning formula, it takes into
consideration all the properties ofthe cross-section i.e. area, bed slope, rugosity
coefflcient and wetted perimeter but ignore shape of pier. Based on above
concepts certain assumptions are made for oirr data collection and analysis
apprt-rach.

T'his data was examined along with photographic records of the bridges.
Tirere is no substantial scour near the pier in case of bridges indicated in the
photographic records (Photos 1l to 15).

Photo 11. Scour

Jammu-Srinagar

Photo 12. Bridge build during 1973 on bouldery bed - No scour

observed due to largc size of bed matcrial

Scoun N BouI-peny

Beo

PRoposno

Fonuula

Photo 13. Scour observation around pier Dalai bridge

Photo 15. Lateral migration has becn observed in Ranga-Il trridge

519

520

Dnritiax

or

6.3. Present Practice for Boulderv Red Scour

It is rvell knarvn fact tirat soii scour depth in boulder.v ired does not foliow
regime conditions as in the case of sandy beds. Norv keeping in view the size
of bed material and bank conditions, the scour around each prier can be different
in case of longer span on a same cross-section of river having defined flow
pattern for years together. Accordingly, based on the obsr:rvations, different
foundations are placed at different levels in same bridge cc,nsidering the cross
section features. Necessary revierv of the final scour level should be made based
on the construction problems, toughness of strata and revision of soil parameters
subsequent to re-examination of the same. However, the sound engineering
practice should be the main aim of reconsideration for review of level if any,
Less scourable strata has been considered as engineering friendly and revision
be carried out keeping in view the safety requirement. Bouldery bed generally
consists of soil strata predominantly consisting of boulder size of 300 mm
above and remaining rnaterial is soil-sand-gravel-boulder-nratrix. This material
is embedded in disorderly manner in natural bed available for siting the bridge.
The site data is investigated Lrefore actual construction in the form of bore log
data. Aiso the sfrata actually encountered is generally cr:mpared to known
engineering properties of the material for finalising the scour level.
6.4. Assumptions for Bouldery Bed Scour

Data of existing bridges in bloudery bed has been cotrlected. In case of a

few bridges, there has been lateral migration of bed instead of vertical cutting
indicating that there is less scour around piers. In fact this is due to armoured
bed around the pier. Also the results of model studies of various bridge piers
were also analysed. Based on the detailed analysis of data collected, the
following assumptions are made.

(a)

A soil stratum in the river bed is predominantly boulders of

size

300 mm dia and above.

(b)
(c)

Scour observation is a site specific for each bri,Cge which depends

otr number of factors, Iike bed material, discharge and direction of
flolv.

Scour depth is a function of area of cross section (A) wetted

perimeter (P), bed slope (S), rugosity cofficient (N) which in turn
depend upon the total discharge per meter length of the crosssection. Infact when velocity is calculated by Mannings formula, it
takes into account all the properties of the particular cross section
of river.

Scoun rN Bour-ornv Bpp

- Pnopospo Fonuule

521

(d)

Flow pattern in bouldery bed takes a sudden turn and change bed
slope. There is frequent gain and dissipation of energy. Scour depth
at a particular section is a continuous function of time.

{e)

Flow pattern in bouldery bed is turbulent unsteady and non-uniform.

(0

Aggradations at particular cross-section while siting the bridge be

examined and same shall be taken care.

(g)

Scour depth is to be measured beiow the lowest bed level in a cross-

section.

7. DERIVATION

OF FORMIJLA TO DETERMINE SCOUR DEPTH IN

BOUI,DERY BED

Scour pattern of bridges and data collection thereon has been shown in
1Figs. 5 to 8, Photos 5 to l3 and proforma developed in B.R.O in Table 3). It
has been observed that whenever the existing formulae are used for bouldery
bed, the value of mean depth of scour (dsm) has been observed less than the
water depth. This indicates that there is no scour observed which is not possible
on ground (Figs. 9 and 10). Keeping in view this aspect, a thoughtful exercise
rvas made to check the value of actual date scour from the lowest bed level in
case of all the bridges constructed in bouldery bed for which was available

(r-4).
To derive the formula, following steps were tbllowed:

(al
(b)
(c)

Data was collected as per performa given in the Table

Data was further modified and represented as per Table 4.

Value of designed scour taken for all the bridges and recently
measured scour were recalculated with reference to lowest bed
level. This has been done to check the scour from lowest bed
level. As the result normally obtained by existing formula are not
representative of actual, because scour generaliy occurs in bcluldery
bed. This is due to limitation of existing formula in vogue which is
also being applied for bouldery beds.

(d)

Value of scour obtained from design data and actually observed

since construction of bridge was also compared.

Based on the inference, it has been observed that even after construction
bridge , value of scour observed in bouldery bed is less than maximum
velocity value from its lowest bed level.

of

522

Dstuarq oN

= NIean depth ofscour

drn, (

D (Impractical)
K.1: Silt factor

--d>
Bed slope 'S'>>>

&

Then

w>>>D
d-- >>>

Irig 9. Cross section of bouldery river and general observation of scour

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GE NER./.\ L ST[)T M E, NT5 MOTION

STA'I TS

Fig. 10. Concept of equilibriunr scour

In view of para (a) to (d), it has been observed that value of scour from
the lou,est bed can be safely assumed as equivalent to velocity value measured
lrom the lowest bed level as after this value there is a tendency to attain the
positioit of equilibrium scour in a river. There may be situation where cross
section of the river is irregular and one side is deeper and other side is at higher

Scoun rN Bouloeny Beo

Pnoposso FoRt',tule

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DurnreN

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level. To be on safer side, the lowest bed level be taken as ref,erence for
determ in ing scour value.
It may be pointed out that in USA aiso the reference point for ealaculation
of scour fbr foundation is lowest bed lr:vel. However. keeping in view our
country's system to keep the reference point as HFL only, the sarne can be
measured from HFL also.

It has been observed that the value of scour observed so far in all these
bridges from the lowest bed levels are wlthin or less than the numeric value of
velocity of flow taken for calculation of design discharge for these bridges.
Actual scour depth (D) is proportional to Veiocity (V)

Dmax

=KV

Dmax:

maximum scour depth from lowest bed level

V:

maximum calculated velocity on the basis of "Manning

formula"

K depends upon shape of the piern bed material and bed slope.
For circular pier K:1.2 and for rectangular pier

K: 1.3

Value of 'li' has been initially taken while considering the worse case of
scour observed as in case of Ranga -l bridge in Arunachal Pradesh (lndia). It
is mentioned that all the bridges considered for study are having circular well
only.

Tlie re sults obtained with this formula are more reasonable to result based
on the existing practice. Now while planning bridge foundations in bouldery
bed if the soil strata are predominantly bouldery, this formula can be adopted
and accordingly maximum value of scour below the lowest bed level can be
calculated. The proposed formula has been found fit to be used for such major
bridges in bouldery bed where large size of boulders are available. The other
bridges of this type in Border Roads are L,ohit bridge, Lai bridge, Tiding bridge,
Iphipani bridge and Siku bridge. All these bridges are Multi span arrangement
and on well foundations. It is also mentioned that validity of this concept has
also been checked with reference to all the bridges made in past on bouldery
bed in the organization.

Scoun rN Bor;l-oenv Beo

PRoposeo FoRturula

s25

8. RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION

(a) Scour determination in bouldery bed need optimization as the present

folmulae have certain limitation for their applicability to bouldery beds; When
bridges are planned on river having large size of material it requires special
investigations for assessment of scour as same will have financial implications
and likely cost over run if optimum value is not finalized.

(b) Soil strata anticipated during the subsoil investigations and on actual
construction are at variance, it is desirable that special efforts are made for
collection of data at pre-construction stage to avoid variation later on. Any way
tougher strata if encountered subsequently should be considered as engineering
friendly and advantage be taken to review scour depth accordingly.

(c) It is understood that MORT &H

has given bouldery bed scour project

to IIT Khargpur, Border Roads should also be associated with this R&D
scheme.

(d)

Scour depth in bouldery bed can be better understood with regular

observations on prototype structures. Studies carried out subsequent to data
collection and existing bridges considered as live models, it has emerged that
results are quite satisfactory and further study on this are undertaken to ensure
wide applicability of this formula.

(e) Since the formula suggested in this paper has been developed based
on actual data of bridges in bouldery bed, the same should be applied on
requirement.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Author expresses sincere thanks to The Director General Border Roads

and Additional Director General Border Roads fbr their guidance for preparation
of this Paper.
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l.

Dhiman RK "Eff'ective construction management for bridges" Dec-1996

international association of bridges and structural engineers.

- A case study -

1996" - Indian Road Congress.

2.

Dhiman RK - "Pneumatic sinking

J.

Dhiman RK - "Caisson launching A- case study- 1996" Civil Engineering And

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;]grMAl'i oN
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Dhinian RK - "Foundation iavel lor bridges -- A progmatric arpro-,,aiNerv Building Material And Construction Worid.

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-A

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4rr-

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'

i)hirrran RK - Affects of flash flood- A case study

Itanagar - 1999.

t).

Dhiman RK - "Caisson Sickness and Preventive Measures - 2001" iniernaticnal

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Diliman RK - Bridge construction problems and solutions A relierv ' !j,n

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Dhiman RK - Extension of span Ranga II bridge -A case siudy -'li* Nati6nai

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Disaster managemenr NERIST.

Dhiman RK - "Tilt rectification of well foundation

Iridian Road Congress.

* A case study - lf

a1' Z0AZ',

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Speciai issue on "Round Table Conference on Scour around Bridge pier',

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t J.

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