Consulting Engineers and Scientists
Bridge Scour Modelling
Following the recent flooding in Cumbria and the collapse of 26 bridges, Edenvale Young are highlighting our expertiase in the analysis the risk of scour at bridges and consequential collapse. This uses a range of techniques but is based around: assessment of extreme fluvial hydrology; 3D hydro-dynamic modelling of flow through bridge structures; scouring processes; geotechnical instability and risk analysis.
OpenFOAM Results for 1%annual flow probability showing water surface profile at upstream face of bridge at Tavistock
Model Construction Environment for Tavistock Masonry Arch Bridge
Model Construction Environment Showing Surface Model of Tavistock Masonry Arch Bridge
OpenFOAM Mesh Generation Viewed from Downstream of the Tavistock Masonry Arch Bridge
OpenFOAM Results for 1%annual flow probability showing water surface profile at downstream face of bridge at Tavistock
OpenFOAM Results for 1%annual flow probability showing water surface profile and vectors at downstream face of bridge at Tavistock
OpenFOAM Results for 1%annual flow probability showing rendered water surface profile at downstream face of bridge at Tavistock
Assessment of Risk
Assessing the risk of scour and undercutting of foundations and the geotechnical / structural failure of a structure requires careful consideration of a range of factors which affects the response of a bridge in exceptional flow conditions. Edenvale Young can provide the following services including:-
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Site Investigation |
Preparation of appropriate site investigation for use in scour and geotechnical analysis. |
Hydrological Analysis |
Estimation of extreme flood flows using the FEH CD Rom . |
1D-2D (ISIS_TUFLOW) hydraulic modelling to evaluate the regional fluvial conditions including water level. |
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Bridge Modelling |
3D hydrodymanic modelling to evaluate the local flow, velocity, hydro-dynamic forces and pressures. |
Scour and Morphology |
Assessment of morphological change, sediment budgets, clear water scour, live water scour and contraction scour.. |
Geotechnical Analysis |
Assessment of abutment and pier stability due to sliding, bearing, stability and other modes of failures. |
Fluvial and Geotechnical Instrumentation |
Advice on the installation of water level and scour montoring and warning systems. |
Risk Assessment |
Evaluation of Risk in accordance with CIRIA 125 Control of Risks |
Protection |
Advice and design of bridge pier protection. |
3-D Hydraulic Modelling
Typical masonry arched bridge Click on the radar buttons above or go to our animations page to view input and output from OpenFOAM/interFoam for a 1% annual probabailty flood event for this bridge at Tavistock in Devon. |
OpenFOAM / InterFoam
Failure mechanism associated with hydraulic loading, scour at bridges and other hydraulic structures is complex and the use of simple traditional methods may not reflect the value of the asset or give sufficient information to permit decisions to be made on the future of the asset.
Three-Dimensional modelling with OpenFOAM/interFoam has a number of significant advantages in terms of evaluating scour and the response of a bridge structures in extreme fluvial events. This incudes improved understanding of flow veloities and bed shear stresses adjacent to a pier, abutment or caisson.
In addition, OpenFOAM/interFoam allows the user to interrogate the model to determine the hydrodymanic loading on the bridge elevation and in extreme conditions uplift force / bursting forces on the bridge deck. This can used within the geotechnical / structural analysis to determine the factor of safety against collapse for an existing bridge or provide design parameters for a new struture. |
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Bridge Geometry including the configuration of cut waters, bridge piers, arches, foundations and abutments influence flow velocities around and through the structure and are critical to the process of scouring for individual bridges. The use of OpenFOAM. OpenFOAM modelling allows the configuration of the structure to be adjusted rapidly. |
Technology & Skills
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Hydraulic Modelling
Modelling is at the core of our work and Edenvale Young invests in soft and hardware so that we can offer a capability in a complex suite of software tools. -
3D Modelling & Scour
Edenvale Young has been building on its existing capability in hydraulic modelling and geotechnical engineering through research with Bath University department of Civil and Architectural Engineerng. This has included the development of our expertise in 3D modelling. -
Partnering & Collaboration
Partnering and collaboration enhances our organisation and helps us to deliver higher standards. Edenvale Young maintains links with a diverse number of businesses, organisation and academic institutions in the UK and overseas. -
Research & Development
Edenvale Young supports a variety of research and development projects. For example, the validation of OpenFOAM for coastal and fluvial scenarios in collaboration with the University of Bath as part of a research programme into scour and breach development.
Environment
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Policy statement
Edenvale Young has always prided itself on providing high quality civil engineering services through an understanding of the role that civil engineering plays in the environment.