Bridge Scour and Stream Instability Countermeasures: Experience, Selection and Design Guidance

Federal Highway Administration1997PDFTech ReportLagasse, Peter F. (Peter Frederick)Zevenbergen, L.W.Clopper, P. E.Ayres AssociatesNational Highway Institute (U.S.)United States. Federal Highway AdministrationPagan-Ortiz, Jorge E.Arneson, L.A.Dunn, ChrisFraher, MikeGinsberg, AbbiJones, SterlingMorris, Johnny L.Richardson, E. V.Schumm, S. A.Waddoups, ArloUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUnited StatesChannel stabilizationScourDeterioration by environmental actionBridge designSlope stabilityCountermeasuresFHWA-HI-97-030DTFH61-92-00049Pagan-Ortiz, Jorge E.This document provides guidelines for the selection and design of appropriate countermeasures to mitigate potential damage to bridges and other highway components at stream crossings. A countermeasure matrix is presented as an aid to identify most types of countermeasures which have been used by State highway agencies (SHAs) for bridge scour and stream instability problems. The matrix supports the selection of appropriate countermeasures considering such characteristics as the functional application, suitable river environment, and estimated allocation of maintenance resources. In addition, SHAs with installation experience and design guideline references are included for each type of countermeasure. Design guidelines for the following seven countermeasures are provided based on information obtained from SHAs: bendway weirs/stream barbs, soil cement, wire enclosed riprap, articulated concrete block systems, articulating grout filled mattresses, Toskanes, and grout filled bags. Design Guideline 8 presents guidance for pier and abutment riprap protection from Hydraulic Engineering Circular 18.119