Numerical Analysis of Local Scour Around Piers Based on 3D Movements of Sediment Particles

Abstract

This paper describes a numerical model developed to simulate the flow and scour around bridge piers. The flow is modeled by large eddy simulation. The morphological change of riverbeds is calculated by coupling sediment transport with models for sediment pick-up and deposition. The sediment transport is calculated by 3D momentum equations of sediment particles. Sediment pick-up and deposition are modeled by stochastic models for the purpose of reducing computational demand. The numerical model was applied to the local scour around a vertical cylinder pile under clear water condition. The results agreed well with experimental data, except for the shape of the downstream riverbed. It is concluded that this model can evaluate local scour on the upstream side of piers considering 3D movements of sediment particles.