Validation of a stochastic scour warning index using microtremors in scour experiments on a scaled pier

Abstract

This study intends to verify the validity of stochastic scour warning indices of a railway bridge pier which authors proposed. The scour experiment on a scaled bridge pier is conducted by step-by-step excavating ground around the pier. To identify the natural frequency of the specimen and calculate scour warning indices, microtremor is measured at each excavation step as well as impact hammer test measurement. This study also builds the Finite Element Model and conducts eigenvalue analyses for reproducing the experiment results and discussing the availability of scour depth estimation. The validity of the stochastic scour warning indices was verified as the stochastic scour warning indices clearly changed following the excavation progression.