Remote Bridge Scour Monitoring: A Prioritization and Implementation Guideline

摘要

Having the largest bridge population in the nation, the state of Texas stands to gain much through the development of bridge scour-monitoring and evaluation practices. Because it has such a large bridge population to manage, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) needs a logical and lowo-cost method of prioritizing and monitoring bridges for scour damage. An algorithm based on code contained in the BRINSAP database can be used effectively to prioritize bridge sites for further consideration of scour countermeasure implementation. Remote mechanical monitoring is an emerging method for detecting and tracking bridge scour. Mechanical scour monitors equipped with data telemetry equipment can provide a safe and effective means of tracking scour at bridge piers and abutments. Because remote mechanical scour monitoring is a relatively new approach, TxDOT should support extensive research and planning regarding methods of system development and implementation.