Hydraulic aspects of bridges: assessment of the risk of scour (EX 2502)

This report presents advice and guidelines which will enable British Rail to assess hydraulic aspects of bridges over water. Possible causes of failure are discussed, and guidelines are presented to assess individual structures with respect to scour. The guidelines are based on bridge geometry and river and catchment characteristics. Features of the bridge and river are discussed and quantified where this is feasible. Recommendations are made concerning relevant data which should be recorded and maintained for each bridge. The guidelines have been designed to allow a bridge to be inspected and assessed in a short time and without special equipment.