Michigan universities awarded grant for bridge scour research
Flint, Mich. bridge site
The goal of the research effort is to reduce uncertainty associated with scour prediction models. Generally, scour uncertainty is accounted for by over-predicting scour depth. When this occurs, unnecessary costs can accumulate for over-engineering the bridge structure. Reducing uncertainty will help reduce the cost of bridge construction without sacrificing safety.
Proper bridge design is dependent on many factors. One factor is a proper estimate of expected scour around the bridge piers and abutments. Local accelerations of the river as it passes through a constricted bridge opening causes scour, and the design of the bridge must account for it.
The Wayne State and Lawrence Tech research team selected NexSens real-time data logger with cellular telemetry to collect and analyze bridge scour data in near real-time. A Tritech Micron Echo Sounder was mounted at the site to measure the depth to the riverbed, and a NexSens AccuStage vented pressure transducer was selected to measure the changes in water level.
Bridge scour data is collected once per hour and transmitted via cellular telemetry back to the project computer running iChart Software. The results are stored on a network storage device shared between the universities and project sponsor.
For more information on the latest in environmental data logging and software technology, contact Paul Nieberding at 937.426.2703.
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Ready to learn how NexSens can assist your project? Use the tools to the right to build your own monitoring system, see how others have benefitted from NexSens solutions, or contact an application engineer to discuss your needs.