Bridge Scour Monitoring

Bridge Scour Monitoring

Scour is the erosion of stream bed or bank material from bridge foundations due to flowing water. NexSens data logging and communications systems can monitor scour in real-time to help ensure the integrity of the bridge structure.

Bridge-Mount System

NexSens scour systems are designed to mount directly on bridges. The data logger with real-time communications fits securely in a locking 6 inch deployment pipe. Cables are routed through conduit to water level, distance-to-bottom and water velocity sensors. Systems are either battery, solar or AC powered.

Data Collection

The NexSens SDL data logger accommodates a direct connection to sonar altimeters, radar level sensors and Doppler velocity meters. Data is sampled and logged with a time and date stamp.

Wireless Communication

Radio, cellular, Wi-Fi or Iridium satellite telemetry options provide real-time data from the bridge to your desktop.

Sonar Altimeter

Precision sonar altimeters measure the time for a sound wave to travel from the transducer to the river bottom and back. A change in distance-to-bottom is an indication of scour.

Radar Level Sensor

The RLS uses non-contact radar technology to measure distance to water and thus water level. The unit can be deployed up to 115 feet above water. The use of radar technology and sophisticated data processing ensures accurate measurements across a wide temperature range and varying water surface conditions.

Side-Scanning Current Meter

The Argonaut-SL is a side-looking acoustic Doppler current meter that mounts to a bridge abutment and measures bidirectional velocity, in addition to water level.

System Expansion

Fluorometers, multi-parameter water quality sondes, weather sensors, and many other sensors are easily added to the system.

Software and Data Management

Using iChart Live and the optional WQData Live Web datacenter, project members can quickly access real-time bridge scour data and make informed operational decisions as needed.

Alarm Notification

Automated alarm notifications can alert project personnel when parameters exceed a set threshold. Systems can send alerts via SMS text message or e-mail.

Startup Support

Application engineers are available for training and technical support, both by phone and in person. Our extensive field experience helps ensure seamless implementation of the monitoring project.

Get Started

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.

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