SCOUR AROUND BRIDGE PIERS APPLYING STREAM POWER APPROACH
The current research aims introducing the problem of scour around bridge piers from a new point of view. The classical approach for tackling this problem usually depends on applying empirical equations developed from the analysis of experimental results with the use of dimensional analysis. Thus, in the current research an intensive study for evaluating the existing scour predictor was performed. The comparison processes through comparing the results of some laboratory experiments performed for scour around bridge piers and the predicted scour depth from some selected available predictor equations. About 156 experiments were carried out to perform the current study in accordance with 15 predictor equations. The results show that the scour predictors have a low reliability for following a specific trend or giving accurate results. Thus, it has been considered that it is of great importance to study the scour problem around bridge piers through a new approach. Stream power approach has been selected for achieving this objective. A one dimensional numerical model for open channel hydraulic was selected to stimulate the problem of flow and scour around bridge piers. Stream power variation is studied versus several parameters such as scour depth, sediment type and flow conditions. Several laboratory experimental studies were tested and stream power values in these different cases were analyzed. Results show that there is a significant relationship between scour depth escalations and stream power value. The relationship between stream power and scour depth was found to have a specific trend through which a new predictor could be developed. The new predictor was applied on some experiments and the estimated scour depth was compared to the experimental results. It was found that there was a good agreement between the experimental results and the scour calculated using the stream power approach. Finally, it can be concluded that the new approach is considered more reliable than the classical methods for estimating the scour depth at bridge piers. However more studies are needed to perform an inclusive idea about the application of stream power approach for pier and abutment scour problem.
Analysis of Onsite Measurements of Scour at Piers
Existing onsite measurements of local scour at bridge piers were assembled and analyzed to obtain an equation that predicts the expected maximum depth of local scour at a bridge pier. A safety factor is suggested that provides a reasonable margin of error for design purposes.
A New Vacuum Pressure Infiltration CFRP Method and Preparation Experimental Study of Composite
In order to prepare a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer composite (CFRP) with ideal microstructure and properties, a new vacuum pressure infiltration CFRP method is proposed based on an analysis of existing CFRP preparation process methods. Research on composite material preparation systems was carried out by using this new method principle. The system mainly includes a fiber pre-forming module, a vacuum heating infiltration module, a hot-press curing molding module, and a data acquisition control module. Under the conditions of natural curing at 0 MPa + 6 h + 25 °C, vacuum heating curing at –0.05 MPa + 30 min + 80 °C, and hot-press curing at 0.7 MPa + 5 min + 50 °C, a two-dimensional (2D) CFRP with excellent microstructure and properties was successfully prepared. Observing the microstructure of the prepared composite material, it can be found that the inside of the composite material was sufficiently and uniformly infiltrated, and common preparation defects such as holes and delamination were effectively controlled. Through the performance test, the bending strength of the material reached 790 MPa.