Masters Theses

Abstract

"During high-flow stages streambed materials around bridge piers are frequently removed by floodwaters. This process, referred to as bridge scour, can compromise the structural integrity of the bridge and in extreme cases, lead to failure or collapse. Assessment of seasonal erosional and depositional patterns in the proximity of bridge piers is essential to studying and understanding the bridge scour process. If studies suggest that a specific site is susceptible to excessive scour and possible undermining of the bridge piers, effective remediation can be applied.

The University of Missouri-Rolla conducted a geophysical study for the Missouri Department of Transportation to evaluate the utility and cost-effectiveness of ground- penetrating radar as a tool for investigating bridge scour. The data were analyzed to assess the capability of the radar tool to delineate both riverbed topography and in-filled scour features. This information is prerequisite to understanding local erosional and depositional trends, and for designing effective remediation methodologies. Ground- penetrating radar data were collected with a Geophysical Survey Systems Incorporated SIR-10b unit equipped with a 200-megahertz monostatic antenna. Radar data were collected at ten bridge sites characterized by differing water depths and channel properties. The logistics of each site required maneuvering the antenna either from a boat, the bridge deck, or by wading into the water. Calculated water depths were accurate to within half a foot. Although in-filled scour features were identified confidently on several processed profiles, noise generally made interpretation tenuous. Much of this noise was in the form of water bottom multiple reflections. The interpretation of the processed profiles indicated radar is an effective tool for estimating water bottom topography and extent of in-filled scour in shallow water environments ( < 20 ft depth)"--Abstract, pages iii-iv.

Advisor(s)

Anderson, Neil L. (Neil Lennart), 1954-

Committee Member(s)

Cardimona, Steven James, 1963-
Santi, Paul M. (Paul Michael), 1964-

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Geology and Geophysics

Sponsor(s)

Missouri Department of Transportation

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Spring 2000

Pagination

xiii, 73 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 71-72).

Rights

© 2000 Doyle Joseph Webb, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 7725

Print OCLC #

44638078

Electronic OCLC #

1104140335

Download
Off-campus S&T users

Share My Thesis If you are the author of this work and would like to grant permission to make it openly accessible to all, please click the button above.

Share

Thesis Location

 
COinS