Three-dimensional numerical simulation of local scour around circular side-by-side bridge piers with ice cover

Local scour around piers is one of the primary causes of collapse of bridges that cross rivers. The most severe scouring occurs in cold regions where ice cover significantly changes the velocity profile. Having an accurate estimation of the maximum scour depth around bridge piers, especially in cold regions, is necessary for a safer design of piers. In this study, 3D numerical models are compared to laboratory experiments to examine the process of local scour around bridge piers with and without smooth and rough ice cover. By using the equation of Meyer-Peter and Müller, the sediment transport model is validated to approximate the transport of the sediment particles. Numerical results showed good agreements with experimental observations where the maximum scour depth and turbulent kinetic energy around bridge piers were the highest under rough ice cover conditions.