logo

Scientific Papers

Vol. 8 No. 15 (2006): Journal 15

Bridge Scour

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/k0dgva65
Submitted
October 10, 2025
Published
2025-10-13

Abstract

In the present paper an evaluation of scour problems bridges of the Colombian National Highways has been developed; based on the principal inspection and inventory module of the Colombian Bridge Administration System (SIPUCOL), which has been implemented since 1996 by the National Highways Institute (INVIAS).

SIPUCOL has been an essential tool to maintain security and functionality of Colombian bridges. This article presents the amount, evolution and classification of damages, based on visual inspections, maintenance, studies performance and rehabilitation works.

In this document it has been included all the collapsed bridges which main cause of collapse has been scour. To prevent bridges failure risks, taking into account that scour is a complex problem, some recommendations have been made about the inspection methodology, the study’s quality and the analytic research implementation.

References

  1. Chen, H.-L., et al. (2000), "Evaluation of scour and stream stability by using CAESAR", Final Report FHWA/IN/JTRP-2000/11, Purdue University, Indiana.
  2. Fukui, J. and Otuka, M., (2000) "Development of the new Inspection Method on Scour Condition around Existing Bridge Foundations" Publics Works Research Institute, Tsukuba, Japan.
  3. Invias y DCD (1996), "Manual de inspección principal de Puentes", Proyecto Invias y Directorado de Carreteras de Dinamarca, Bogotá, Colombia.
  4. Invias y DCD (1996a), "Manual de inspección especial de Puentes" Proyecto Invias y Directorado de Carreteras de Dinamarca, Bogotá, Colombia.
  5. Invias y DCD (1996b), "Base de datos - SIPUCOL 1996" Proyecto Invias y Directorado de Carreteras de Dinamarca, Software v1.0, Bogotá, Colombia.
  6. Invias y DCD (2001), "Base de datos - SIPUCOL 2001", Proyecto Invias y Directorado de Carreteras de Dinamarca, Software v2.0, Bogotá, Colombia.
  7. Kattell, J., and Eriksson, M., (1998) "Bridge Scout Evaluation: Screening, Analysis & Countermeasures", report prepare for the USDA Forest Services and Cooperating Federal and State agencies, United States. 21р.
  8. Kelly, S.W., (1999) "Underwater Inspection Criteria", Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center, paper prepared for the California State Lands Commission, United States.
  9. Lagasse, P.F., et al. (2001), "Bridge Scour and Stream Instability Countermeasures - Experience, Selection, and Design Guidelines, Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 23 (HEC 23), Second Edition, FHWA NHI 01-003, Federal Highway Administration, Washington, D.C
  10. Lagasse, P.F., J.D Schall, and E.V Richardson, 2001, "Stream Stability at Highway Structures", Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 20 (HEC 20), Third Edition, FHWA NHI 01-002, Federal Highway Administration, Washington, D.C
  11. Melville, B. W., and Coleman, S.E., (2000), "Bridge Scour", Water Resources Publication, LLC, 550p.
  12. Muñoz, E.E, (2001), "Estudio de las causas del colapso de algunos puentes de Colombia". Ingenieria y Universidad, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá.
  13. Muñoz, E.E, Valbuena, E.A., y Hernandez, R., (2004), "Estado y daños típicos de los puentes de la red vial nacional de Colombia,basados en inspecciones visuales". Rutas, Número 104, Septiembre-Octubre, España.
  14. Muñoz, E.E., (2000), "Estadística de las causas de falla de puentes en Colombia" Apuntes de clase Ingeniería de puentes. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. Bogotá. P 14-15.
  15. Muñoz, E.E., y Valbuena, E.A., (2004), "Evaluación del estado de los puentes de acero de la red vial de Colombia". Revista Internacional de desastres aturals e infraestructura civil, Volumen 4 No. 2 Diciembre, Puerto Rico.
  16. Palmer, R.N, et. al., (1997) "CAESAR: Catalog and Expert Evaluation on Scour Risk and River Stability at bridge Site". Report 426 National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP). National Academy Press, Washington D.C.
  17. Richardson, E.V., and Lagasse, P.F., (1999) "Stream Stability and Scour at Highway Bridges", Compendium of Stream Stability and Bridge Scour Papers presented at American Society of Civil Engineers Hydraulics Division Conferences 1991 to 1998, A.S.C.E. 1036p.
  18. Richardson, E.V., and S.R Davis (2000) "Evaluating Scour At Bridges", Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 18 (HEC 18), Fourth Edition, FHWA NHI 01-001, Federal highway Administration, Washington D.C
  19. Shen, H.W., et al. (1969) "Local Scour Around Bridge Piers", Journal of the Hydraulics Division, Proceedings of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Vol. 95, No. HY6.
  20. Valbuena, E.A., y Salgar, A.A., (2003) "Guía práctica para la estimación de la socavación de cauces bajo puentes", Tesis de Grado (Meritoria) para optar al Título de Ingeniero Civil, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, 230p
  21. Works Consultancy Services (1990) "Wairoa bridge failure: Assessment of total costs", Report for Transit New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.