The Impacts of Splitter Length and Height on Protecting Bridge Pier from Scouring

An experimental research has been conducted to investigate the role of splitter plates in protecting bridge pier from local scour. Different splitter plate dimensions, such as, splitter length and height, and location are compared under clear-water scour conditions in uniform sediments. Scouring profiles and scour depth are mapped and compared to that without splitter plates. It is found that, a front splitter plate with a length of 1.33D (D is the diameter of circular pier) has the strongest impact in protecting the pier compared to lengths of 1D and 2D. Moreover, the height of the front splitter is a critical parameter in protecting bridge pier from scouring. Additionally, a back splitter with and without gap from the pier is tested under the same flow conditions. There is very limited impact in protecting the pier from local scour from the back-splitter plates. However, a significant difference in the dune region behind the pier is noted with back splitter plates. The present research is the collaboration between the University of Regina and University of Windsor on sediment movement.