Hydraulic and Contraction Scour Analysis of a Meandering Channel: James River Bridges near Mitchell, South Dakota

Abstract

The two-dimensional (2D) depth-averaged river model Finite-Element Surface-Water Modeling System (FESWMS) was used to simulate the hydraulic conditions at a contracted bridge site. The site studied was the James River bridges near Mitchell, South Dakota. The parallel bridges are located in a crossing between the two bends of a meander. The floodplain alignment relative to the channel and skewed bridges produces complex 2D flow patterns that cannot be predicted accurately by using a one-dimensional (1D) river model. The 2D model was validated by using flow measurements collected by the USGS during three high-flow events with return periods ranging from 25 to 100 years. The validated model was used to examine the site characteristics that influence the concentrated flow on the right side of the main channel and the exchange of flow between the main channel and floodplains. The rating curves derived from the 2D model and the results of soil erosion tests were used to evaluate live-bed and clear-water contraction scour at the bridge site. The scour analysis was conducted by using the equations in