Integral Bridge Scour: Effects of Scouring on Sub-structure

It is clearly desirable that understanding of the water-structure interaction of integral bridge abutments, piers and pile group is better enhanced as integral bridges being built in recent years in Malaysia are increasing in number. Construction of integral bridges is proven to be a cost effective that reduces initial construction cost, and long-term maintenance expenses. Integral bridges are alternatively referred to as rigid-frame bridges. Early researches, mostly concentrate on conventional bridge structures only. Investigations focus on the scour depth on the piers or abutments separately. Since the concept of integral bridge is comparable to portal frame; there is a need to combine superstructure and substructure together in two floodplains, to represent the real situation that come in a package; involving complex structure and water flow. Integral bridge abutments are designed to be constructed on land to avoid scouring action at the abutments; but scouring still occurs during floods.