Observation of Scour in Field Data Collected During Floods

David S. Mueller

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration and many state highway agencies, has collected and compiled field data on scour at bridges. Currently the national data base contains 493 local pier scour measurements, 18 contraction scour measurements, and 12 abutment scour measurements from 79 sites located in 17 states. A summary of the most recent analysis of the pier scour measurements and a discussion of two contracted bridge openings in Minnesota are presented.