J. Sterling Jones Hydraulics Research Laboratory Physical Modeling

Physical modeling in the Federal Highway Administration's Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center J. Sterling Jones Hydraulics Research Laboratory is done primarily in its large flume.  Much of the laboratory's recent work includes investigations of scour at bridge installations.

Physical modeling of scour around piers.

To do this, experimental setups are designed and built onsite and installed in the moveable streambed of the large flume.  Flow regimes may be varied to simulate any almost flood event and the resulting scour measured.

Other types of physical modeling which have been done in the laboratory include:

• Investigation of culvert hydraulics.
• Stream power.
• Minor losses in storm sewer manholes junctions.
• The effect on scour of alternative bridge pile groupings.
• Bridge abutment velocity.

Physical modeling results may be used directly by the laboratory's clients in the design of a particular structure, or they may be used to develop predictive numerical models with potential for general application in designing structures.

Physical Modeling Applications

The laboratory integrates physical modeling into its activities to complement its numerical modeling efforts. Its facilities are versatile enough to physically model almost any highway hydraulic structure under controlled conditions.

The channel with the Force Balance system measuring drag and lift forces of a submerged bridge deck.

Recent examples of the physical modeling performed in the laboratory includes investigations of culvert performance and bridge scour.  This research was completed in conjunction with the State highway agencies to fulfill their need for information about specific hydraulic designs.  

Research Publications

Hydraulics of Iowa DOT Slope-Tapered Pipe Culverts FHWA-RD-01-077, June 2001

South Dakota Culvert Inlet Design Coefficients FHWA-RD-01-076, June 2001