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Fusion of Numerical Modeling and Innovative Sensing to Advance Bridge Scour Research and Practice

Tao, Junliang
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1372710604

Abstract Details

2013, Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, Civil Engineering.
Bridge scour is the erosion of sediments around bridge piers or abutments due to flowing water. It is the number one cause of bridge failures in the United States. However, the mechanism of bridge scour remains a mystery due to the complex interaction between structures, flow, and sediments; there is also an urgent demand to develop countermeasures reducing the risk caused by bridge scour. This dissertation work aims to provide innovative solutions to address such challenges through highly interdisciplinary efforts. A tremendous effort has also been placed to review and synthesize the existing literature. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technique is employed to simulate the flow and scour patterns around bridge piers with different geometries. The effects of pier shape, aspect ratio and attack angle on the flow and scour patterns are evaluated. The findings of this work not only further advance the understanding of scour, but also provide insightful practical implications. A numerical simulation framework integrating advanced CFD techniques and a novel sediment transport model is also developed, aiming to model the scour process. The uniqueness of this advanced model is that it incorporates the influence of turbulence, which plays a crucial role in the process of scouring but has been overlooked for decades. To facilitate the characterization of the turbulence at the interface of sediment and river flow, bio-inspired flow sensors are developed. The innovative sensors mimic the function and structure of the hair cells in fish, which is sensitive to turbulence in flow. Smart material (piezoelectric microfiber) is employed to construct the artificial hair cell and the unique patterning of electrodes enables the linear sensitivity as well as the directional sensitivity of the sensor. Three designs are proposed, modeled and optimized. The performance of the prototype sensors is evaluated through laboratory experiments. A field monitoring system is designed and deployed in the field to remotely monitor the evolution of the scour depth around real bridge piers. This system includes an innovative sensor based on Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) technique and the sensor is proved to be sensitive, durable and cost effective. It also includes a field data acquisition system, which automatically collects the TDR data and transmits the data wirelessly. The scour depth data can be utilized to calibrate the various scour depth prediction equations. It can also be integrated into the bridge risk management system to assist in decision making.
Xiong Yu, Dr. (Advisor)
Xiangwu Zeng, Dr. (Committee Member)
Adel Saada, Dr. (Committee Member)
Chung-Chiun Liu, Dr. (Committee Member)
Jaikrishnan Kadambi , Dr. (Committee Member)
256 p.
Civil Engineering
Bridge Scour; CFD; Bio-inspired; Piezoelectric Microfiber; Flow Sensor; Field Monitoring; TDR

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Tao, J. (2013). Fusion of Numerical Modeling and Innovative Sensing to Advance Bridge Scour Research and Practice [Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1372710604

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Tao, Junliang. Fusion of Numerical Modeling and Innovative Sensing to Advance Bridge Scour Research and Practice. 2013. Case Western Reserve University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1372710604.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Tao, Junliang. "Fusion of Numerical Modeling and Innovative Sensing to Advance Bridge Scour Research and Practice." Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1372710604

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

case1372710604
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© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies and OhioLINK.