Influence of the scour phenomenon on the degradation of structures: the case of bridges in Algeria

Abstract

The scouring of river piles has been the main historical cause of damage and destruction of bridges over the past centuries. Today, the situation is better throughout the world due to modern techniques for carrying out work in the river (foundation work) and the ability to carry out long-distance work, reducing the number of piers in the river. But the scouring of bridge piers remains one of the most frequently recorded degradations in our country. Scouring of bridge piers is a serious issue that can threaten the stability of a bridge. It refers to the erosion of sediment (think sand, gravel, rock) around the base of a bridge pier caused by flowing water. Scour holes can undermine the foundation of the pier and expose the foundation of the pier, reducing its ability to support the weight of the bridge. This can lead to cracks in the pier itself, or even complete collapse in severe cases. On the other hand, scour is the erosion of soil around a bridge pier by flowing water. It's a major concern for bridge safety in Algeria, especially as many bridges were built before stricter seismic codes were introduced in 2010. Scour can weaken the foundation of a bridge pier, making it more susceptible to collapse during earthquakes or floods. The aim of this work is to try to study the phenomenon from different angles in order to clearly define the problem in the Algerian context, based on the analysis of several cases of work subject to scouring.