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Erick M. Boehmler

Publications and source records attributed to Erick M. Boehmler.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS2000

Evaluation of pier-scour measurement methods and pier-scour predictions with observed scour measurements at selected bridge sites in New Hampshire, 1995-98

In a previous study, 44 of 48 bridge sites examined in New Hampshire were categorized as scour critical. In this study, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) evaluated pier-scour measurement methods and predictions at many of these sites. This evaluation included measurement of pier-scour depths at 20 bridge sites using Ground- Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys. Pier scour was also measured during floods by teams at 5 of these 20 sites. At 4 of the 20 sites, fixed instruments were installed to monitor scour. At only one bridge site investigated by a team was any pier scour measurable during a flood event. A scour depth of 0.7 foot (0.21 m) was measured at a pier in the channel at the State Route 18 bridge over the Connecticut River in Littleton. Measurements made using GPR and (or) fixed instruments indicated pier scour for six sites. The GPR surveys indicated scour along the side of a pier and further upstream from the nose of a pier that was not detected by flood-team measurements at two sites. Most pier-scour equations selected for this examination were reviewed and published in previous scour investigations. Graphical comparison of residual pier-scour depths indicate that the Shen equation yielded pier-scour depth predictions closest to those measured, without underestimating. Measured depths of scour, however, were zero feet for 14 of the 20 sites. For the Blench-Inglis II equation and the Simplified Chinese equation, most differences between measured and predicted scour depths were within 5 feet. These two equations underpredicted scour for one of six sites with measurable scour. The underprediction, however, was within the resolution of the depth measurements. The Simplified Chinese equation is less sensitive than other equations to velocity and depth input variables, and is one of the few empirical equations to integrate the influence of flow competence, or a measure of the maximum streambed particle size that a stream is capable of transporting, in the computation of pier scour. Absence of a flow-competence component could explain some of the overprediction by other equations, but was not investigated in this study. Measurements of scour during large floods at additional sites are necessary to strengthen and substantiate the application of alternatives to the HEC-18 equation to estimate pier scour at waterway crossings in New Hampshire.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS1998

Level II scour analysis for bridge 42 (BAKETH00060042) on Town Highway 6, crossing The Branch, Bakersfield, Vermont

This report provides the results of a detailed Level II analysis of scour potential at structure BAKETH00060042 on Town Highway 6 crossing The Branch, Bakersfield, Vermont (figures 1-8). A Level II study is a basic engineering analysis of the site, including a quantitative analysis of stream stability and scour (FHWA, 1993). Results of a Level I scour investigation also are included in appendix E of this report. A Level I investigation provides a qualitative geomorphic characterization of the study site. Information on the bridge, gleaned from Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTAOT) files, was compiled prior to conducting Level I and Level II analyses and is found in appendix D.

Vermont↗
USGS1998

Level II scour analysis for bridge 35 (BURKTH00310035) on Town Highway 31, crossing the West Branch Passumpsic River, Burke, Vermont

This report provides the results of a detailed Level II analysis of scour potential at structure BURKTH00310035 on Town Highway 31 crossing the West Branch Passumpsic River, Burke, Vermont (figures 1-8). A Level II study is a basic engineering analysis of the site, including a quantitative analysis of stream stability and scour (FHWA, 1993). Results of a Level I scour investigation also are included in appendix E of this report. A Level I investigation provides a qualitative geomorphic characterization of the study site. Information on the bridge, gleaned from Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTAOT) files, was compiled prior to conducting Level I and Level II analyses and is found in appendix D.

Vermont↗
USGS1998

Level II scour analysis for Bridge 34 (WWINTH00370034) on Town Highway 37, crossing Mill Brook, West Windsor, Vermont

This report provides the results of a detailed Level II analysis of scour potential at structure WWINTH00370034 on Town Highway 37 crossing Mill Brook, West Windsor, Vermont (figures 1–8). A Level II study is a basic engineering analysis of the site, including a quantitative analysis of stream stability and scour (FHWA, 1993). Results of a Level I scour investigation also are included in appendix E of this report. A Level I investigation provides a qualitative geomorphic characterization of the study site. Information on the bridge, gleaned from Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTAOT) files, was compiled prior to conducting Level I and Level II analyses and is found in appendix D. The site is in the New England Upland section of the New England physiographic province in east-central Vermont. The 16.6-mi 2 drainage area is in a predominantly rural and forested basin. In the vicinity of the study site, the surface cover is pasture except for the upstream left bank where there is mostly shrubs and brush. In the study area, Mill Brook has a sinuous channel with a slope of approximately 0.003 ft/ ft, an average channel top width of 52 ft and an average bank height of 5 ft. The channel bed material ranges from sand to cobbles with a median grain size (D 50 ) of 43.4 mm (0.142 ft). The geomorphic assessment at the time of the Level I and Level II site visit on June 5, 1996, indicated that the reach was laterally unstable. Point bars were observed upstream and downstream of this site. Furthermore, slip failure of the bank material was noted downstream at a cut-bank on the left side of the channel across from a point bar. The Town Highway 37 crossing of Mill Brook is a 37-ft-long, one-lane covered bridge consisting of one 32-foot wood thru-truss span (Vermont Agency of Transportation, written communication, March 23, 1995). The opening length of the structure parallel to the bridge face is 29.6 ft. The bridge is supported by vertical, laid-up stone abutment walls with concrete facing and laid-up stone wingwalls. The channel is skewed approximately 10 degrees to the opening while the opening-skew-to-roadway is zero degrees. A scour hole 1.5 ft deeper than the mean thalweg depth was observed along the right abutment during the Level I assessment. Scour protection measures at the site included type-3 (less than 48 inches diameter) and type-4 (less than 60 inches diameter) stone fill. Type-3 stone fill was observed along the upstream right bank and along the right abutments. Type-4 stone fill was observed at the upstream end of the upstream right wingwall. Additional details describing conditions at the site are included in the Level II Summary and appendices D and E. Scour depths and recommended rock rip-rap sizes were computed using the general guidelines described in Hydraulic Engineering Circular 18 (Richardson and Davis, 1995) for the 100- and 500-year discharges. In addition, the incipient roadway-overtopping discharge was determined and analyzed as another potential worst-case scour scenario. Total scour at a highway crossing is comprised of three components: 1) long-term streambed degradation; 2) contraction scour (due to accelerated flow caused by a reduction in flow area at a bridge) and; 3) local scour (caused by accelerated flow around piers and abutments). Total scour is the sum of the three components. Equations are available to compute depths for contraction and local scour and a summary of the results of these computations follows. There was no contraction scour predicted for any of the modeled flows. Abutment scour at the left abutment ranged from 5.7 to 7.3 ft, while that at the right abutment ranged from 11.6 to 17.7 ft. The worst-case abutment scour occurred at the 500-year discharge. Additional information on scour depths and depths to armoring are included in the section titled “Scour Results.” Scoured-streambed elevations, based on the calculated scour depths, are presented in tables 1 and 2. A cross-section of the scour computed at the bridge is presented in figure 8. Scour depths were calculated assuming an infinite depth of erosive material and a homogeneous particle-size distribution. It is generally accepted that the Froehlich equation (abutment scour) gives “excessively conservative estimates of scour depths” (Richardson and Davis, 1995, p. 46). Usually, computed scour depths are evaluated in combination with other information including (but not limited to) historical performance during flood events, the geomorphic stability assessment, existing scour protection measures, and the results of the hydraulic analyses. Therefore, scour depths adopted by VTAOT may differ from the computed values documented herein.

Vermont↗
USGS1997

Level II scour analysis for Bridge 6 (MORRTH00030006) on Town Highway 3, crossing Ryder Brook, Morristown, Vermont

This report provides the results of a detailed Level II analysis of scour potential at structure MORRTH00030006 on Town Highway 3 crossing Ryder Brook, Morristown, Vermont (figures 1–8). A Level II study is a basic engineering analysis of the site, including a quantitative analysis of stream stability and scour (U.S. Department of Transportation, 1993). Results of a Level I scour investigation also are included in Appendix E of this report. A Level I investigation provides a qualitative geomorphic characterization of the study site. Information on the bridge, gleaned from Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTAOT) files, was compiled prior to conducting Level I and Level II analyses and is found in Appendix D. The site is in the Green Mountain section of the New England physiographic province in north-central Vermont. The 19.1-mi 2 drainage area is in a predominantly rural and forested basin. In the vicinity of the study site, the surface cover also is forested. In the study area, Ryder Brook has a straight channel with an average channel top width of 450 ft and an average bank height of 7 ft. The predominant channel bed material is silt and clay with a median grain size (D 50 ) of 0.0719 mm (0.000236 ft). The geomorphic assessment at the time of the Level I and Level II site visit on July 18, 1996, indicated that the reach was aggraded, but the channel through the bridge was scoured. The Town Highway 3 crossing of Ryder Brook is a 72-ft-long, two-lane bridge consisting of one 70-foot steel-beam span (Vermont Agency of Transportation, written communication, January 31, 1996). The bridge is supported by vertical, concrete abutments with spill-through embankments and wingwalls. The channel is not skewed to the opening and the opening-skew-to-roadway is zero degrees. Channel scour under the bridge was evident at this site during the Level I assessment. The depth of the channel increases from 3 feet at the upstream bridge face to 10 feet at the downstream bridge face. The only scour protection measure at the site was type-2 stone fill (less than 36 inches diameter) on the spill-through embankments of each abutment, the upstream road embankments and the downstream left road embankment. Additional details describing conditions at the site are included in the Level II Summary and Appendices D and E. Scour depths and rock rip-rap sizes were computed using the general guidelines described in Hydraulic Engineering Circular 18 (Richardson and others, 1995). Total scour at a highway crossing is comprised of three components: 1) long-term streambed degradation; 2) contraction scour (due to accelerated flow caused by a reduction in flow area at a bridge) and; 3) local scour (caused by accelerated flow around piers and abutments). Total scour is the sum of the three components. Equations are available to compute depths for contraction and local scour and a summary of the results of these computations follows. Contraction scour for all modelled flows ranged from 20.4 to 25.8 ft. The worst-case contraction scour occurred at the 500-year discharge. Abutment scour ranged from 8.3 to 10.5 ft. The worst-case abutment scour also occurred at the 500-year discharge. Additional information on scour depths and depths to armoring are included in the section titled “Scour Results”. Scoured-streambed elevations, based on the calculated scour depths, are presented in tables 1 and 2. A cross-section of the scour computed at the bridge is presented in figure 8. Scour depths were calculated assuming an infinite depth of erosive material and a homogeneous particle-size distribution. It is generally accepted that the Froehlich equation (abutment scour) gives “excessively conservative estimates of scour depths” (Richardson and others, 1995, p. 47). Usually, computed scour depths are evaluated in combination with other information including (but not limited to) historical performance during flood events, the geomorphic stability assessment, existing scour protection measures, and the results of the hydraulic analyses. Therefore, scour depths adopted by VTAOT may differ from the computed values documented herein.

Vermont↗
USGS1997

Level II scour analysis for Bridge 12 (FFIETH00030012) on Town Highway 3, crossing the Fairfield River, Fairfield, Vermont

This report provides the results of a detailed Level II analysis of scour potential at structure FFIETH00030012 on Town Highway 3 crossing the Fairfield River, Fairfield, Vermont (figures 1–8). A Level II study is a basic engineering analysis of the site, including a quantitative analysis of stream stability and scour (U.S. Department of Transportation, 1993). Results of a Level I scour investigation also are included in Appendix E of this report. A Level I investigation provides a qualitative geomorphic characterization of the study site. Information on the bridge, gleaned from Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTAOT) files, was compiled prior to conducting Level I and Level II analyses and is found in Appendix D. The site is in the Green Mountain section of the New England physiographic province in north-western Vermont. The 7.34-mi 2 drainage area is in a predominantly rural basin with forest on the valley walls and pasture/row crops on the valley bottom. In the vicinity of the study site, the surface cover is row crops with a few trees on the immediate banks. In the study area, the Fairfield River has a meandering channel with a slope of approximately 0.005 ft/ft, an average channel top width of 37 ft and an average channel depth of 6 ft. The predominant channel bed materials are sand and gravel with a median grain size (D 50 ) of 32.5 mm (0.107 ft). The geomorphic assessment at the time of the Level I and Level II site visit on June 16, 1995, indicated that the reach was stable. The Town Highway 3 crossing of the Fairfield River is a 24-ft-long, one-lane bridge consisting of one 20-foot concrete span (Vermont Agency of Transportation, written communication, March 8, 1995). The bridge is supported by vertical, concrete abutments with wingwalls. The channel is skewed approximately 40 degrees to the opening. Although bridge records show an opening-skew-to-roadway of 45 degrees, the skew measured from surveyed points was 30 degrees. At the time of the level I assessment, the left abutment had been undermined and settled into a scour hole at the upstream end. The right abutment footing was exposed but not undermined. The scour protection measures at the site were type-1 stone fill (less than 12 inches diameter) on the downstream right bank, and type-2 stone fill (less than 36 inches diameter) along the entire base of the upstream right wingwall, the upstream banks, and downstream left bank. The type-2 stone fill on the left bank downstream changes to type-1 about 55 feet downstream of the bridge. Additional details describing conditions at the site are included in the Level II Summary and Appendices D and E. Scour depths and rock rip-rap sizes were computed using the general guidelines described in Hydraulic Engineering Circular 18 (Richardson and others, 1995). Total scour at a highway crossing is comprised of three components: 1) long-term streambed degradation; 2) contraction scour (due to accelerated flow caused by a reduction in flow area at a bridge) and; 3) local scour (caused by accelerated flow around piers and abutments). Total scour is the sum of the three components. Equations are available to compute depths for contraction and local scour and a summary of the results of these computations follows. Contraction scour for all modelled flows ranged from 1.6 to 3.0 ft. The worst-case contraction scour occurred at the 500-year discharge. Abutment scour ranged from 3.2 to 4.0 ft. at the left abutment and 9.7 to 11.7 feet at the right abutment. The worst-case left abutment scour occurred at the incipient over-topping discharge, which was less than the 100-year discharge. The worst-case right abutment scour occurred at the 500-year discharge. Additional information on scour depths and depths to armoring are included in the section titled “Scour Results”. Scoured-streambed elevations, based on the calculated scour depths, are presented in tables 1 and 2. A cross-section of the scour computed at the bridge is presented in figure 8. Scour depths were calculated assuming an infinite depth of erosive material and a homogeneous particle-size distribution. It is generally accepted that the Froehlich equation (abutment scour) gives “excessively conservative estimates of scour depths” (Richardson and others, 1995, p. 47). Usually, computed scour depths are evaluated in combination with other information including (but not limited to) historical performance during flood events, the geomorphic stability assessment, existing scour protection measures, and the results of the hydraulic analyses. Therefore, scour depths adopted by VTAOT may differ from the computed values documented herein.

Vermont↗
USGS1997

Level II scour analysis for Bridge 32 (NFIEVT012A0032) on State Route 12A, crossing the Dog River, Northfield, Vermont

This report provides the results of a detailed Level II analysis of scour potential at structure NFIEVT012A0032 on State Route 12A crossing the Dog River, Northfield, Vermont (figures 1–8). A Level II study is a basic engineering analysis of the site, including a quantitative analysis of stream stability and scour (U.S. Department of Transportation, 1993). Results of a Level I scour investigation also are included in Appendix E of this report. A Level I investigation provides a qualitative geomorphic characterization of the study site. Information on the bridge, gleaned from Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTAOT) files, was compiled prior to conducting Level I and Level II analyses and is found in Appendix D. The site is in the Green Mountain section of the New England physiographic province in central Vermont. The 13.5-mi 2 drainage area is in a predominantly rural and forested basin. In the vicinity of the study site, the surface cover is pasture (golf course). In the study area, the Dog River has a straight channel with a slope of approximately 0.01 ft/ ft, an average channel top width of 47 ft and an average bank height of 7 ft. The predominant channel bed materials are gravel and cobbles with a median grain size (D 50 ) of 39.0 mm (0.128 ft). The geomorphic assessment at the time of the Level I and Level II site visit on July 22, 1996, indicated that the reach was stable. The State Route 12A crossing of the Dog River is a 35-ft-long, two-lane bridge consisting of one 32-foot concrete span (Vermont Agency of Transportation, written communication, October 13, 1995). The bridge is supported by vertical, concrete abutments with wingwalls. The channel is skewed approximately 30 degrees to the opening and the opening-skew-to- roadway also is 30 degrees. A scour hole 1.5 ft deeper than the mean thalweg depth was observed along the upstream end of the right abutment wall during the Level I assessment. The scour protection measures at the site were type-1 stone fill (less than 12 inches diameter) on the right bank downstream and type-2 stone fill (less than 36 inches diameter) on the upstream banks, the downstream left bank and the upstream right wingwall. Additional details describing conditions at the site are included in the Level II Summary and Appendices D and E. Scour depths and rock rip-rap sizes were computed using the general guidelines described in Hydraulic Engineering Circular 18 (Richardson and others, 1995). Total scour at a highway crossing is comprised of three components: 1) long-term streambed degradation; 2) contraction scour (due to accelerated flow caused by a reduction in flow area at a bridge) and; 3) local scour (caused by accelerated flow around piers and abutments). Total scour is the sum of the three components. Equations are available to compute depths for contraction and local scour and a summary of the results of these computations follows. Contraction scour for all modelled flows ranged from 1.5 to 2.9 ft. The worst-case contraction scour occurred at the incipient-overtopping discharge, which was less than the 100-year discharge. Abutment scour ranged from 7.2 to 1 2.7 ft. The worst-case abutment scour occurred at the 500-year discharge. Additional information on scour depths and depths to armoring are included in the section titled “Scour Results”. Scoured-streambed elevations, based on the calculated scour depths, are presented in tables 1 and 2. A cross- section of the scour computed at the bridge is presented in figure 8. Scour depths were calculated assuming an infinite depth of erosive material and a homogeneous particle-size distribution. It is generally accepted that the Froehlich equation (abutment scour) gives “excessively conservative estimates of scour depths” (Richardson and others, 1995, p. 47). Usually, computed scour depths are evaluated in combination with other information including (but not limited to) historical performance during flood events, the geomorphic stability assessment, existing scour protection measures, and the results of the hydraulic analyses. Therefore, scour depths adopted by VTAOT may differ from the computed values documented herein.

Vermont↗
USGS1997

Level II scour analysis for Bridge 137 (FERRUS00070137) on U.S. Route 7, crossing Little Otter Creek, Ferrisburg, Vermont

This report provides the results of a detailed Level II analysis of scour potential at structure FERRUS00070137 on U.S. Route 7 crossing Little Otter Creek, Ferrisburg, Vermont (figures 1–8). A Level II study is a basic engineering analysis of the site, including a quantitative analysis of stream stability and scour (U.S. Department of Transportation, 1993). Results of a Level I scour investigation also are included in Appendix E of this report. A Level I investigation provides a qualitative geomorphic characterization of the study site. Information on the bridge, gleaned from Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTAOT) files, was compiled prior to conducting Level I and Level II analyses and is found in Appendix D. The site is in the Champlain section of the St. Lawrence Valley physiographic province in northwestern Vermont. The 56.7-mi 2 drainage area is in a predominantly rural and forested basin with some pasture on the valley bottom. In the vicinity of the study site, the surface cover consists of pasture upstream of the bridge. Downstream of the bridge the surface cover consists of trees, shrubs, and grass. In the study area, Little Otter Creek has a meandering channel with a slope of approximately 0.007 ft/ft, an average channel top width of 86 ft and an average channel depth of 3 ft. The predominant channel bed materials are cobbles and gravel with a median grain size (D 50 ) of 54.9 mm (0.180 ft). The geomorphic assessment at the time of the Level I and Level II site visit on July 1, 1996, indicated that the reach was laterally unstable. The U.S. Route 7 crossing of Little Otter Creek is a 157-ft-long, two-lane bridge consisting of three steel-beam spans (Vermont Agency of Transportation, written communication, December 12, 1995). The bridge is supported by vertical, concrete abutment walls with spill-through embankments in front of each abutment wall and two solid concrete piers. The channel is skewed approximately 15 degrees to the opening while the opening-skew-to-roadway is zero degrees. The scour protection measures at the site consist of type-3 stone fill (less than 48 inches diameter) on the banks upstream and downstream of the bridge and the lower half of the spill-through embankment slopes on each abutment. Type-1 stone fill (less than 12 inches diameter) protects the upper half of the spill-through embankments and each roadway embankment. Additional details describing conditions at the site are included in the Level II Summary and Appendices D and E. Scour depths and rock rip-rap sizes were computed using the general guidelines described in Hydraulic Engineering Circular 18 (Richardson and others, 1995). Total scour at a highway crossing is comprised of three components: 1) long-term streambed degradation; 2) contraction scour (due to accelerated flow caused by a reduction in flow area at a bridge) and; 3) local scour (caused by accelerated flow around piers and abutments). Total scour is the sum of the three components. Equations are available to compute depths for contraction and local scour and a summary of the results of these computations follows. Contraction scour for all modelled flows ranged from 1.8 to 2.3 ft. The worst-case contraction scour occurred at the 500-year discharge. Abutment scour ranged from 10.4 to 14.9 ft. The worst-case abutment scour occurred at the 500-year discharge. There are two piers for which computed pier scour ranged from 7.5 to 13.4 ft. The left and right piers in this report are presented as pier 1 and pier 2 respectively. The worst-case pier scour occurred at pier 1 for the 500-year discharge. Additional information on scour depths and depths to armoring are included in the section titled “Scour Results”. Scoured-streambed elevations, based on the calculated scour depths, are presented in tables 1 and 2. A cross-section of the scour computed at the bridge is presented in figure 8. Scour depths were calculated assuming an infinite depth of erosive material and a homogeneous particle-size distribution. It is generally accepted that the Froehlich equation (abutment scour) gives “excessively conservative estimates of scour depths” (Richardson and others, 1995, p. 47). Usually, computed scour depths are evaluated in combination with other information including (but not limited to) historical performance during flood events, the geomorphic stability assessment, existing scour protection measures, and the results of the hydraulic analyses. Therefore, scour depths adopted by VTAOT may differ from the computed values documented herein.

Vermont↗
USGS1997

Level II scour analysis for Bridge 7 (MORRTH00020007) on Town Highway 2 (FAS 239), crossing Ryder Brook, Morristown, Vermont

This report provides the results of a detailed Level II analysis of scour potential at structure MORRTH00020007 on Town Highway 2 crossing Ryder Brook, Morristown, Vermont (figures 1–8). A Level II study is a basic engineering analysis of the site, including a quantitative analysis of stream stability and scour (U.S. Department of Transportation, 1993). Results of a Level I scour investigation also are included in Appendix E of this report. A Level I investigation provides a qualitative geomorphic characterization of the study site. Information on the bridge, gleaned from Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTAOT) files, was compiled prior to conducting Level I and Level II analyses and is found in Appendix D. The site is in the Green Mountain section of the New England physiographic province in North-central Vermont. The 18.5-mi 2 drainage area is in a predominantly rural and forested basin. In the vicinity of the study site, the surface cover is pasture and forest. In the study area, Ryder Brook generally is straight and incised with a slope of approximately 0.002 ft/ft, an average channel top width of 48 ft and an average channel depth of 3 ft. The channel bed is bedrock with pockets of sand and gravel in several locations through the reach. The gravel has a median grain size (D 50 ) of 17.7 mm (0.0581 ft). The geomorphic assessment at the time of the Level I and Level II site visit on July 16, 1996 indicated that the reach was stable. The Town Highway 2 crossing of Ryder Brook is a 84-ft-long, two-lane bridge consisting of one 84-foot steel-beam span (Vermont Agency of Transportation, written communication, January 31, 1996). The bridge is supported by vertical, concrete abutment walls with spill-through embankments. The channel is skewed approximately 10 degrees to the opening while the opening-skew-to-roadway is 15 degrees. The only scour protection measure at the site was type-3 stone fill (less than 48 inches diameter) on the spill-through embankments of each abutment. Additional details describing conditions at the site are included in the Level II Summary and Appendices D and E. Scour depths and rock rip-rap sizes were computed using the general guidelines described in Hydraulic Engineering Circular 18 (Richardson and others, 1995). Total scour at a highway crossing is comprised of three components: 1) long-term streambed degradation; 2) contraction scour (due to accelerated flow caused by a reduction in flow area at a bridge) and; 3) local scour (caused by accelerated flow around piers and abutments). Total scour is the sum of the three components. Equations are available to compute depths for contraction and local scour and a summary of the results of these computations follows. Contraction scour predictions for all modelled flows at this site were zero. Abutment scour predictions ranged from 5.6 to 8.1 ft. The worst-case abutment scour occurred at the 500- year discharge. Additional information on scour depths and depths to armoring are included in the section titled “Scour Results”. Scoured-streambed elevations, based on the calculated scour depths, are presented in tables 1 and 2. A cross-section of the scour computed at the bridge is presented in figure 8. Scour depths were calculated assuming an infinite depth of erosive material and a homogeneous particle-size distribution. However, historical bridge records and field notes indicate the abutment footings may be set on bedrock. It is generally accepted that the Froehlich equation (abutment scour) gives “excessively conservative estimates of scour depths” (Richardson and others, 1995, p. 47). Usually, computed scour depths are evaluated in combination with other information including (but not limited to) historical performance during flood events, the geomorphic stability assessment, existing scour protection measures, and the results of the hydraulic analyses. Therefore, scour depths adopted by VTAOT may differ from the computed values documented herein.

Vermont↗
USGS1997

Level II scour analysis for Bridge 22 (REDSVT01000022) on State Route 100, crossing the West Branch Deerfield River, Readsboro, Vermont

This report provides the results of a detailed Level II analysis of scour potential at structure REDSVT01000022 on State Route 100 crossing the West Branch Deerfield River, Readsboro, Vermont (figures 1–8). A Level II study is a basic engineering analysis of the site, including a quantitative analysis of stream stability and scour (U.S. Department of Transportation, 1993). Results of a Level I scour investigation also are included in Appendix E of this report. A Level I investigation provides a qualitative geomorphic characterization of the study site. Information on the bridge, gleaned from Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTAOT) files, was compiled prior to conducting Level I and Level II analyses and is found in Appendix D. The site is in the Green Mountain section of the New England physiographic province in southern Vermont. The 25.6-mi 2 drainage area is in a predominantly rural and forested basin. In the vicinity of the study site, the surface cover is forest. In the study area, the West Branch Deerfield River has an incised, straight channel with a slope of approximately 0.025 ft/ft, an average channel top width of 63 ft and an average channel depth of 10 ft. The predominant channel bed materials are cobbles and boulders with some bedrock exposure noted under the bridge. The bed material has a median grain size (D 50 ) of 141.0 mm (0.463 ft). The geomorphic assessment at the time of the Level I and Level II site visit on July 30, 1996, indicated that the reach was stable. The State Route 100 crossing of the West Branch Deerfield River is a 119-ft-long, two-lane bridge consisting of one 110-foot steel-beam span (Vermont Agency of Transportation, written communication, September 28, 1995). The bridge is supported by vertical, concrete abutments with spill-through embankments. The channel is skewed approximately 50 degrees to the opening while the opening-skew-to-roadway is 50 degrees. The scour protection measure at the site was type-3 stone fill (less than 48 inches diameter) on the spill-through embankments of each abutment and the banks upstream and downstream. Additional details describing conditions at the site are included in the Level II Summary and Appendices D and E. Scour depths and rock rip-rap sizes were computed using the general guidelines described in Hydraulic Engineering Circular 18 (Richardson and others, 1995). Total scour at a highway crossing is comprised of three components: 1) long-term streambed degradation; 2) contraction scour (due to accelerated flow caused by a reduction in flow area at a bridge) and; 3) local scour (caused by accelerated flow around piers and abutments). Total scour is the sum of the three components. Equations are available to compute depths for contraction and local scour and a summary of the results of these computations follows. There was no predicted contraction scour for any of the modelled flows. Abutment scour ranged from 4.9 to 11.6 ft. The worst-case abutment scour occurred at the right abutment for the 500-year discharge. However, historical information indicates the right abutment is in contact with bedrock at least in part. Additional information on scour depths and depths to armoring are included in the section titled “Scour Results”. Scoured-streambed elevations, based on the calculated scour depths, are presented in tables 1 and 2. A cross-section of the scour computed at the bridge is presented in figure 8. Scour depths were calculated assuming an infinite depth of erosive material and a homogeneous particle-size distribution. It is generally accepted that the Froehlich equation (abutment scour) gives “excessively conservative estimates of scour depths” (Richardson and others, 1995, p. 47). Usually, computed scour depths are evaluated in combination with other information including (but not limited to) historical performance during flood events, the geomorphic stability assessment, existing scour protection measures, and the results of the hydraulic analyses. Therefore, scour depths adopted by VTAOT may differ from the computed values documented herein.

Vermont↗
USGS1997

Level II scour analysis for Bridge 17 (POMFTH00010017) on Town Highway 1 (FAS 166) crossing Mill Brook, Pomfret, Vermont

This report provides the results of a detailed Level II analysis of scour potential at structure POMFTH00010017 on Town Highway 1 crossing Mill Brook, Pomfret, Vermont (figures 1–8). A Level II study is a basic engineering analysis of the site, including a quantitative analysis of stream stability and scour (U.S. Department of Transportation, 1993). Results of a Level I scour investigation also are included in Appendix E of this report. A Level I investigation provides a qualitative geomorphic characterization of the study site. Information on the bridge, gleaned from Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTAOT) files, was compiled prior to conducting Level I and Level II analyses and is found in Appendix D. The site is in the Green Mountain section of the New England physiographic province in central Vermont. The 8.11-mi 2 drainage area is in a predominantly rural and forested basin. In the vicinity of the study site, the surface cover is pasture. In the study area, Mill Brook has a sinuous channel with a slope of approximately 0.009 ft/ ft, an average channel top width of 30 ft and an average channel depth of 3 ft. The predominant channel bed materials are gravel and cobbles with a median grain size (D 50 ) of 71.9 mm (0.236 ft). The geomorphic assessment at the time of the Level I and Level II site visit on July 25, 1996, indicated that the reach was stable. The Town Highway 1 crossing of Mill Brook is a 54-ft-long, two-lane bridge consisting of one 52-foot steel-beam span (Vermont Agency of Transportation, written communication, August 23, 1994). The bridge is supported by vertical, concrete abutments with spillthrough embankments. The channel is skewed approximately 15 degrees to the opening and the opening-skew-to-roadway is 15 degrees. The scour protection measures at the site were type-3 stone riprap (less than 48 inches diameter) on the spill-through embankments of each abutment and type-2 stone fill (less than 24 inches diameter) on the banks downstream. Additional details describing conditions at the site are included in the Level II Summary and Appendices D and E. Scour depths and rock rip-rap sizes were computed using the general guidelines described in Hydraulic Engineering Circular 18 (Richardson and others, 1995). Total scour at a highway crossing is comprised of three components: 1) long-term streambed degradation; 2) contraction scour (due to accelerated flow caused by a reduction in flow area at a bridge) and; 3) local scour (caused by accelerated flow around piers and abutments). Total scour is the sum of the three components. Equations are available to compute depths for contraction and local scour and a summary of the results of these computations follows. Contraction scour for all modelled flows ranged from 0.0 to 0.9 ft. The worst-case contraction scour occurred at the 500-year discharge. Abutment scour ranged from 3.6 to 7.1 ft. The worst-case abutment scour also occurred at the 500-year discharge. Additional information on scour depths and depths to armoring are included in the section titled “Scour Results”. Scoured-streambed elevations, based on the calculated scour depths, are presented in tables 1 and 2. A cross-section of the scour computed at the bridge is presented in figure 8. Scour depths were calculated assuming an infinite depth of erosive material and a homogeneous particle-size distribution. It is generally accepted that the Froehlich equation (abutment scour) gives “excessively conservative estimates of scour depths” (Richardson and others, 1995, p. 47). Usually, computed scour depths are evaluated in combination with other information including (but not limited to) historical performance during flood events, the geomorphic stability assessment, existing scour protection measures, and the results of the hydraulic analyses. Therefore, scour depths adopted by VTAOT may differ from the computed values documented herein.

Vermont↗
USGS1997

Level II scour analysis for Bridge 30 (BRNATH00470030) on Town Highway 47, crossing Locust Creek, Barnard, Vermont

This report provides the results of a detailed Level II analysis of scour potential at structure BRNATH00470030 on Town Highway 47 crossing Locust Creek, Barnard, Vermont (figures 1–8). A Level II study is a basic engineering analysis of the site, including a quantitative analysis of stream stability and scour (U.S. Department of Transportation, 1993). Results of a Level I scour investigation also are included in Appendix E of this report. A Level I investigation provides a qualitative geomorphic characterization of the study site. Information on the bridge, gleaned from Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTAOT) files, was compiled prior to conducting Level I and Level II analyses and is found in Appendix D. The site is in the Green Mountain section of the New England physiographic province in central Vermont. The 4.18-mi 2 drainage area is a predominantly rural and forested basin. In the vicinity of the study site, the surface cover consists of trees, shrubs, and brush. In the study area, Locust Creek has an incised, sinuous channel with a slope of approximately 0.02 ft/ft, an average channel top width of 32 ft and an average bank height of 4 ft. The predominant channel bed material is gravel with a median grain size (D 50 ) of 49.5 mm (0.162 ft). The geomorphic assessment at the time of the Level I and Level II site visit on October 13, 1994, indicated that the reach was stable. The Town Highway 47 crossing of Locust Creek is a 28-ft-long, one-lane bridge consisting of one 25-foot concrete span (Vermont Agency of Transportation, written communication, August 23, 1994). The bridge is supported by vertical, concrete abutments with wingwalls. The channel is skewed approximately 40 degrees to the opening. Historical bridge data indicates that the opening-skew-to-roadway is 45 degrees, but 35 degrees was computed by use of survey data from this study. A minor scour hole, 0.5 ft deeper than the mean thalweg depth was observed along the left abutment wall during the Level I assessment. The scour protection measures at the site were type-2 stone fill (less than 36 inches diameter) on the upstream wingwalls. There also is type-3 stone fill on the downstream right wingwall. Additional details describing conditions at the site are included in the Level II Summary and Appendices D and E. Scour depths and recommended rock rip-rap sizes were computed using the general guidelines described in Hydraulic Engineering Circular 18 (Richardson and others, 1995). Total scour at a highway crossing is comprised of three components: 1) long-term streambed degradation; 2) contraction scour (due to accelerated flow caused by a reduction in flow area at a bridge) and; 3) local scour (caused by accelerated flow around piers and abutments). Total scour is the sum of the three components. Equations are available to compute depths for contraction and local scour and a summary of the results of these computations follows. Contraction scour for all modelled flows ranged from 0.0 to 1.4 feet. The worst-case contraction scour occurred at the 500-year discharge. Abutment scour ranged from 2.3 to 8.9 feet. The worst-case abutment scour occurred at the 100-year discharge at the right abutment. Additional information on scour depths and depths to armoring are included in the section titled “Scour Results”. Scoured-streambed elevations, based on the calculated scour depths, are presented in tables 1 and 2. A cross-section of the scour computed at the bridge is presented in figure 8. Scour depths were calculated assuming an infinite depth of erosive material and a homogeneous particle-size distribution. It is generally accepted that the Froehlich equation (abutment scour) gives “excessively conservative estimates of scour depths” (Richardson and others, 1995, p. 47). Usually, computed scour depths are evaluated in combination with other information including (but not limited to) historical performance during flood events, the geomorphic stability assessment, existing scour protection measures, and the results of the hydraulic analyses. Therefore, scour depths adopted by VTAOT may differ from the computed values documented herein.

Vermont↗
USGS1997

Level II scour analysis for Bridge 2 (STAMVT01000002) on State Route 100 crossing Roaring Brook, Stamford, Vermont

This report provides the results of a detailed Level II analysis of scour potential at structure STAMVT01000002 on State Route 100 crossing Roaring Brook, Stamford, Vermont (figures 1–8). A Level II study is a basic engineering analysis of the site, including a quantitative analysis of stream stability and scour (U.S. Department of Transportation, 1993). Results of a Level I scour investigation also are included in Appendix E of this report. A Level I investigation provides a qualitative geomorphic characterization of the study site. Information on the bridge, gleaned from Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTAOT) files, was compiled prior to conducting Level I and Level II analyses and is found in Appendix D. The site is in the Green Mountain section of the New England physiographic province in Southwestern Vermont. The 8.26-mi 2 drainage area is in a predominantly rural and forested basin. In the vicinity of the study site, the surface cover consists of houses with grass lawns, and trees on the right overbank areas upstream and downstream of the bridge. The left overbank areas upstream and downstream of the bridge are covered with trees and brush. In the study area, Roaring Brook has a straight channel with a slope of approximately 0.02 ft/ft, an average channel top width of 56 ft and an average bank height of 5 ft. The channel bed materials range from gravel to boulders with a median grain size (D 50 ) of 53.7 mm (0.176 ft). The geomorphic assessment at the time of the Level I and Level II site visit on July 31, 1996, indicated that the reach was aggraded. The State Route 100 crossing of Roaring Brook is a 44-ft-long, two-lane bridge consisting of one 42-foot steel-beam span (Vermont Agency of Transportation, written communication, September 28, 1995). The bridge is supported by vertical, concrete abutments with wingwalls. The channel is skewed approximately 5 degrees to the opening and the opening-skew-to-roadway is 5 degrees. Scour protection measures at the site were type-2 stone fill (less than 36 inches diameter) on the upstream banks and wingwalls, type-3 (less than 48 inches diameter) on the downstream wingwalls, and artificial levees made from a variety of materials on the downstream banks. Additional details describing conditions at the site are included in the Level II Summary and Appendices D and E. Scour depths and rock rip-rap sizes were computed using the general guidelines described in Hydraulic Engineering Circular 18 (Richardson and others, 1995). Total scour at a highway crossing is comprised of three components: 1) long-term streambed degradation; 2) contraction scour (due to accelerated flow caused by a reduction in flow area at a bridge) and; 3) local scour (caused by accelerated flow around piers and abutments). Total scour is the sum of the three components. Equations are available to compute depths for contraction and local scour and a summary of the results of these computations follows. Contraction scour for all modelled flows ranged from 0.0 to 0.8 feet. The worst-case contraction scour occurred at the 100-year discharge. Abutment scour ranged from 4.2 to 9.3 feet. The worst-case abutment scour occurred at the 500-year discharge at the left abutment. Additional information on scour depths and depths to armoring are included in the section titled “Scour Results”. Scoured-streambed elevations, based on the calculated scour depths, are presented in tables 1 and 2. A cross-section of the scour computed at the bridge is presented in figure 8. Scour depths were calculated assuming an infinite depth of erosive material and a homogeneous particle-size distribution. It is generally accepted that the Froehlich equation (abutment scour) gives “excessively conservative estimates of scour depths” (Richardson and others, 1995, p. 47). Usually, computed scour depths are evaluated in combination with other information including (but not limited to) historical performance during flood events, the geomorphic stability assessment, existing scour protection measures, and the results of the hydraulic analyses. Therefore, scour depths adopted by VTAOT may differ from the computed values documented herein.

Vermont↗
USGS1997

Level II scour analysis for Bridge 19 (CHARTH00390019) on Town Highway 39, crossing Mad Brook, Charleston, Vermont

This report provides the results of a detailed Level II analysis of scour potential at structure CHARTH00390019 on Town Highway 39 crossing Mad Brook, Charleston, Vermont (figures 1–8). A Level II study is a basic engineering analysis of the site, including a quantitative analysis of stream stability and scour (U.S. Department of Transportation, 1993). Results of a Level I investigation also are included in this report in Appendix E. A Level I study provides a qualitative geomorphic characterization of the study site. Information on the bridge, gleaned from Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTAOT) files, was compiled prior to conducting Level I and Level II analyses and is found in Appendix D. The site is in the White Mountain section of the New England physiographic province in northeastern Vermont in the town of Charleston. The 6.54-mi 2 drainage area is in a predominantly rural and forested basin. In the vicinity of the study site, the surface cover is forest except for the upstream left side which is covered primarily with shrubs and brush. The immediate banks have dense woody vegetation. In the study area, Mad Brook has an incised, sinuous channel with a slope of approximately 0.023 ft/ft, an average channel top width of 40 ft and an average channel depth of 4 ft. The predominant channel bed material is cobble with a median grain size (D 50 ) of 135.0 mm (0.443 ft). The geomorphic assessment on October 26, 1994 indicated that the reach was laterally unstable due to long-term lateral migration of the channel. Data collection for the level II analysis was accomplished on October 26, 1994 and July 24, 1995. The Town Highway 39 crossing of Mad Brook is a 34-ft-long, two-lane bridge consisting of one 31-foot steel-beam span (Vermont Agency of Transportation, written communication, August 4, 1994). The bridge is supported by vertical, concrete abutments with wingwalls. The channel is skewed approximately 40 degrees to the opening while the opening-skew-to-roadway is 45 degrees. A scour hole 1.5 ft deeper than the mean thalweg depth was observed along the right abutment during the Level I assessment. The scour protection measures evident at the site were type-2 stone fill (less than 36 inches diameter) on the upstream left wingwall and upstream end of the left abutment wall. Type-3 stone fill (less than 48 inches diameter) was noted on the upstream right wingwall and the upstream side of the left road approach embankment. Additional details describing conditions at the site are included in the Level II Summary and Appendices D and E. Scour depths and rock rip-rap sizes were computed using the general guidelines described in Hydraulic Engineering Circular 18 (Richardson and others, 1995). Total scour at a highway crossing is comprised of three components: 1) long-term streambed degradation; 2) contraction scour (due to accelerated flow caused by a reduction in flow area at a bridge) and; 3) local scour (caused by accelerated flow around piers and abutments). Total scour is the sum of the three components. Equations are available to compute depths for contraction and local scour and a summary of the results of these computations follows. Contraction scour for all modelled flows was 0.0 ft. Abutment scour ranged from 9.5 to 16.7 ft. The worst-case abutment scour occurred at the 500-year discharge. Additional information on scour depths and depths to armoring are included in the section titled “Scour Results”. Scoured-streambed elevations, based on the calculated scour depths, are presented in tables 1 and 2. A cross-section of the scour computed at the bridge is presented in figure 8. Scour depths were calculated assuming an infinite depth of erosive material and a homogeneous particle-size distribution. It is generally accepted that the Froehlich equation (abutment scour) gives “excessively conservative estimates of scour depths” (Richardson and others, 1995, p. 47). Usually, computed scour depths are evaluated in combination with other information including (but not limited to) historical performance during flood events, the geomorphic stability assessment, existing scour protection measures, and the results of the hydraulic analyses. Therefore, scour depths adopted by VTAOT may differ from the computed values documented herein.

Vermont↗