In the intricate dance between water and sediment, bridge piers often play the role of an unwelcome guest, disrupting the flow and causing local scour—a phenomenon that can lead to structural instability and costly maintenance. Pooya Biranvand, a PhD student at the Islamic Azad University in Tehran, has been studying this very issue, with a particular focus on the complex dynamics of bridge piers in 180-degree channel bends. His research, published in the journal *Advanced Modeling in Civil Engineering* (مدلسازی پیشرفته در مهندسی عمران), offers valuable insights for the energy sector, where understanding and mitigating scour is crucial for the longevity of infrastructure.
Biranvand’s study combines experimental and numerical approaches to investigate the effects of pier placement in curved channels. “In curved channels, secondary flows arise due to the balance between centrifugal and gravitational forces,” Biranvand explains. “This causes a vertical redistribution of flow that significantly alters bed shear stress and sediment transport.” The introduction of bridge piers further complicates this scenario, intensifying the complexity of flow patterns and local scour processes.
To tackle this challenge, Biranvand analyzed six angular pier positions (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, and 150°) using the finite volume method (FVM) via Fluent software. He validated his numerical results against physical experiments, employing ADV-based velocity profiling and bed morphology measurements. The findings revealed that the magnitude of bed material removal is greater within the bend compared to straight reaches, due to intensified helical flows.
The study identified that the most severe sediment deposition occurred at 30° and 60°, while reduced scour was observed at 150°. Based on flow behavior and scour depth analysis, Biranvand identified optimal pier locations to be within 0°–30° and 90°–180°, striking a balance between flow stability and minimizing bed degradation.
The implications of this research are significant for the energy sector, particularly for the design and maintenance of infrastructure in curved channels. By understanding the optimal placement of bridge piers, engineers can minimize scour-related issues, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing the longevity of structures. “This research provides a valuable tool for engineers and designers working in the energy sector,” Biranvand notes. “By optimizing pier placement, we can enhance the stability and durability of infrastructure, ultimately leading to more sustainable and cost-effective solutions.”
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the need for innovative solutions to complex challenges becomes ever more pressing. Biranvand’s research offers a compelling example of how advanced modeling and experimental techniques can be harnessed to address real-world problems, shaping the future of infrastructure design and maintenance.