water

Article
Effect of Angle between Pier and Center of River Flow
on Local Scouring around the Bridge Pier
Takuma Kadono 1 , Shinichiro Okazaki 2, * , Yoshihiro Kabeyama 1 and Toshinori Matsui 2
1 Graduate School of Engineering, Kagawa University, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0396, Japan;
s20d401@stu.kagawa-u.ac.jp (T.K.); s19d402@stu.kagawa-u.ac.jp (Y.K.)
2 Faculty of Engineering and Design, Kagawa University, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0396, Japan;
matsui@ao.kagawa-u.ac.jp
* Correspondence: okazaki.shinichiro@kagawa-u.ac.jp; Tel.: +81-087-864-2000




Received: 30 September 2020; Accepted: 10 November 2020; Published: 15 November 2020


Abstract: In recent years, heavy rainfall disasters have caused frequent damage to bridge piers due
to scouring and have resulted in the fall of bridges in many areas in Japan. The objective of this study
was to investigate the effect of local scouring around the downstream of the piers on the local scouring
around the center of the river flowing at an angle to the piers. It was found that when the center of
the river flows at an angle to the piers, the scouring area becomes wider from the upstream to the
downstream of the piers because of the longer inhibition width of the piers positioned perpendicular
to the water flow. The downstream scouring depth tends to be smaller than the upstream scouring
depth. In addition, the time to the onset of tilting deformation of the piers increases with the inhibition
width of the piers positioned perpendicular to the flowing water.

Keywords: pier; local scouring; tilting deformation of bridge pier; central river flow; inhibition width

1. Introduction
In recent years, heavy rainfall disasters have caused frequent damage to bridge piers due to
scouring and have resulted in the fall of bridges in many areas of Japan, e.g., in July 2017, when the
collapse of piers and outflow of girders of a railway bridge occurred due to heavy rainfall in the
northern part of the Kyushu area. In July 2018, the inclination of a pier and outflow of girders of a
railway bridge were caused by heavy rainfall in western Japan. In addition, in July 2020, the collapse
of piers and outflow of girders of a railway bridge were caused by heavy rainfall in the southern part
of the Kyushu area. When this type of disaster occurs, it has a significant impact on the transportation
network and on the daily lives of people. In particular, old-fashioned piers with a shallow embedded
depth and direct foundation often undergo damage due to local scouring around the piers. Therefore,
it is necessary to clarify the safety and soundness of the foundations regularly. In Japan, the Ministry
of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism requires regular inspection of once every two years
for railways and once every five years for roads. However, it is difficult for an engineer engaged
in the maintenance practice of bridges to actually perform a detailed investigation for the purpose
of clarifying the safety and soundness on a daily basis because there are many aspects that require
maintenance. Therefore, it is common to conduct a simple investigation based on visual methods and
by using a tape measure.
Samizo [1] proposed a method to evaluate the risk of local scouring around piers based on the
data of existing disasters by using a multivariate model with several parameters that can be obtained in
maintenance practice. This method allows easy and efficient bridge maintenance. Keyaki [2] proposed
a method to evaluate the natural frequency of piers by the measurement of fine movement using
sensors installed on both edges at the top of the pier against its axis direction. Furthermore, in recent

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recent years, a research study has been conducted on a method for evaluating possibility of bridge
years, a research study has been conducted on a method for evaluating possibility of bridge pier
pier scouring based on evaluating river hydrological events, modeling river behavior and estimating
scouring based on evaluating river hydrological events, modeling river behavior and estimating the
the scour depth [3]. This can enable constant monitoring of the soundness of the pier.
scour depth [3]. This can enable constant monitoring of the soundness of the pier.
Several researchers [4–13] have proposed formulae for evaluating the scour depth, which is
Several researchers [4–13] have proposed formulae for evaluating the scour depth, which is
important for evaluating the safety of piers. Engineers engaged in maintenance practice use these
important for evaluating the safety of piers. Engineers engaged in maintenance practice use these
formulae to evaluate the risk of local scouring around piers. Although there is previous study on the
formulae to evaluate the risk of local scouring around piers. Although there is previous study on the
conditions that occur when a pier is scoured in the downstream direction [4], in most studies, the
conditions that occur when a pier is scoured in the downstream direction [4], in most studies, the shape
shape of the scour hole is assumed to be inverted conical with upstream water flow direction.
of the scour hole is assumed to be inverted conical with upstream water flow direction.
In this study, we focused on the July 2018 disaster in Japan. Heavy rainfall occurred, and a pier
In this study, we focused on the July 2018 disaster in Japan. Heavy rainfall occurred, and a pier
was damaged after being tilted towards the downstream and right bank side directions. The cause of
was damaged after being tilted towards the downstream and right bank side directions. The cause
the tilting of the pier was assumed to be scouring of the area of the downstream and right bank side
of the tilting of the pier was assumed to be scouring of the area of the downstream and right bank
around the pier based on its tilting direction. In this study, we provide an overview of the case
side around the pier based on its tilting direction. In this study, we provide an overview of the case
focused on the disaster. We conducted experiments using a scale model to clarify the condition of
focused on the disaster. We conducted experiments using a scale model to clarify the condition of
occurrence of local scouring in the downstream direction around the pier and the effect on the
occurrence of local scouring in the downstream direction around the pier and the effect on the progress
progress of local scouring.
of local scouring.

2.
2. Overview
Overview of
of the
the Disaster
Disaster
The
The case
case is
is focused
focused on on aa railway
railway bridge,
bridge, specifically
specifically an
an inclined
inclined fourth
fourth pier
pier (4P)
(4P) due
due toto river
river
flooding
flooding from
from the
the heavy
heavy rainfall
rainfall ofof the
the July
July 2018
2018 disaster
disaster in Japan. In
in Japan. In this
this case,
case, train
train operations
operations were
were
obstructed
obstructed for for approximately
approximately aa month month because
because of of horizontal
horizontal displacements
displacements at at the
the tracks
tracks affected
affected by
by
the
the 4P inclination. The extent of the damage is shown in Figures 1 and 2, and an overall view of
4P inclination. The extent of the damage is shown in Figures 1 and 2, and an overall view of the
the
damaged
damaged bridge
bridge isis shown
shown in in Figure
Figure 3. 3. The
The damaged
damaged bridge
bridge was
was aa railway
railway bridge
bridge with
with aa total
total length
length
of
of 137.19 m, composed of seven steel deck plate girders with a span of 19.2 m and six piers and two
137.19 m, composed of seven steel deck plate girders with a span of 19.2 m and six piers and two
abuts
abuts ofof direct foundation type
direct foundation type that were constructed
that were constructed by by stonemasonry.
stonemasonry. The superstructure weight
The superstructure weight
per
per pier
pier was
was approximately
approximately 300 300 kN,
kN, considering
considering the the sidewalk
sidewalk of of the
the bridge,
bridge, which
which hadhad an
an incidental
incidental
structure
structure and an approximate track weight similar to that of the rails. The basin area of the
and an approximate track weight similar to that of the rails. The basin area of the river
river in
in
which the bridge was damaged was 155.5 km 2. The damaged bridge was constructed in 1913 and was
2
which the bridge was damaged was 155.5 km . The damaged bridge was constructed in 1913 and was
previously
previously repaired
repaired at the third
at the third (3P)
(3P) and
and fifth
fifth (5P)
(5P) piers
piers by
by the
the manager
manager of of the
the structure.
structure. Concrete
Concrete
lining
lining was installed at 3P and foot protection works were performed at 5P. In addition, the
was installed at 3P and foot protection works were performed at 5P. In addition, the embedded
embedded
depth
depth ofof 4P
4P was
was measured
measured as as 0.9
0.9 m m during
during June
June 2017,
2017, before
before the
the disaster.
disaster. The
The embedded
embedded ratio,
ratio, which
which
is
is the ratio of the embedded depth and the pier width in the transverse direction against the pier axis,
the ratio of the embedded depth and the pier width in the transverse direction against the pier axis,
was calculated to
was calculated to be
be 0.46.
0.46.

Figure 1.
Figure Overall damage.
1. Overall damage.
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Figure
Figure2.
Figure 2.2.Damage
Damageto
Damage tothe
to thetracks.
the tracks.
tracks.

Total
全長137.19m
全長137.19m
Totallength
length137.19m
137.19m

高松方
高松方 Point
Starting
Starting Point 1P
1P 2P2P 3P3P 4P4P 5P5P 宇和島方
6P6P End宇和島方
EndPoint
Point

１A
１A 被災
被災 2A
2A
Damaged
Damaged
Figure
Figure3.
Figure 3.3.Overall
Overallview
Overall viewof
view ofthe
of thedamaged
the damagedbridge.
damaged bridge.
bridge.

On
On77July July2018,
2018,4P 4Pwas
wasinclined
inclinedtowards
towardsthe thedownstream
downstreamand andthe theright
rightbank banksidesidedirection
directiondue due
totolocal
localscouring
scouringaround
aroundititdue duetotoriver flooding.As
riverflooding. Asaaresult,
result,the
thetracks
trackswere horizontallydisplaced
werehorizontally displaced
752
752mmmmtowards
towardsthe thedownstream
downstreamdirection, direction,and andtrain
trainoperations
operationswere were performed
wereperformed
performedwith with restrictions.
withrestrictions.
restrictions.
According
Accordingtotoaarain
According raingauge
gaugelocated
locatednear nearthe thedamaged
damagedbridge,bridge,378 378mm mmofofcontinuous
continuousrainfallrainfall
occurred,
occurred,and andthe
themaximum
maximumrainfall rainfallperperhour
hourwas was28 28mm.
mm.The Theinclination
The inclinationangle angleofof4P 4Pwas
wasestimated
estimated
totobe
beapproximately
approximately50/1000
approximately 50/1000rad
50/1000 radbased
rad basedon
based onthe
on thehorizontal
the horizontaldisplacement
horizontal displacementthat
displacement thatoccurred
that occurredat
occurred atthe
at thetracks.
the tracks.
tracks.
Although
Although4P 4Pwas
wasinclined,
inclined,cracks
inclined, cracksdid
cracks didnot
did notdevelop
developininthe thejoints
jointsofofthe thestone foundations.However,
stonefoundations. However,
However,
the downstream
thedownstream
downstreambearingsbearings slipped
bearingsslippedslipped out
outout from
fromfrom the
the the pier,
pier,
pier, andandthethe
and the upstream
upstream
upstream bearings
bearings
bearings were were
were damaged
damageddamagedso thatso
so
that
thatthe
the soleplates
soleplates were
were deformed,
deformed, and
and some
the soleplates were deformed, and some rivets were loosened. some rivets
rivets were
were loosened.
loosened.
According
Accordingtotothe
According theresults
resultsofofthe theimpact vibrationexamination
impactvibration examinationperformedperformedby
performed bythe
by themanager
managerofofthe
manager the
structure,
structure,the
structure, thenatural
the naturalfrequency
natural frequencyof
frequency of4P
of 4Pat
4P atthe
at thetime
timeofofthethedamage
damagewas was4.9 4.9Hz.Hz.We Weconfirmed
We confirmedthat thatthethe
natural
naturalfrequency
natural frequencyat
frequency atthe
at thetime
the timeofofthe
time thedamage
damagewas
damage waslower
was lowerthan
lower than9.3
than 9.3Hz,
9.3 Hz,similar
similartotothe
similar thenatural
naturalfrequency
natural frequency
frequency
during
duringJune
during June2017,
June 2017,before
beforethe thedisaster.
the disaster.
disaster. InInIn
addition,
addition,
addition, we confirmed
weweconfirmed
confirmed that
that the
thenatural
that natural
the frequency
naturalfrequency atatthe
frequency theattime
time
the
ofofthe
time theofdisaster
disaster was
waslower
the disaster lower
was lowerthan
than9.2 9.2Hz,
than Hz,
9.2similar
similar totothe
Hz, similar thestandard
standard
to value
valueof
the standard ofthe
thenatural
value natural
of frequency,
frequency,
the natural which
which
frequency,
can
canbe
which calculated
becancalculated by
bythe
be calculated theformula
formula
by provided
provided
the formula ininthe
provided themaintenance
maintenance
in the maintenancestandard
standard (railway structure
(railway(railway
standard structure edition,
edition,
structure
foundation
foundation
edition, structure
structure
foundation and
andretaining
structure retaining structure)
structure)
and retaining [14].
[14]. [14].
structure)
AAtopographical
topographicalmap mapofofthe thedamaged
damagedbridge bridgeisisshown
shownininFigure
Figure4.4.This Thistopographical
topographicalmap mapwas was
generated
generatedusing
generated usingBlender,
using Blender,which
Blender, whichisisaageneral-purpose
which general-purposephysics
general-purpose physicssimulator,
physics simulator,by
simulator, bybyusing
usingStandard
using StandardTriangle
Standard Triangle
Triangle
Language
Languagedata,
Language data,obtained
data, obtainedfrom
obtained fromthe
from theGeospatial
GeospatialInformation
Geospatial InformationAuthority
Information Authorityof
Authority ofJapan.
of Japan.We
Japan. Wecan
We canconfirm
can confirmthat that
the bridge
thebridge had an angle
bridge had an angleagainst against
againstthe the center
thecenter of the river flow because the river flow
center of the river flow because the river flow was curved from was curved from
upstream.
upstream.Therefore,
Therefore,the
Therefore, thecenter
centerofofthe
center theriver
the riverflow
river flowatatthethetime
timeof
time ofriver
of riverflooding
river floodingwas
flooding wasflowing
flowingatatan anangle
angle
ofofapproximately
approximately45°
approximately 45°
45 ◦ against
againstthe
against thedamaged
the damagedbridge.
damaged bridge.We
bridge. Weconsidered
We consideredthis
considered thisas
this asthe
as thecause
the causeof
cause ofdamage
of damageto
damage to4P,
to 4P,
4P,
which was inclined in the downstream and right
which was inclined in the downstream and right bank sidedirections bank side directions
directionsby by the
bythe angle.
theangle.
angle.
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Figure
Figure 4.
4. Topographical
Topographical map
map of
of the
the damaged
damaged bridge.
bridge.
Figure 4. Topographical map of the damaged bridge.
3. Outline
3. Outlineof of Experiments
Experiments
3. Outline of Experiments
3.1. Experimental
3.1. Experimental Conditions
Conditions
3.1. Experimental Conditions
We performed
We performedwater waterflowflowexperiments
experimentsusing a scale
using a model of the pier.
scale model Thepier.
of the aim of thisaim
The experiment
of this
We performed water flow experiments using a scale model of the pier. The aim of this
was to clarify
experiment thetocondition
was clarify ofcondition
the local scouring
of of the
local pier inofthe
scouring thedownstream
pier in the direction. The
downstream scale model,
direction. The
experiment was to clarify the condition of local scouring of the pier in the downstream direction. The
which
scale was
model, rotated
which at an angle θ against the center of the water flow (C.L.), was installed at the center
scale model, whichwas wasrotated
rotatedatatan
anangle
angle θ
θ against
against thethecenter
centerofofthe
thewater
waterflow
flow (C.L.),
(C.L.), waswas installed
installed
of the
at a soil layer,ofasa shown
center soil in Figure
layer, as 5a. This
shown in was because
Figure 5a. This the center
was of thethe
because river flowofwas
center the required
river to flow
flow was
at the center of a soil layer, as shown in Figure 5a. This was because the center of the river flow was
at a particular
required to flow angle
at a against
particulartheangle
pier. against the pier.
required to flow at a particular angle against the pier.

(a) (b)
(a) (b)
Figure5.5.Outline
Figure Outline of
of the
the experiment
experiment using
usingaascale
scalemodel:
model:(a)(a)
front view;
front (b)(b)
view; side view.
side view.
Figure 5. Outline of the experiment using a scale model: (a) front view; (b) side view.
Thescale
The scalemodel
modelwas
wasconstructed
constructed using mortar
mortarand andwaswasrectangular
rectangularwithwitha short
a short side of 76.3
side mm,
of 76.3 mm,
The
long scale model
sideofof136.3
136.3mm was
mmand constructed
andheight
height of using
of 198.8
198.8 mmmortar
mm (weight and was rectangular with a short side of 76.3 mm,
long side (weight4.48 4.48kg).
kg).The
Thescale
scaleofof
thethemodel
model was 1/40
was to
1/40 to
long
the side of scale
actual 136.3 mm and heightbridge.
of 198.8 mm (weight 4.48 kg). The scale of the model wasin1/40 to
the actual scale ofofthe
thedamaged
damaged bridge. A A 1500
1500mm mmlonglongandand500500mm mmwidewideflume
flume was
was used
used the
in the
theexperiments
actual scalewithof the
opendamaged bridge.
channelequipment.
equipment.A 1500 mm long anda 500 mm wide flume wasofused in the
experiments with open channel AAsoil
soil layer
layer with
with width
a width ofof500
500mm,
mm, length
length 500mm
of 500 mm and
experiments
and ofdepth with
of 180open
mm channel
was equipment.
constructed at theAofcenter
soil layer
of thewith a width of 500a waterbed
mm, length of 500themm
depth 180 mm was constructed at the center the flume byflume
raisingbyaraising
waterbed around the around
soil layer at
and depth
soil layer of 180 mm
at 180 mmusing
was constructed at (height
the center of theand
flume by raising a waterbed around
mm).the
180 mm using H-section steelH-section
(height 150steel
mm) and 150 mm)
polystyrene polystyrene
foam foam
(thickness 30 (thickness
mm). The 30 embedded
soil layer at 180 mm using H-section steel (height 150 mm) and polystyrene
The embedded depth was 22.5 mm, and silica sand no. 7 was spread evenly in the soil layer. The foam (thickness 30 mm).
depth was 22.5 mm, and silica sand no. 7 was spread evenly in the soil layer. The embedded depth of
The embedded
embedded depth
depth was
of the 22.5model
scale mm, was anddefined
silica sand
basedno.on7that
wasofspread
4P beforeevenly in the soil
the disaster. layer. The
In addition,
embedded
a weight ofdepth of the
0.5 kg, scale
which model was
simulated defined based on
the superstructure, wasthat of 4P on
installed before thethe
top of disaster. In addition,
scale model. The
a weight of 0.5 kg, which simulated the superstructure, was installed on top of the scale model. The
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the scale model was defined based on that of 4P before the disaster. In addition, a weight of 0.5 kg,
weight was roughly
which simulated the similar to that ofwas
superstructure, the installed
actual superstructure
on top of the because it could
scale model. Thebeweight
converted to 313.7
was roughly
kN
similar to that of the actual superstructure because it could be converted to 313.7 kN basedand
based on the assumption that it was equal to the Froude number of the actual structure on the
scale model. that it was equal to the Froude number of the actual structure and the scale model.
assumption

Experimental Cases
3.2. Experimental Cases

Here, we we present
presentthetheexperiments
experimentsperformed
performed using
using thethe scale
scale model
model shownshown in Table
in Table 1. The1.
The experiments
experiments were were performed
performed as follows.
as follows. First,
First, the waterthewas
water wasinflowed
flowed slowlyin slowlythe
towards towards
surfacethe
of
surface
the of the Afterwards,
soil layer. soil layer. Afterwards,
it was flowedit was
in atflowed
a fixedinflow
at arate.
fixedInflow rate. the
addition, In addition,
height ofthe
theheight
water
of theand
flow water flow andwas
its velocity its velocity
convertedwasto converted
1.156 from to 1.156
0.724 m from
and to0.724
2.403mfrom
and to 2.403
1.581 from
m/s, 1.581 m/s,
respectively,
respectively,
at at the actual scale.
the actual scale.

Table 1.
Table Cases of
1. Cases of experiments
experiments using
using the
the scale
scale model.
model.

CaseCase θθ(degree)
(degree) Water
WaterHeight
Height (m) Velocity
Velocity (m/s)
(m/s) Fr F r
CaseCase
1 1 00 0.0181
0.0181 0.38
0.38 0.900.90
CaseCase
2 2 45
45 0.0248
0.0248 0.30
0.30 0.610.61
CaseCase
3 3 00 0.0238
0.0238 0.30
0.30 0.620.62
Case 4 30 0.0230 0.31 0.65
Case 4 30 0.0230 0.31 0.65
Case 5 45 0.0289 0.25 0.47
Case 5 45 0.0289 0.25 0.47
Fr is the Froude number.
Fr is the Froude number.

The angles in cases 1 and 2 were 0◦ and 45◦ , respectively. We measured the shape of the scour
The angles in cases 1 and 2 were 0° and 45°, respectively. We measured the shape of the scour
before the inclination of the scale model 60 and 360 s after reaching the surface of the soil layer in cases
before the inclination of the scale model 60 and 360 s after reaching the surface of the soil layer in
1cases
and 12, and
respectively. We compared
2, respectively. cases 1 and
We compared 2 in
cases 1 terms
and 2 ofin the fluctuation
terms of the scouring
of the fluctuation of theregion due
scouring
to the angle
region due to between
the anglethebetween
pier andthe
thepiercenter
andofthe
thecenter
waterofflow
theand
watertheflow
effect of the
and the angle
effect on scouring.
of the angle
The angles in cases 3, 4 and 5 were 0 ◦ , 30◦ and 45◦ , respectively. In cases 3–5, the inflow was continued
on scouring. The angles in cases 3, 4 and 5 were 0°, 30° and 45°, respectively. In cases 3–5, the inflow
untilcontinued
was the scale model inclined
until the and was
scale model unable
inclined andtowas
stand on itstoown
unable due
stand ontoitslocal
ownscouring as shown
due to local scouringin
Figure
as shown6. We clarified
in Figure the clarified
6. We effect on the
the effect
initiation tendency
on the fortendency
initiation the inclination
for theofinclination
the pier due to local
of the pier
scouring affected by the angle based on the results of these experiments.
due to local scouring affected by the angle based on the results of these experiments.

Figure
Figure 6.
6. An
An example
example of
of the
the scale
scale model
model that
that was
was unable
unable to
to stand
stand on
on its
its own
own (case
(case 3).
3).

To conduct measurements
measurements at at the
the time of the experiment, we captured a video. Here,
Here, the objective
objective
was to determine the progress of local scouring and the inclination of the scale model due to local
scouring and to measure the shape of the surface of the soil layer from three-dimensional (3D) data
obtained
obtained using a digital camera. In
In addition,
addition, we
we used image data that met the duplication between
images by more than 70%. TheThe error
error in
in the
the 3D data was approximately
approximately 2 mm, which was different
from the result measured by the laser displacement meter. Therefore, the inference is that using 3D
data made it possible to qualitatively clarify the region of local scouring and the shape of the scour
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from the result measured by the laser displacement meter. Therefore, the inference is that using 3D
hole
hole due
due to
to the
the changing
changing angle.
angle. In
In addition,
addition, we
we measured
measured the
the time
time atat which
which the
the scale
scale model
model was
was
data made it possible to qualitatively clarify the region of local scouring and the shape of the scour hole
inclined
inclined and
and unable
unable to
to stand
stand on
on its
its own
own due
due to
to the
the water
water inflow
inflow at
at the
the surface
surface of
of the
the soil
soil layer.
layer.
due to the changing angle. In addition, we measured the time at which the scale model was inclined
and
4. unable to stand on its own due to the waterScour
inflow at theDue
surfacethe
of the soil layer.
4. Effect
Effect on
on the
the Region
Region of
of Local
Local Scouring
Scouring and
and Scour Depth
Depth Due to to the Angle
Angle
4. Effect
The on
The shape
shapethe of
Region
of the
the localof Local
local scouring
scouringScouring
in caseand
in case is Scour
11 is shownDepth
shown in Due
in Figure
Figure 7.to
7. Atthe
At Angle
first,
first, local
local scouring
scouring started
started near
near
the diagonal
the diagonal upstream
upstream direction
direction of
of the
the scale
scale model,
model, similarly
similarly to
to that
that observed
observed in
in previous
previous studies
studies
The shape of the local scouring in case 1 is shown in Figure 7. At first, local scouring started near the
[15–18]
[15–18] for
for the
the cylindrical
cylindrical model
model (Figure 7(1)).
7(1)). Subsequently, local scouring proceeded towards the
diagonal upstream direction of the(Figure
scale model, Subsequently,
similarly to that local scouring
observed proceeded
in previous towards
studies the
[15–18]
middle
middle area in front
area in front of the
of (Figurepier upstream,
the pier7(1)).
upstream, and a local
and a local scour hole formed there (Figure 7(2)). The
for the cylindrical model Subsequently, local scour hole
scouring formed there
proceeded towards (Figure 7(2)). area
the middle The
measurement
measurement results
results of
of the
the ground
ground heights
heights after
after the
the experiment
experiment in
in case
case 11 are
are shown
shown in
in Figure
Figure 8.
8. In
In
in front of the pier upstream, and a local scour hole formed there (Figure 7(2)). The measurement results
addition,
addition, the rectangle
the rectangle shown
shown in black in the figure is the installation location of the scale model, and
of the ground heights after thein black in the
experiment infigure
case 1isaretheshown
installation
in Figure location
8. In of the scalethe
addition, model, and
rectangle
the
the ground
ground height
height at
at the
the start
start of
of the
the experiment
experiment was
was defined
defined as
as 00 mm.
mm. The
The higher
higher cases
cases are
are shown
shown as
as
shown in black in the figure is the installation location of the scale model, and the ground height at the
positive,
positive, and
and the
the lower
lower cases
cases are
are shown
shown as
as negative.
negative. The
The maximum
maximum scour
scour depth
depth in
in front
front of
of the
the
start of the experiment was defined as 0 mm. The higher cases are shown as positive, and the lower
upstream
upstream scale
scale model
model was
was 32.6 mm.
32.6The
mm. The
The mean
meanscourinclination
inclination angle ofof the scour hole
hole in front of
of the
the scale
cases are shown as negative. maximum depth angle
in front the scour
of the upstream in scale
front model scale
was
model
model against
against the
the horizontal
horizontal surface
surface (φ)
(φ) was
was 25.1°.
25.1°. The
The local
local scouring
scouring upstream
upstream at
at the
the side
side of
of the
the
32.6 mm. The mean inclination angle of the scour hole in front of the scale model against the horizontal
scale
scale model
model proceeded
proceeded ◦ the
the same
same as
as at
at the
the front
front of
of the
the scale
scale model.
model. However,
However, local
local scouring
scouring did
did not
not
surface (ϕ) was 25.1 . The local scouring upstream at the side of the scale model proceeded the same
proceed
proceed in
in the
theofdownstream
downstream direction
direction at
at the side
thelocal of
of the
the scale
side scouring scale model. ThisThis isisinbecause the
the flow
flow along the
as at the front the scale model. However, didmodel.
not proceed because
the downstream along the
direction
scale
scale model
model was
was underdeveloped
underdeveloped downstream,
downstream, and
and the
the downstream
downstream region
region became
became an
an accumulation
accumulation
at the side of the scale model. This is because the flow along the scale model was underdeveloped
region.
region.
downstream, and the downstream region became an accumulation region.

Figure 7.
Figure 7. The
The shape
shape of
of scouring
scouring (case 1).
(case 1).

Figure
Figure 8. The measurement
8. The
The measurement result
measurement result of
of the ground height
the ground height (case
(case 1).
1).

The
The shape
shape of
of the
the local
local scouring
scouring in
in case
case 22 is
is shown
shown in
in Figure
Figure 9.
9. At
At first,
first, the
the local
local scouring
scouring started
started
at
at the
the upstream
upstream corner
corner of
of the
the scale
scale model
model on
on the
the right
right side
side facing
facing downstream
downstream (Figure
(Figure 9(1)).
9(1)). Next,
Next,
Water 2020, 12, 3192 7 of 13
Water 2020, 12, x 7 of 13

Water The
local2020, shape
12,
scouring of the local
x started scouring
in the in case 2and
downstream is shown in Figure
upstream 9. At
corners of first, the local
the scale modelscouring
on thestarted
7 of
left at
13
side
the
facingupstream
downstream corner (Figure
of the scale 9(2)).model on the right
Subsequently, local side facing downstream
scouring proceeded towards (Figure 9(1)).
the centerNext,oflocalthe
scouring
local scouringstarted in
started theindownstream
the downstream and upstream
and upstream corners
short and long sides of the scale model and was sandwiched between the corners where it had of
corners the ofscale
the model
scale on
model the onleft side
the left facing
side
downstream
facing
initiated,downstream (Figure
eventually 9(2)). 9(2)).
(Figure
forming Subsequently,
Subsequently,
a scour local scouring
hole (Figure local
9(3)).scouring proceeded
These proceeded
tendencies towards the center
aretowards
similar thethose
to of the
center ofshort
observed the
and
short long sides
and longstudy
in a previous of the
sides[6].scale
of The model
the formation and
scale model was
of and sandwiched
was sandwiched
the scour between
hole on the short the
between corners
side the where it
cornersfaster
proceeded had
where initiated,
thanit had
that
initiated,
eventually eventually
forming forming
a scour a scour
hole hole
(Figure (Figure
9(3)). 9(3)).
These These
tendencies
on the long side. In addition, we observed the condition of the winding up of sand near each corner tendenciesare are
similar similar
to to
those those observed
observed in a
in a previous
previous study study[6]. [6].
The The formation
formation of of
the the
scourscourhole hole
on
where the local scouring proceeded, and the corner of the right side upstream was wound up theon
the the
shortshortsideside proceeded
proceeded faster
faster thanthanthat that
on
on
the the
most, longlong side.
side.
which is In Inaddition,
addition,
similar we
to resultsweobserved
observed
observedthe the acondition
in condition
previousof of the winding
the
study winding
[19]. Theup of sand
sand near
measurement each
eachcorner
nearresults corner
of the
where
where the local
local scouring
scouring proceeded,
proceeded, and
and the the corner
corner of of
the the
ground height after the experiment in case 2 are shown in Figure 10. We also used φ according torightrightside side upstream
upstream was was
wound wound up theup the
most,
the
most,
which which
is is
similar similar
to to
results results
observed observed
in a in
previousa previous
study
focused direction. The maximum scour depth was 39.8 mm. φ was maximum at the right side study
[19]. The[19]. The
measurementmeasurement
results results
of the of
ground the
ground
height
upstream height
afterandtheafter the experiment
experiment
decreased in casethe
towards 2inare
case
leftshown2 are
side shown
in Figure
downstream. in10.
Figure 10.
We also
This We
used
is because alsoϕφused
was φ
according according
changed to thedue to
tothe
focused the
focused
direction. direction.
The The
maximum maximum
scour depth scour was depth
39.8 was
mm. ϕ39.8
was
smaller scour depth in the other regions compared to that at the right upstream corner. However, mm.maximumφ was atmaximum
the right at
side the right
upstream side
and
for
upstream
decreased
φ1, the reason and decreased
towards is different.towards
the left side the left sidethat
It isdownstream.
considered downstream.
Thisφis1 because This
was smaller ϕ wasis than
because
changed
φ2 dueφ was
duetochanged
to
thetheincreasedue to
smaller the
scour
in the
smaller
depth
horizontal inscour depthregions
thedistance
other in
of the
the other
compared
scour regions
hole to compared
that
according at the to that
to right
the at the
upstream
spread in right
the upstream
corner.
region However,corner.
affected forthe
by However,
ϕ1 ,down
the reason for
flow
φis
1,different.
the reason It is
is different.
considered
near the corner due to the angle. Focusing It is
that considered
ϕ 1 was smallerthat φ
than 1 was
ϕ smaller
due to thethan φ
increase2 due
in to
the
on the right2side of the scale model in Figure 10, the scour the increase
horizontal in
distancethe
horizontal
of the scour distance
hole of the
according scour
depth (approximately 38 mm) was distributedregion
to thehole
spread according
in the to the spread
affectedinby40
approximately the
the
mmregion
downin theaffected
flow near bythe
direction the downdue
corner
perpendicular flow to
near
the the
angle. corner
Focusingdue toonthe
the angle.
right Focusing
side of the on the
scale right
model side
in of
Figure
to the scale model axis direction. In the scale model axis direction, the scour region extended to near the scale
10, themodel
scour in Figure
depth 10, the
(approximately scour
depth
38
themm) (approximately
center was of distributed
the long side.38 approximately
mm) wasbedistributed
It can 40 mmapproximately
confirmed in
that the direction
scour 40 mm in Inthe
perpendicular
progressed. direction
to the
addition, the perpendicular
scale
scourmodel
depth axis
at
to the scale
direction. model
In the axis
scale direction.
model axis In the scale
direction, model
the
each location advanced to a position deeper than the bottom of the scale model. scour axis direction,
region extendedthe scour
to region
near the extended
center of to
the near
long
the
side.center
It canofbe the long side.that
confirmed It can be progressed.
scour confirmed that scour progressed.
In addition, the scour depth In addition,
at eachthe scour advanced
location depth at
each location advanced to a position
to a position deeper than the bottom of the scale model. deeper than the bottom of the scale model.

Figure 9. The shape of scouring (case 2).

Figure 9. The shape of scouring (case 2).
Figure 9. The shape of scouring (case 2).

Figure
Figure 10. The measurement
10. The measurement result
result of
of the
the ground
ground height
height (case
(case 2).
2).

Figure
It can be observed 10.the
that Thewound-up
measurement result
sand of the groundregion
accumulation heightin
(case 2).2 was formed around
case
the corner of the right side. It can also be observed that sand was accumulated the most on the flow
It can be observed that the wound-up sand accumulation region in case 2 was formed around
the corner of the right side. It can also be observed that sand was accumulated the most on the flow
Water 2020, 12, 3192 8 of 13

It can be observed that the wound-up sand accumulation region in case 2 was formed around
Water 2020, 12, x 8 of 13
the corner of the right side. It can also be observed that sand was accumulated the most on the flow
direction
direction line
linefrom
fromthethetip
tipofofthe corner
the of of
corner thethe
right side
right downstream,
side downstream,andand
the accumulation
the accumulation region was
region
fan-shaped around this region. This is because the formed horseshoe [16–18,20]
was fan-shaped around this region. This is because the formed horseshoe [16–18,20] was distributed was distributed to
create an angle to the direction of water flow along the short side or the long side of
to create an angle to the direction of water flow along the short side or the long side of the scale modelthe scale model
facing
facing upstream
upstream due due to
to the angle θ.
the angle From these
θ. From these results,
results, it
it can
can be
be observed
observed that
that the
the scour
scour region
region was
was
widened
widened from the upstream to the downstream of the pier through the angle of the center of the
from the upstream to the downstream of the pier through the angle of the center of the river
river
flow
flow against
against thethe pier.
pier. The
The scour
scour depth
depth near
near the
the corner
corner onon the
the downstream
downstream side
side of
of the
the left
left side
side tended
tended
to be smaller than that of the upstream side of the
to be smaller than that of the upstream side of the right side. right side.

5. Effect on the Inclination of the Pier Due to the Angle

5. Effect on the Inclination of the Pier Due to the Angle
The condition of the inclination during the experiment in case 3 is shown in Figure 11. The tendency
The condition of the inclination during the experiment in case 3 is shown in Figure 11. The
of the progress of local scouring was similar to that in case 1. The scour hole formed because the local
tendency of the progress of local scouring was similar to that in case 1. The scour hole formed because
scouring on the upstream side proceeded to a position deeper than the bottom of the scale model,
the local scouring on the upstream side proceeded to a position deeper than the bottom of the scale
and the scale model was inclined. The scale model was gradually inclined after 135 s from the arrival
model, and the scale model was inclined. The scale model was gradually inclined after 135 s from the
of water at the surface of the soil layer in the upstream direction and was unable to stand on its own
arrival of water at the surface of the soil layer in the upstream direction and was unable to stand on
163 s later in the upstream direction.
its own 163 s later in the upstream direction.

Figure The condition of inclination during the experiment (case 3).

Figure 11. The

The
The condition
conditionofofthethe
inclination during
inclination the experiment
during the experiment in case
in4 case
is shown
4 is in Figurein12.Figure
shown The tendency
12. The
of the progress of scouring was similar to that in case 2. The scale model
tendency of the progress of scouring was similar to that in case 2. The scale model was gradually was gradually inclined
163 s from
inclined thes from
163 arrival ofarrival
the water at ofthe surface
water at theofsurface
the soiloflayer
the towards
soil layerthe upstream
towards and the right
the upstream andside
the
direction and was unable to stand on its own 215 s later in the same directions.
right side direction and was unable to stand on its own 215 s later in the same directions. The The measurement result
of the ground height
measurement result is
ofshown in Figure
the ground 13. is
height The distribution
shown in Figureof scouring was widenedofatscouring
13. The distribution the corner of
was
the left side, downstream from the corner of the right side and upstream, and
widened at the corner of the left side, downstream from the corner of the right side and upstream, the scouring progress
of
andthe corner
the at the
scouring upstream
progress right
of the side proceeded
corner at the upstreamthe most.
rightIn addition,
side a fan-shaped
proceeded the most. accumulation
In addition, a
region was formed
fan-shaped near the
accumulation corner
region of the
was downstream
formed right side.
near the corner of the downstream right side.
The tendency of the progress of scouring in case 5 was similar to that in cases 2 and 4. The scale
model was gradually inclined 482 s from the arrival of water at the surface of the soil layer towards
the upstream and right side directions and was unable to stand on its own 759 s later towards the
same directions.

Figure 12. The condition of inclination during the experiment (case 4).
 inclined 163 s from the arrival of water at the surface of the soil layer towards the upstream and the
right side direction and was unable to stand on its own 215 s later in the same directions. The
measurement result of the ground height is shown in Figure 13. The distribution of scouring was
widened at the corner of the left side, downstream from the corner of the right side and upstream,
Water 12, 3192 progress of the corner at the upstream right side proceeded the most. In addition,
2020,scouring
and the 9 of 13a
fan-shaped accumulation region was formed near the corner of the downstream right side.

Water 2020, 12, x Figure 12.

Figure 12. The
The condition
condition of
of inclination
inclination during
during the
the experiment
experiment (case
(case 4).
4). 9 of 13

Figure13.
Figure 13. The
The measurement
measurement resultofofthe
result theground
groundheight
height(case
(case4).4).

We focused on a length of the side of the scale model that inhibited water flow. D1 is obtained
The tendency of the progress of scouring in case 5 was similar to that in cases 2 and 4. The scale
when θ = 0, D1 + D2 is obtained when 0 < θ < 90 and D2 is obtained when θ = 90. Therefore, given the
model was gradually inclined 482 s from the arrival of water at the surface of the soil layer towards
range of θ from 0 to 90 degrees, the sum of the lengths of the sides that inhibit the water flow is always
the upstream and right side directions and was unable to stand on its own 759 s later towards the
constant. However, the experimental results show that the scouring area and the time of occurrence of
same directions.
the pier inclined differently depending on the change in θ. In addition, the Karman vortex generated
We focused on a length of the side of the scale model that inhibited water flow. D1 is obtained
downstream of the scale model is considered to have a different period and generation tendency
when θ = 0, D1 + D2 is obtained when 0 < θ < 90 and D2 is obtained when θ = 90. Therefore, given the
depending on the fluctuation of θ.
range of θ from 0 to 90 degrees, the sum of the lengths of the sides that inhibit the water flow is
In this research, two-dimensional fluid numerical analysis was performed using
always constant. However, the experimental results show that the scouring area and the time of
FLOWSQUARE+(Made by “Nora Scientific”, Tokyo, Japan), a form of numerical analysis software,
occurrence of the pier inclined differently depending on the change in θ. In addition, the Karman
for the purpose of grasping the characteristics of the flow around the scale model according to the
vortex generated downstream of the scale model is considered to have a different period and
fluctuation of θ. An outline of the model for analysis is shown in Figure 14. The open channel and the
generation tendency depending on the fluctuation of θ.
scale model of the experiment are divided by an orthogonal grid with a grid point spacing of 5 mm.
In this research, two-dimensional fluid numerical analysis was performed using
Analysis cases are shown in Table 2. The density of water is defined as 1000 kg/m3 , the kinematic
FLOWSQUARE+(Made by “Nora Scientific”, Tokyo, Japan), a form of numerical analysis software,
viscosity coefficient of water is defined as 1.0 × 10−3 , and the flow velocity in the X direction is defined
for the purpose of grasping the characteristics of the flow around the scale model according to the
as 0.03 m/s. θ is defined as 0, 30 and 45 degrees, as in the experiment. In addition, the case of θ
fluctuation of θ. An outline of the model for analysis is shown in Figure 14. The open channel and
as 90 degrees is also defined. In this research, we focused on the Strouhal number (S ) obtained by
the scale model of the experiment are divided by an orthogonal grid with a grid point tspacing of 5
Equation (1), which is one of the indicators that characterizes the cyclically fluctuating unsteady flow,
mm. Analysis cases are shown in Table 2. The density of water is defined as 1000 kg/m3, the kinematic
such as the Karman vortex.
viscosity coefficient of water is defined as 1.0 × 10−3, and the flow velocity in the X direction is defined
St = f × L/V, (1)
as 0.03 m/s. θ is defined as 0, 30 and 45 degrees, as in the experiment. In addition, the case of θ as 90
degrees
where S ist also defined.
is the In this
Strouhal research,
number, we frequency
f is the focused onof thethe
Strouhal number
water flow, L is(Sthe
t) obtained by Equation
representative length
(1),
andwhich is one
V is the of velocity
flow the indicators
in the that characterizes
X direction. thefrequency
f is the cyclicallyof
fluctuating
the Karman unsteady flow, suchfrom
vortex obtained as
the
theKarman vortex.of the flow velocity in the Y direction generated downstream of the scale model.
time history
When θ is 0 and 90 degrees, the side that inhibits the water flow direction changes from D1 to D2 due
St = f × L/V, (1)
where St is the Strouhal number, f is the frequency of the water flow, L is the representative length
and V is the flow velocity in the X direction. f is the frequency of the Karman vortex obtained from
the time history of the flow velocity in the Y direction generated downstream of the scale model.
When θ is 0 and 90 degrees, the side that inhibits the water flow direction changes from D1 to D2 due
Water 2020, 12, 3192 10 of 13

to the fluctuation of θ; however, each St is approximately 0.1. These values are very close to the value
obtained by other researchers [21,22]. On the other hand, St is 0.293 when θ is 30 degrees, and St is 0.281
when θ is 45 degrees. It can be seen that St increases by forming θ. This is because the frequency of the
Karman vortex increased due to the angle of the scale model with respect to the water flow direction.
The contour diagram of the velocity distribution in the X direction at T = 10 s when θ is 45 degrees is
shown in Figure 15. The Karman vortices are formed from near the corner on the upstream right side
and the corner on the downstream left side, which are the ends of the Dinh , and the flow velocity in the
vicinity is relatively small. In addition, we focused on the scour areas shown in Figures 10 and 13,
and from the results of the experiment, the scour area is widely distributed upstream against the scale
model from the corner of the upstream right side to the corner of the downstream left side, and each
corner is the end of the Dinh . It can also be seen that the sedimentary area is distributed downstream
Water 2020, 12, x 10 of 13
against the12,
Water 2020, scale
x model. 10 of 13

Figure 14. Outline of the model for analysis.

Figure14.
Figure 14.Outline
Outlineofofthe
themodel
modelfor
foranalysis.
analysis.
Table2.2.Table
Table Tableofofanalysis
analysiscases.
cases.
Table 2. Table of analysis cases.
Case θ (degree)
θ (degree) D 1 (mm) D2 (mm) LL (mm) DDinh (mm) Velocity (m/s) St
Case θ (degree)D1 D
Case (mm)
1 (mm)
D2 (mm)
D2 (mm) (mm)
L (mm) Dinh Velocity (m/s) SSt t
(mm) Velocity (m/s)
inh(mm)
Ana0 0 76.3 136.3 136.3 76.3 0.03 0.140
Ana0
Ana0 0 0 76.376.3 136.3
136.3 136.3
136.3 76.3
76.3 0.03
0.03 0.140
0.140
Ana30
Ana30 30 30 76.3
76.3 136.3
136.3 156.2
156.2 134.2
134.2 0.03
0.03 0.293
0.293
Ana30
Ana45
Ana45
30
45 45 76.3
76.3
76.3 136.3
136.3
136.3
156.2
150.3
150.3
134.2
150.3
150.3
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.293
0.281
0.281
Ana45
Ana90
Ana90 90 45
90 76.376.3
76.3 136.3
136.3
136.3 150.3
76.3
76.3 150.3
76.3
76.3 0.03
0.03
0.03 0.281
0.132
0.132
Ana90 90 76.3 136.3 76.3 76.3 0.03 0.132

Figure 15.Contour
Figure15. Contourdiagram
diagramofofthe
thevelocity
velocitydistribution
distributionininthe directionatatTT==10
theXXdirection whenθθisis45.
10sswhen 45.
Figure 15. Contour diagram of the velocity distribution in the X direction at T = 10 s when θ is 45.
From these results, for water flow with an angle against the pier, it can be observed that Dinh is
left side, and each corner is the end of the Dinh. It can also be seen that the sedimentary area is
more related
left side, to the
and eachformation
corner isofthe
the end
scourofregion
the Dand the
inh. It initiation
can also beofseen
the pier
that inclination than thearea
the sedimentary sumis
distributed downstream against the scale model.
ofdistributed
the sides that hinder theagainst
downstream flow of water. Dmodel.
inh can be geometrically expressed as:
From these results, for waterthe flowscale
with an angle against the pier, it can be observed that Dinh is
From these results, for
more related to the formation of Dwater flow with
the scour an angle against the pier,ofitthe
canpier
be observed that Dinhthe
is
more related to the formation of the = D1 region
inhscour × cos θand
region + Dthe
and
initiation
× sin
2the θ,
initiation of the pier
inclination
inclination
than
than (2)
the
sum of the sides that hinder the flow of water. Dinh can be geometrically expressed as:
sum of the sides that hinder the flow of water. Dinh can be geometrically expressed as:
Dinh = D1 × cos θ + D2 × sin θ, (2)
Dinh = D1 × cos θ + D2 × sin θ, (2)
where D1 and D2 are the side lengths in the transverse and axis directions against the pier axis,
where D1 and
respectively, D2θare
and the angle
is the side lengths
betweeninthe thepier
transverse
and the and axis
center of directions against
the river flow. Thethe pier axis,
relationship
respectively, and θ is the angle between the pier and the center of the river flow. The relationship
Water 2020, 12, 3192 11 of 13

where D1 and D2 are the side lengths in the transverse and axis directions against the pier axis,
respectively, and θ is the angle between the pier and the center of the river flow. The relationship
between Dinh and the water flow time T from the arrival of water at the surface of the soil layer is
shown in Figure 16. In addition, in these experiments, the horizontal axis in Figure 16 was adjusted to a
value obtained by dividing Dinh by Fr because the velocity was different in each experiment. The water
flow time when initiating the scale model inclination and at the time when the model was unable to
stand on its own is shown in Figure 16. When the value of Dinh /Fr increases, it can be observed that the
time of the initiation of the incline of the scale model and its inability to stand on its own increase.
According to the previous research study by Ming-Hseng Tseng et al. [22], they have shown that the
increase in the pressure coefficient in the upstream direction of the pier and decrease in the pressure
Water 2020, 12, x 11 of 13
coefficient in the downstream of the pier are higher in the square pier than in the cylindrical pier.
Ininaddition, St of the
the cylindrical square
pier. pier [21,22]
In addition, St oforthe
“Ana0
squareandpier
Ana90”
[21,22]is approximately
or “Ana0 and Ana90” 0.1, thatisisapproximately
smaller than
0.2 that is the general
0.1, that is smaller than S value around the cylindrical pier. From these results,
t 0.2 that is the general St value around the cylindrical pier. From these it is considered that the
results,
horseshoe
it is consideredvortex that
that the
is formed
horseshoearound the that
vortex pier is
is formed
likely toaround
be localized in the
the pier upstream
is likely to beside of the in
localized pier,
the
when S
upstream t is decreased due to the frequency decrease of the Karman vortex which
side of the pier, when St is decreased due to the frequency decrease of the Karman vortex is formed by the water
flow.
which Therefore,
is formed in by
thethe
case of case
water 3 where
flow. St is relatively
Therefore, in the case small and 3qwhere
of case is 0, it S
ist considered
is relativelythat time
small andof q
the initiation of the incline of the scale model and its inability to stand on its own
is 0, it is considered that time of the initiation of the incline of the scale model and its inability to stand is the shortest due to
the area of the scour being localized in the upstream side of the scale model.
on its own is the shortest due to the area of the scour being localized in the upstream side of the scale On the other hand, in the
cases
model.of caseOn the4 andother hand,Sin
5, where t is
theincreased
cases ofwith
case forming θ, the scour
4 and 5, where region increased
St is increased with formingas the θ,
horseshoe
the scour
vortex is distributed and the scale model began to incline and took the
region increased as the horseshoe vortex is distributed and the scale model began to incline and longest time to become unabletook
tothe
stand
longeston itstime
own. to Therefore,
become unable whentothe center
stand onofitsthe
own.river flow is flowed
Therefore, when thein tocenter
form of thethe
angle
riveragainst
flow is
the pier, itincan
flowed be observed
to form the angle that the initiation
against the pier,ofitthe
canpier incline is that
be observed late because the scour
the initiation region
of the widensis
pier incline
and D
late because
inh increases.
the scour region widens and Dinh increases.

800
Content Usage guide
700 Case3
Unable to Case4
600 stand its own Case5
Case3
500 Initiation of
T(s)

Case4
inclination Case5
400
300
200
100
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4
Dinh/Fr
Figure16.16.The
Figure Therelationship
relationship
of of Dinhand
Dinh and the
the water
water flow
flow time
time T from
T from thethe arrival
arrival of water
of water at surface
at the the surface
of
of soil
the the layer.
soil layer.

6.6.Conclusions
Conclusions
InInthis
thisresearch,
research,we
wepresent
presentananoverview
overviewofofthe
theriver
riverflooding
floodingdisaster
disasterininJapan
JapanininJuly
July2018
2018and
and
wewe have performed experiments using a scale model. The objectives of this study were to clarifythe
have performed experiments using a scale model. The objectives of this study were to clarify the
condition of the occurrence of scour downstream around the pier and the influence on
condition of the occurrence of scour downstream around the pier and the influence on the progress the progress of
local scouring
of local under
scouring thesethese
under conditions. The The
conditions. results werewere
results as follows:
as follows:
(1)(1) InInthe
thecase
casethat
thatthe
thecenter
centerofofthe
theriver
riverflow
flowforms
formsananangle
angleininrespect
respecttotothe
thepier,
pier,thethescour
scourregion
region
isiswidened
widenedfrom
fromthetheupstream
upstreamtotothe thedownstream
downstreamofofthethepier
pierbecause
becauseofofitsitsinhibition
inhibitionwidth,
width,
which
whichisispositioned
positionedininthe
thetransverse
transversedirection
directionagainst
againstthe
theriver
riverflow.
flow.
(2) The downstream scour depth is smaller than the upstream scour depth when the center of the
river flow is at an angle to the pier.
(3) When the center of the river flow flows to form an angle against the pier, the time of initiation
of the inclination of the pier is increased according to the inhibition width.
(4) When St is relatively small, the horseshoe vortex that is formed around the pier is localized on
the upstream side of the pier. In addition, the time of the initiation of the incline of the scale
Water 2020, 12, 3192 12 of 13

(2) The downstream scour depth is smaller than the upstream scour depth when the center of the
river flow is at an angle to the pier.
(3) When the center of the river flow flows to form an angle against the pier, the time of initiation of
the inclination of the pier is increased according to the inhibition width.
(4) When St is relatively small, the horseshoe vortex that is formed around the pier is localized on the
upstream side of the pier. In addition, the time of the initiation of the incline of the scale model
and its inability to stand on its own small is smaller than when St is relatively large due to the
area of the scour being localized.

In this research, the effect of the angle between the river center and the pier was clarified as a
condition for the downstream of the pier, but the inclination direction of the pier was different from
that of the disaster case. The effect of accumulation can be considered as one of the factors, such as
the driftwood from upstream at the time of the river flooding. This verification will be a subject of
future research.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, T.K. and S.O.; methodology, T.K. and T.M.; validation, T.K. and S.O.;
formal analysis, T.K. and S.O.; investigation, T.K. and Y.K.; resources, S.O. and T.M.; data curation, T.K. and
Y.K.; writing—original draft preparation, T.K.; writing—review and editing, Y.K. and T.M.; visualization, Y.K.;
supervision, S.O.; project administration, T.K.; funding acquisition, S.O. All authors have read and agreed to the
published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was supported by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Construction
Technology Research and Development Grant Program (CRD).
Acknowledgments: We received kind cooperation from the Railway Technical Research Institute in Japan in
order to access the details of the case of the disaster that this study is focused on. This research was supported
by the Ministry of Land, Transport and Tourism, Construction Technology Research and Development Grant
Program (CRD). We also would like to thank the MDPI author service for English language editing. We would
like to express our gratitude to them.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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