Introduction

​The scAUR™ products have patented three-dimensional streamlined shapes as shown conceptually in the figures below (not actual shape). Each shape is optimized for each bridge pier or abutment with passive flow control for permanently preventing the flow conditions that cause local scour for all given upstream flows at any depth.

Features of scAUR™ Scour Countermeasures:


NO SCOUR, even at large angles of cross-flow;
lower current and future costs; only surface inspections needed;  
lower drag force, water level and over-topping frequency on a pier or abutment during flood conditions;
little or no accumulation of debris during flood conditions;
modular stainless steel or cast concrete components for quality control and rapid installation;
longer bridge life.
The scAUR™ products meet the design criteria in FHWA HEC-18 and 23, such as "avoiding adverse flow patterns, streamlining bridge elements, designing bridge pier foundations to resist scour without relying on the use of rip rap or other countermeasures"

Computer aided design (CAD) is used throughout the engineering process from conceptual design and layout of products through detailed manufacturing processes. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used for validation of design concepts, with benefits such as lower product development costs and a greatly shortened design cycle time.  The final scAUR™products are validated with no scour around piers and abutments by flume tests at incipient open bed scour conditions.