Development of scour around a circular pier and its modelling using genetic algorithm Manish Pandey, Mohammad Zakwan, Mohammad Amir Khan and Swati Bhave ABSTRACT This paper deals with generalized scour estimation to investigate maximum scour depth at equilibrium scour condition using experimental data obtained from experiments conducted by the authors along with data of previous researchers. Three hundred experimental data were used to derive the generalized clear water scour relationship around circular a bridge pier by using genetic algorithm (GA) and multiple linear regression (MLR) techniques. The GA-based maximum scour depth relationship showed more precise results than MLR. In addition, the present GA and MLR relationships were compared with some equations developed by earlier researchers. Graphically and statistically, it was observed that the GA and MLR relationships provide better agreement with experimental data as compared to earlier relationships. The present study highlights that the GA approach could be effectively used for estimation of maximum scour depth prediction around the bridge pier. Key words | genetic algorithm, maximum scour depth and pier scour, multiple linear regression HIGHLIGHTS • Precise computation of maximum scour depth at bridge piers for the safe and economical design of the bridges. • This study deals with generalized scour estimation to investigate maximum scour depth at equilibrium scour condition using experimental data. • Three hundred experimental data were used to derive the generalized clear water scour relationship around a circular bridge pier by using GA and MLR techniques. • Graphically and statistically, it was observed that the GA and MLR relationships provide better agreement with experimental data as compared to earlier relationships. • We highlight that the GA approach could be effectively used for estimation of maximum scour depth predictions. Manish Pandey (corresponding author) Department of Civil Engineering, NIT, Warangal, India E-mail: manishpandey3aug@gmail.com Mohammad Zakwan MANUU, Hyderabad – 500032, India Mohammad Amir Khan Galgotia College of Engineering, Knowledge Park I, Uttar Pradesh – 201310, India Swati Bhave Department of Civil Engineering, VNIT, Nagpur, India INTRODUCTION In the present age of rapid industrialisation, a large number of bridges have been constructed to facilitate rapid move- ment of goods and people safely across the rivers. However, failure of bridges creates a disaster leading to immense loss of life and property. One of the key factors of alarm in stability of the bridge piers established in channel beds is the scour near the pier or other structure caused by the flowing water in the channels. Piers form the sub-structure of bridges and support the super structure. Scour, defined as removal of sediment material from streams in the presence of any obstruction, has been accepted as a major reason of failure of bridge 3358 © IWA Publishing 2020 Water Supply | 20.8 | 2020 doi: 10.2166/ws.2020.244 Downloaded from http://iwaponline.com/ws/article-pdf/20/8/3358/813864/ws020083358.pdf by guest on 25 September 2021