| Two-dimensional finite element models are becoming increasingly popular for analyzing stream flow through bridge crossings, which generally involve bridge piers. The performance of the model in the vicinity of bridge piers is important for conducting scour analyses or backwater computations, but limited information is available on effective methods for modeling bridge piers. The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate techniques for modeling flow around bridge piers and to make a recommendation on the most effective and efficient method. A straight, rectangular flume was created in FESWMS 2.0 to analyze flow past a single pier. Two different techniques were used to model the pier, and the results were compared. The efficiency and applicability of the two techniques were evaluated on a model of flow past an actual bridge crossing containing 44 piles and the results were again compared.; The results showed that each method produced different velocity magnitudes, water surface elevations, and drag force values. More research must be done to determine which method is appropriate for given situations. |
