Evaluation of the Interaction Between Flow Turbulence and Corrosive Material Transport Around Bridge Piers
This study investigates the influence of corrosion on turbulent flow around bridge piers and its implications for structural integrity and environmental safety. By examining the interaction between flow turbulence and corrosion-induced particles, the research highlights their effects on vortex formation, sediment transport, and long-term structural performance. A three-phase experimental approach was adopted: (1) Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) measurements quantified average velocities and turbulence parameters around three-square piers, revealing accelerated flow and reduced turbulent structures near critical regions. Numerical simulations using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) model and the k-ɛ turbulence method in Ansys Fluent validated these findings and further explored flow velocities and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE); (2) electrochemical analyses quantified solution resistance and the diffusion of corrosion by-products around uncoated metallic piers; and (3) a novel dynamic experiment integrated the hydrodynamic and electrochemical analyses to evaluate the combined effects of corrosion-induced particles and turbulent flow. Key findings demonstrate that uncoated piers significantly disrupt flow dynamics, with increased streamwise 𝑢𝑎𝑣𝑒 and vertical velocities 𝑣𝑎𝑣𝑒 intensifying turbulence near the bed and downstream regions. Surface roughness due to corrosion amplified drag, delayed wake recovery, and disrupted boundary layers, resulting in steeper velocity gradients and chaotic flow conditions. Also, Reynolds shear stress increased significantly near uncoated piers, increasing turbulence and flow disturbances. This study provides a new perspective on the interaction between corrosion and turbulent flow behaviour, establishing a critical link between surface conditions, turbulence intensification, and structural durability. These findings inform predictive models and strategies to mitigate corrosion effects in hydraulic infrastructure.
Bridge piers, Flow turbulence, Bursting events, CFD modelling, Corrosive materials transport, Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Diffusion, Transport mapping
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations