Numerical assessments of scour depth predictions downstream of box culverts under various flow and blockage conditions

• DOI: 10.1007/s42452-024-06391-2
• Publication Date: 2025-03-08T12:52:22Z
• Authors: Kaywan Othman Ahmed; Mohammad Reza Kav...; Ata Amini; Younes Aminpour
• Keywords: Culvert

Abstract Ensuring accurate prediction of scour depth in culverts is essential for public safety, as uncertainties traditional empirical/deterministic equations make it a challenging task. The objective this study to investigate the performance numerical models predicting culvert scour’s downstream profile, its maximum depth, and location, was carried out by using Flow-3D software with Renormalized Group (RNG) turbulence model comparing these metrics actual observed data. Two hydrographs were created unsteady flow, while steady flow conditions analysed at rates 14 l/s 22 l/s. investigated box inlet blockages 0%, 15%, 30%. analysis revealed that predictions from corresponded closely experimental outcomes, although depths calculated generally lower than those under both conditions. While blockage notably impacted patterns first hydrograph flows, increasing percentages did not reliably result proportional increases seen second