Computer Vision Solutions for Bridge Pier Scour – Prospects, Limitations and Future Recommendations

Scour at bridge piers, characterised by the erosion of geomaterials around a bridge pier's foundation support system due to the erosive action of flowing water, is a critical problem in engineering. It poses significant risks to bridge safety, often leading to structural failures, economic losses, and, in severe cases, loss of life. Conventional methods for bridge pier scour typically rely on empirical equations. However, these methods have some limitations as they may not accurately account for the complex and uncertain nature of scour phenomena across different bridge types and the interaction of unexpected environmental conditions. To mitigate the constraints and enhance the sustainability of conventional methods, especially considering recent changes in climate, the management of bridge pier scour has prompted an exploration of computer vision technologies to complement traditional approaches and adapt to climate induced alterations. Recent developments in computer vision technologies have revolutionised many industries in providing economical and non-intrusive solutions to problems. In the context of bridge scour, a computer vision solution can facilitate the detection of scouring and can be used to issue real-time alerts related to pier scour-based bridge collapse. In this paper, the authors reviewed recent studies and provided a detailed account on the different prospects in which computer vision technologies can be used to address the bridge pier scour problem. In addition, the authors provided a subjective analysis of existing limitations, challenges, and future potentials. Specifically targeting the operational solutions, the constraints and limitations related to in-field deployment are also discussed. The findings reveal that computer vision technology can offer promising solutions for real-time detection and monitoring of bridge pier scour, providing a nonchalant and non-intrusive approach to bridge safety assessment. By addressing the limitations of traditional methods and changes to the climate, the findings aim to contribute to the development of more robust and comprehensive strategies for mitigating the risks associated with scour phenomena.