Stream Flow Research Will Protect Infrastructure From Scour and Erosion

Posted: Jun 17, 2025

Research at South Dakota State University to better understand stream flows will lead to improved designs for bridges, culverts, and other infrastructure elements that are subject to erosion and scour. The researchers studied how changes in stream bed roughness can impact turbulence intensity and bed shear stress. Their work led to a better understanding of bed shear stress exerted by the flowing water, which is critical for reliable estimation of soil erosion and scour. Those estimates are important for the design and protection of highway infrastructure such as bridges and culverts.

Francis Ting, Ph.D.
South Dakota State University

Response of Bed Shear Stress in Open-Channel Flow to a Sudden Change in Bed Roughness
MPC-24-567