Bridges worldwide have historically been susceptible to scour. Nationwide programmes have been in place throughout the UK to assess these and ascertain a scour score rating thus enabling high risk structures and remedial work requirements to be identified. There is a risk of scour to any structure which crosses a flowing watercourse and in particular public infrastructure such as railways or highway bridges. There have been a number of notable structural failures which were a direct result of scour to the substructure elements, therefore it is prudent to ensure that scour is investigated correctly.

Empirical’ s experience working on/near water enables us to undertake the required inspection and investigations to complete scour assessments. Our inspection and investigation methods are undertaken in accordance with the relevant standard such as Network Rail’s NR/SP/CIV/080 or Highways DMRB BD 97/12. During ‘stage 2’ scour assessments, the depth of foundations and what material they are founded upon is an essential part of determining the structures scour rating. 

To achieve this Empirical have significant experience using diamond drilling techniques to extract core samples down to the founded material depth. This will provide consulting engineers and asset owners foundation depths, material make-up, founding details and presence of any voids potentially caused through scour. Many intrusive scour investigations are required to be carried out from the watercourse, therefore we provide trained and experienced operatives for working in water including boat access and floating work platforms thus ensuring the works are conducted professionally and safely. For further details see – Specialist Access.