Arc Surveying & Mapping, Inc.

1. Bridge Scour Surveying
Arc Surveying & Mapping, Inc -2013 - www.arcsurveyors.com

2. DOT Scour Evaluation Philosophy
& Concepts for Existing Bridges
“2.5.1 Overview FHWA-HIF-12-003” 4/2012
“There are many bridges in the United States that were not
designed to withstand the effects of scour at foundations.
These bridges may or may not be in jeopardy of failing if they
experience a flood. In addition, there are significant numbers
of bridges that are located on a reach of stream where the
channel geometry has changed or the channel has migrated
away from the location where it was designed and
constructed.
There are also significant numbers of bridges in existence
whose foundation types are unknown, which makes it nearly
impossible to assess their vulnerability to scour unless
further actions are taken.”

3. Bathymetric & Structure Surveys
Arc has developed surveying and mapping techniques that
describe underwater surfaces at bridge foundations utilizing:
1. Multibeam Bathymetry (Below water Survey)
2. Terrestrial Laser Scanning (Above water survey)
3. DOT Construction or As-Built Plans (Incorporate Design data)
4. 3D models (Combine Bathymetry, topography , DOT drawings
5. Large scale interactive 3D models
6. Subterranean Foundations and pile data (Add to models and maps)
7. Side-scan, magnetometer and sonar scanning technology (Locating cables,
pipelines, debris, etc on the seafloor)
8.Baseline, Condition and Isopachs that determine seafloor changes
9.Specialized equipment
10. Data access (From Arc Server, view on computers and Mobile devices)

4. Example Bridge Survey
Sisters Creek Bridge, Jacksonville, Florida
Arc Surveying & Mapping, Inc has surveyed hundreds of bridges throughout the State of Florida.
All surveys are performed under the direct supervision of a Registered Professional Land
Surveyor and Certified Hydrographer. Surveys conform to Federal, State and local regulations.

5. 1. Multibeam Swath Bathymetry
Bridge surveys are performed utilizing a new generation of high definition multibeam swath
sounders providing unparalleled accuracy and detail of the interface of the seafloor with
underwater structures . Bridge scour detection and monitoring has never been better.
Multibeam bathymetric elevations in NAVD88 are color coded - red designating the
shallowest elevation and dark blue designating the deepest.

6. 2. Terrestrial Laser Scan Survey
The above water bridge structure is surveyed utilizing a broad terrestrial laser scanner sweep.
The scanner sweep is obtained for bridge structure location and is merged with bathymetry.

7. 3. DOT Construction Drawings
DOT construction or as-built drawing information is incorporated into the survey computer
model to verify the structure dimensions and foundation data , such as pile size and depth.

8. 4. 3D Bridge Models
3D Bridge models are comprised of topographic laser scan survey data obtained at low tide
and multibeam swath hydrographic survey data obtained at high tide
for survey overlap registration. Bridge structure data from DOT plans
are merged to the laser scan and hydrographic model.
Topographic Laser scan data
(grey image)
Multibeam Hydrographic Data
Pile Data from DOT Drawings
(green image)

9. 5. Large Scale Interactive Models
This bridge survey model combining laser scanning, multibeam swath bathymetry and
design data from DOT construction plans is interactive. Moving a cursor over the model
provides coordinates, elevations, depths , heights, etc. Cross-sections and profiles may be
imported into MicroStation or AutoCAD formats.

10. 6. Subterranean Pile Tip & Foundation Elevations
Subterranean pile tip elevation and foundation data (unknown Structures) obtained from
DOT Construction or As-built plans are incorporated into models and maps and are very
helpful in bridge safety planning or during a scour event.
Tip Elevations
obtained from DOT
drawings

11. 7. Side-Scan Sonar &
Magnetometer Surveys
Side-Scan Sonar Imagery identifying objects lying on the seafloor and magnetometer surveys
identifying ferrous metals on and below the seafloor combined with bathymetry and
topographic laser scanning provides the ultimate pre and post demolition survey assuring
contractor compliance in leaving a navigation-hazard -free site.

12. Side-Scan Survey Close-up
Side-scan sonar imagery which identifies objects lying on the seafloor are
georeferenced to multibeam swath bathymetry . Coordinates and descriptions of
objects are tabulated. Sonar images are captured and saved to maps.

13. 8. Baseline, Condition Surveys ,
Isopachs and Scour Monitoring
1. Perform a Baseline bathymetric
survey
2. Perform a Condition bathymetric
survey
3. Generate an Isopach
measure sediment and movement.

14. Bathymetric Survey Isopach
2.1 ft Erosion
850 cys
1.0 ft Incretion
Minimal Incretion
Quantities of incretion and erosion are calculated
using mass volume methods (digital terrain models - surface to surface)
Baseline and Condition survey are overlayed – Elevation differences in surveys are
illustrated on the isopach in feet of change eliminating comparison of maps.

15. Scour Profile Bridge Centerline
Bridge Centerline
Scour

16. Reson SeaBat 7125 Dual Frequency Multibeam Swath Sounder
100% seafloor coverage, 512 sonar beams, 150 degree swath ,
swath coverage 7 x depth, Dual Frequency 200 kHz and 400 kHz.
POS/MV Wavemaster RTK/GPS - provides accurate
corrections of position, attitude, heading, heave, pitch and
roll motion compensation and is the latest state-of-the-art
inertial GPS technology.
Digibar Sound Velocity Profiler – measures water column
speed of sound for depth calibration of sonar sounding
devices.
Blueview 3D Sonar Scanner – Surveys areas not accessible by
boat. 360 degree swath from water surface to Seafloor. Ideal for
bridge foundation and countermeasure protection surveys.
Arc Surveying & Mapping, Inc owns and operates IHO Compliant equipment
9. Specialized Hydrographic Surveying Equipment
Knudsen 320M Dual Frequency Singlebeam Depth Sounder
operates from 24 kHz to 210 kHz – identifies firm bottom
and fine sediments in suspension

17. Simultaneous Hydrographic
and Topographic Surveys
Arc Surveying & Mapping, Inc collects hydrographic and topographic data simultaneously
utilizing a Reson 7125 multibeam swath sounder and a Riegl VZ 1000 terrestrial laser
scanner. The resultant 3D interactive computer model provides 100% coverage of the
survey area and allows the user the measure anywhere within the model.

18. Blueview Sonar Scan Surveys
Through the use of new sonar technology, precise detail of underwater bridge structures is
attainable, even in shallow water and limited access conditions. The Blueview sonar scanner
can be lowered to the seafloor on tripod or moved from location to location by a diver.

19. Arc/BlueView 3D Under Bridge Surveys
Arc understands the necessity for structure detail and debris location under bridges and has
the surveying and computer processing expertise to merge detailed bridge foundation survey
data with multibeam bathymetric and laser scanning data to provide a complete Survey model

20. BlueView Sonar Scans
Arc/Blueview sonar scans under bridges and around structures are in sufficient detail to
measure stone countermeasure quantities and are useful in viewing close-up detail of
underwater structures. Sonar images are attached to maps for visual reference.

21. Bridge Survey Data Access
https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&mid=1373380841
Access Bridge Survey Data on these devices (click on My Places)
Arc Surveying & Mapping, Inc has developed a communication system by which
authorized users may access bridge survey data from a variety of devices. It is
anticipated access to this data will be beneficial in the event of emergencies.

22. All Bridge Surveys Performed are Available
View Surveyed Bridges Select Bridge from Menu Select Required Data

23. Select Required Data
Bathymetric Coverage Zoom To Current Depths Maps – PDFs - DGNs

24. Thank You for Viewing this presentation
Combining experience, technology, innovation and quality
with a goal of exceed Ing client expectations.
Contact - John F. Sawyer jsawyer@arcsurveyors.com
Arc Surveying & Mapping, Inc
904 384 8377
Visit our website www.arcsurveyors.com
For More Information please contact