Recent Advances in Rock Scour Technology: Time Rate of Scour and More

The erodibility of rock foundations, spillways, and other hydraulic conveyance structures remains a critical factor in the integrity and safe operation of dams worldwide. This webinar presents recent advancements in rock scour science and engineering, with a focus on predictive methodologies that incorporate both geologic and hydraulic controls. Emphasis is placed on the evaluation of time-dependent scour processes and the integration of high-resolution monitoring data to enhance site-specific assessments.

Participants will be introduced to real-world case studies where rock scour has impacted dam safety, followed by a technical overview of scour mechanisms, including the influence of lithologic variability, structural discontinuities, and flow dynamics. The webinar will demonstrate practical tools and methods for quantifying scour potential, including the application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to simulate hydraulic conditions and inform erosion predictions.

Attendees will gain insight into how these tools can be applied to support risk-informed decision-making, particularly in the classification and management of potential failure modes (PFMs) related to scour. The webinar is designed to equip dam owners, engineers, and risk analysts with the knowledge and capabilities to implement robust scour assessments and improve dam safety outcomes.

Learning objectives attendees will receive from this webinar:

• Recognize rock scour as a significant dam safety concern requiring quantitative evaluation.
• Apply modern techniques to estimate the time-rate of scour in rock foundations and appurtenant structures.
• Utilize high-resolution remote sensing and monitoring data to enhance the accuracy of scour assessments.
• Understand the fundamental geologic and hydraulic drivers that govern rock scour processes.
• Conduct rock scour analyses using demonstrated methodologies and case-based examples.