Participants begin by developing a rigorous understanding of two-dimensional hydraulic modeling and how it improves resolution of bridge hydraulics, flow distribution, and contraction effects. Those modeling insights are then integrated directly into FHWA scour evaluation procedures (HEC‑18) and geomorphic assessment methods (HEC‑20) to produce technically defensible scour evaluations grounded in both hydraulics and geomorphic context.

The course does not stop at predicting scour depths. It extends into the engineering decisions that follow, assessing abutment foundation and countermeasure design alternatives, consistent with HEC‑23 guidance.

By the conclusion of the course, participants are equipped to deliver integrated bridge scour evaluations with stronger technical judgment, improved modeling confidence, and a clear analytical framework that links hydraulic modeling through countermeasure design.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand 2D hydraulic modeling best practices to support scour analysis

• Explain the physical processes that contribute to total bridge scour

• Apply FHWA-recommended scour evaluation procedures (HEC-18)

• Apply geomorphic analysis to evaluate long-term degradation and lateral channel instabilities (HEC-20)

• Evaluate the relative contribution of each scour component

• Understand foundation and countermeasure design options relative to scour analysis

• Design and evaluate abutment scour countermeasures consistent with HEC-23 guidance,

• Learn from real project examples and applications

This course is designed for consulting engineers and engineers employed by local, state, and federal transportation agencies who are involved in hydraulic modeling, bridge design, scour evaluation, or technical review.

Participants at all experience levels are welcome. The course structure intentionally accommodates a broad range of backgrounds, from engineers who have limited hydraulic modeling or scour analysis experience, to those with notable experience in both and wish to sharpen their skills and stay in touch with the current methodologies and best practices.

The pilot course will includes 6 four-hour sessions over the period of three weeks. The pilot course will be taught virtually from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm MT, to accommodate participants across the country.

The schedule for future virtual and in-person courses may vary with preference and demand.

Sessions will be recorded for those who miss a live session.

The course consists of six 5-hour sessions (with a 1-hour break).

The first session covers the use of 2D hydraulic modeling detailed bridge hydraulics and scour, and an overview of applied bridge scour analysis.

Subsequent sessions start with a thorough review of the exercise assigned during the previous session, followed by a lesson on the next subject, then a detailed demo with discussion, and concluding with an assignment of the next applied exercise.

Instructors will be available for the first hour of the exercise, but participants will have until the next session to complete the exercise.

The exercises will be offered at three engagement levels:

• Applied Level – Participants use provided hydraulic parameters to compute scour using the FHWA Hydraulic Toolbox and standard procedures.

• Model Integration Level – Users extract and interpret hydraulic parameters directly from an existing SMS/SRH-2D or HEC-RAS 2D model to support scour evaluation.

• Model Development Level – Users develop a 2D hydraulic model using provided project information and extract the hydraulic parameters needed to support scour evaluation.

This tiered structure ensures that participants can work at an appropriate technical depth while still being challenged to advance. The applied nature of the course, combined with detailed exercise walkthroughs and discussion, promotes practical skill development, modeling insight, and stronger engineering judgment regardless of prior experience.