In order to meet Federal Highway Administration requirements, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) had to conduct scour assessments for over 8,000 water bridges to assess their stability and vulnerability to floods.
KCI conducted these assessments for approximately 300 bridges across the state, varying greatly in length from 15 feet to over 4,000 feet. Our team faced the challenge of conducting field visits to collect essential data for the scour analysis, complicated further by COVID-19 restrictions that limited close interactions during the pandemic. To manage the extensive workload, KCI trained employees from various practices across multiple states, providing employment opportunities amidst reduced work availability due to the pandemic.
Post-inspection, comprehensive scour analyses evaluated potential impacts during severe 100-year and 500-year storm events, culminating in detailed reports. Bridges identified as vulnerable underwent detailed Plans of Action (POA) preparation. Advanced technology and software facilitated efficient task management and enhanced communication among dispersed teams. Despite evolving guidance from SCDOT necessitating multiple report revisions, the project significantly enhanced bridge safety statewide, reassuring travelers with improved infrastructure resilience.
