ABSTRACT
Scour and other hydraulic processes can be responsible for compromising the stability of built infrastructure such as highway structures or embankments supporting roads, particularly in the vicinity of water bodies. Intense scour and flooding during large flows can cause structural failure or even lead to loss of life. Considering climate change, the magnitude and frequency of these processes can only increase, along with the threat posed to infrastructure, rendering it necessary to identify risks at the earliest possible stages. This study aims to offer a preliminary insight into the use of sensing options, enabling the real time monitoring of environmental hazards and water surface (for detection of flooding) at the vicinity of bridge supports, towards the application of a sufficiently robust early warning system according to the relevant guidance offered by the Scour Management Strategy and Flood Emergency Plan.
