Velocity and turbulence at a wing-wall abutment

Experimental investigation of the 3D turbulent flow field around a 45‡ wing-wall abutment, resting on a rough rigid bed, is reported. The experiment was conducted in a laboratory flume using the Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV). Profiles of time-averaged velocity components, turbulent intensity components, turbulent kinetic energy and Reynolds stresses at different azimuthal planes are presented. Vector plots of flow fields at azimuthal and horizontal planes show the presence of a primary vortex associated with the downflow in the upstream side of the abutment and a wake vortex on the downstream side. The shear stresses acting on the bed around the abutment are estimated from the Reynolds stresses and velocity gradients. The data presented in this study would be useful to researchers for future development and comparison of theoretical models of flow fields around bridge abutments.