Journal of Hydraulic Structures

Journal of Hydraulic Structures

Experimental study of drag force on bridge-pier models with different geometries using a strain-gauge sensor

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Mohammad Shirali
Mohammad Heidarnejad
Aslan Egdernezhad
Alireza Masjedi
Amin Bordbar
Department of Water Science Engineering, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran.
10.22055/jhs.2026.52785.1392
Abstract
One of the forces entering hydraulic structures is the drag force, which is usually obtained through empirical relationships. These relationships have been presented in many studies through simulation and wind tunnel testing. In this study, the drag force entering hydraulic structures was examined using strain gauge technology. Use of this method allows direct measurement of the force entering the structure. The experiments were undertaken under controlled laboratory flow conditions in a wide range of hydraulic parameters, with the drag force measured directly using a strain gauge-based device. The results indicated that the drag coefficient and force are heavily affected by the base geometry, surface roughness, and flow conditions. Also, the common empirical relations for calculating the drag force differed from reality by up to 780% in some conditions. It was also found that the geometric shape of the structure and its dimensions have a significant impact on the amount of drag force.
Keywords
Drag force
hydraulic structures
strain gauge
bridge-pier models
Subjects
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Journal of Hydraulic Structures

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 09 October 2026