Hydrodynamic Pressure Calculator for Bridge Piers

Improved Hydrodynamic Pressure Calculator for Bridge Piers

This calculator computes hydrodynamic pressure and forces on bridge piers under seismic conditions, based on IRC:SP:114-2018 (pseudo-static and added mass methods) and Westergaard's formula (for wide structures). Enhancements include exact Ce coefficients from IRC Table 4.4, corrected Westergaard distribution, refined shape effects via enveloping radius and adjustment factors from research, and detailed pressure distributions. Assumptions: Water density ρ = 1000 kg/m³, specific weight γ_w = 9.81 kN/m³ (adjustable), g ≈ 9.81 m/s². For non-circular shapes, use enveloping cylinder radius with shape-adjusted coefficients from codes/studies (e.g., square ~1.5x circular).

Pier Shape: Circular Square Rectangular Elliptical

Diameter (m):

Side Length (m):

Length (m, along flow): Width (m, perpendicular to flow):

Major Axis (m): Minor Axis (m):

Submerged Height H (m): Horizontal Seismic Coefficient a_h (e.g., 0.1 for Zone III): Water Specific Weight γ_w (kN/m³, default 9.81): Calculation Method: Pseudo-Static (Total Force, IRC:SP:114) Westergaard Pressure Distribution (for wide piers/dams) Added Mass for Dynamic Analysis (IRC:SP:114)