Scour is one of the leading causes of bridge failure worldwide, making regular inspection and assessment essential for the safe management of bridges and other watercourse structures.
At Stroma Specialist Access, we provide specialist scour inspections and foundation assessments to help infrastructure owners understand how water affects bridge foundations and identify potential risks before they become critical.
Combining specialist access techniques, hydrographic surveying and structural inspection expertise, our experienced teams safely assess difficult-to-access structures across highways, rail networks and other infrastructure assets, delivering the data needed to support informed maintenance and asset management decisions.
Specialist Scour Inspection Services
Bridge scour occurs when flowing water erodes the riverbed or the surrounding ground that supports bridge foundations. Over time, this erosion can expose or undermine foundations, affecting a structure's stability and long-term performance.
Our scour inspections provide a comprehensive assessment of bridge foundations, surrounding watercourses and hydraulic conditions, helping clients identify areas requiring monitoring, maintenance or further investigation.
We support local authorities, National Highways, rail operators and infrastructure owners with both planned inspection programmes and reactive assessments following significant weather or flood events.
Our Scour Inspection Capabilities
We deliver comprehensive scour assessments using a combination of visual inspections, hydrographic surveys, Multibeam Echo Sounder (MBES) technology and engineering analysis to provide a complete understanding of bridge foundation condition and riverbed behaviour.
Bridge Foundation Assessments
Our inspections evaluate the condition of bridge foundations, abutments and piers, identifying evidence of erosion, movement or foundation exposure that could affect structural stability.
Topographical Surveys
We undertake detailed topographical surveys of bridge structures, riverbeds and surrounding environments to establish existing site conditions and support ongoing monitoring.
Geotechnical Assessment
Where required, we collect geotechnical information and undertake testing to better understand riverbed conditions and determine the likelihood of foundation undercutting or continued erosion.
Post-Flood Inspections
Following periods of heavy rainfall or flooding, our teams can rapidly mobilise to inspect structures for evidence of scour, debris accumulation and foundation damage, enabling clients to make informed decisions about asset safety and operational requirements.
Hydrological and Hydraulic Assessments
Working alongside engineering specialists where appropriate, we support the assessment of:
- River flow characteristics
- Peak flow conditions
- Hydraulic performance through bridge structures
- Flood-related erosion risks
These assessments help determine how changing river conditions may affect bridge foundations over time.
Hydrographic and Multibeam Echo Sounder (MBES) Surveys
Where a detailed understanding of riverbed conditions is required, we undertake hydrographic and Multibeam Echo Sounder (MBES) scour surveys to accurately map underwater environments and assess bridge foundations.
Using advanced survey technology, MBES enables the creation of highly detailed 3D models of the riverbed, identifying areas of erosion, scour, sediment build-up and changes in channel profile that may affect the stability of bridge foundations.
Hydrographic and MBES surveys provide valuable data to support bridge inspections, asset management programmes and post-flood assessments, helping infrastructure owners make informed maintenance and risk management decisions.
Specialist Access for Challenging Locations
Many bridge foundations are in environments that are difficult to inspect using conventional access methods.
Our experienced teams utilise a range of specialist access techniques, including:
- IRATA-qualified rope access
- Pontoon access
- Confined space access
- MEWPs where appropriate
- Temporary scaffold solutions
By combining inspection and access into a single service, we reduce programme times, minimise disruption and improve safety on site.
Supporting Bridge Asset Management
Scour inspections form an important part of wider bridge asset management programmes.
Our teams regularly work alongside bridge inspection, drone survey and structural health monitoring specialists to provide a complete understanding of bridge condition, allowing clients to prioritise maintenance and manage long-term infrastructure risk.
Why Choose Stroma Specialist Access?
Our experienced inspection teams combine engineering knowledge with specialist access expertise to safely assess some of the UK's most challenging infrastructure assets.
Our clients benefit from:
- Experienced bridge inspection specialists
- IRATA-qualified rope access technicians
- Safe working over and around water
- Rapid mobilisation following flood events
- Comprehensive inspection reporting
- Integrated inspection and specialist access services
- Support for highways, rail and civil infrastructure projects nationwide
Whether you're planning a routine scour inspection, require a post-flood assessment or need specialist access to inspect bridge foundations, our experienced team is here to help.
Contact Stroma Specialist Access today to discuss your requirements or request a quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a scour inspection?
A scour inspection assesses whether flowing water has eroded the riverbed or surrounding ground supporting a bridge's foundations. It helps identify erosion that could affect the structure's stability and safety.
Why are scour inspections important?
Scour is one of the most common causes of bridge foundation damage. Regular inspections help identify risks early, allowing maintenance work to be planned before structural issues develop.
When should a scour inspection be carried out?
Scour inspections are typically undertaken as part of planned bridge inspection programmes or following significant flooding, high river flows or other events that may have affected bridge foundations.
What does a scour inspection involve?
A scour inspection may include visual assessment of bridge foundations, topographical surveys, geotechnical investigations, riverbed assessments and hydrological or hydraulic analysis, depending on the structure and site conditions.
Which structures require scour inspections?
Scour inspections are commonly carried out on highway and railway bridges, culverts, retaining walls, and other structures located over rivers, streams, or watercourses.
Can you carry out scour inspections in difficult-to-access locations?
Yes. Our teams use specialist access methods, including IRATA rope access, pontoons, confined-space techniques, and temporary scaffold systems, to safely inspect challenging locations.