ANFIS-based approach to scour depth prediction at abutments in armored beds

An accurate estimation of the maximum possible scour depth at bridge abutments is of paramount importance in decision-making for the safe abutment foundation depth and also for the degree of scour countermeasures to be implemented against excessive scouring. Most of the scour depth prediction formulae available in the literature have been developed based on the analysis of laboratory and field data using statistical methods such as the regression method (RM). The alternative approaches, such as artificial neural network (ANN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), are generally preferred to provide better solutions in cases where the available data is incomplete or ambiguous in nature. In the present study, an attempt has, therefore, been made to develop the ANFIS model for the prediction of scour depth at the bridge abutments embedded in an armored bed and make the comparative study for the performance of ANFIS over RM and ANN in modeling the scour depth. It has been found that the ANFIS model performed best amongst all of these methods. The causative variables in raw form result in a more accurate prediction of the scour depth than that of their grouped form.