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In the mid-1980s, the Florida DOT began an intensive research effort to develop equations for estimating pier scour.  Our efforts were not Florida-specific or initially focused on the tidal environment, but rather targeting the fundamental mechanisms of pier scour.  Great care was taken in assessing the credibility of available pier scour research data and in carrying out further experimentation. 

The equations, policies, and manuals below are the current guidance for predicting bridge scour in the State of Florida.  Guidance presented here supersedes guidance on these subjects in the FHWA HEC-18 publication and should be used in lieu of HEC-18 guidance on Florida DOT projects.