Physics-based and machine-learning models for accurate scour depth prediction

Abstract

Scour phenomena remain a significant cause of instability in offshore structures. The present study estimates scour depths using physics-based numerical modelling and machine-learning (ML) algorithms. For the ML prediction, datasets were collected from previous studies, and the trained models checked against the statistical measures and reported outcomes. The numerical assessment of the scour depth has been also carried out for the current and coupled wave-current environment within a computational fluid dynamics framework with the aid of the open-source platform REEF3D. The outcomes are validated against the previously reported experimental studies. The results obtained from ML schemes demonstrated that the artificial neural network and adaptive neuro-fuzzy interface system models have an elevated level of effectiveness compared with the other models. Whereas the numerical analysis results show a good agreement against the reported values. For the current only conditions, the normalized scour depth (S/D) at the front and rear end of the pier is 0.65 and 0.81. For the wave-current conditions, the normalized scour depth (S/D) is 0.26. The study highlights the importance of machine learning and physics-based numerical modelling to assess scour depth within a reasonable time frame without compromising accuracy. This article is part of the theme issue 'Physics-informed machine learning and its structural integrity applications (Part 2)'.

Keywords: machine learning; numerical analysis; offshore foundations; scour depth; wind energy.