Abstract:Foundation scour is one of the important factors causing the bridge diseases. In the view of the problems of complex underwater environment and large detection difficulty of the bridge, a high-efficiency high-precision foundation scour detection technology – the multibeam measurement technology is discussed. The operational principle and system composition of the multi-beam system are described. And combined with an actual project, 51 piers of the Chongqi Bridge and its surrounding underwater terrain are scanned in order to visually show the underwater bridge foundation scour level, appearance and riverbed topography, which provides the data support for subsequent safety assessment of the bridge.