Author(s): Hossein Azinfar; James A. Kells

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Keywords: Backwater effect; drag force; flow resistance; river engineering; spur dike field

Abstract: This study focuses on quantifying the flow resistance and the associated backwater effect of a spur dike field in an open channel flow. The work was carried out in a rigid bed flume. The model spur dikes were simulated using two-dimensional (2D), rectangular plates placed in an array along one side of the flume. The results indicate that the arrangement of a spur dike field has a substantial effect on the drag force and hence the backwater effect that is experienced. In general, the total drag force of a spur dike field increases as the number of spur dikes and the relative spacing between them increase. The most upstream spur dike experienced the greatest drag force among the entire spur field, essentially acting as a shield, resulting in a reduction in the drag force of the downstream spur dikes.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00221686.2011.552470

Year: 2011