FLOW PATTERN AND SUSPENDED SEDIMENT TRANSPORT AROUND SPUR DIKES IN THE KIKUCHI RIVER ESTUARY

Abstract

A series of spur dikes was constructed to reinforce an embankment at bends in the lower reach of the Kikuchi River. In recent years, eutrophicated fine sediment accumulation around spur dikes has caused a serious problem in estuary ecosystem. Therefore, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has developed the renaturalization project of sand beach in the estuary. In this study, we have particularly investigated flow patterns and fine sediment transport around these spur dikes by using Stream-pro Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) and radio-controlled model boat equipped with Workhorse ADCP in the period of spring tide. The results show that these spur dikes weakened flow and SS transport in the concave, and strengthened them in the convex of the bend. In addition, fine sediment accumulation were discussed through streamwise distribution of SS transport in both cases of flood and ebb tide.