Sustainable Marine Structures

Environmental and Hydraulic Considerations in Scour Reduction Around Spur Dikes: A Comprehensive Review

Ismail Hashim Hussein

Department of Civil Engineering, Tikrit University, Tikrit 34001, Iraq

Asmaa Abdul Jabbar Jamel

Department of Civil Engineering, Tikrit University, Tikrit 34001, Iraq

Raad Hoobi Irzooki

Department of Environmental Engineering, Tikrit University, Tikrit 34001, Iraq

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/sms.v7i3.2125

Received: 5 May 2025 | Revised: 28 May 2025 | Accepted: 18 June 2025 | Published Online: 5 August 2025

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Abstract

Spur dikes are essential hydraulic structures extensively used in river engineering to control bank erosion, regulate river flow, and enhance navigation. Despite their benefits, spur dikes interact with complex hydrodynamic forces that lead to vortex-induced scouring at their base, which threatens their structural stability and affects the surrounding ecosystem. This paper presents a comprehensive review that combines findings from experimental and numerical studies to explain the mechanisms of scour development around spur dikes, with a particular focus on installations in curved river channels. The review examines how hydraulic, geometric, and material parameters, such as flow velocity, dike location, alignment, shape, and porosity, affect scour depth and extent. Results from previous studies reveal that spur dikes placed near the outer bends of rivers experience more severe scouring due to stronger secondary circular flow and increased sediment entrainment. However, optimizing the spacing, orientation, and geometry of spur dikes can significantly reduce scour, in some cases by up to 80%. The paper also explores the role of dike porosity and material selection in mitigating adverse hydraulic impacts while supporting aquatic habitat diversity. By synthesizing these findings, the review provides practical design recommendations to enhance spur dike performance, minimize scour-related damages, and improve their environmental sustainability. The insights from this study can guide engineers and planners in designing more efficient and eco-friendly spur dike systems for river management and restoration projects.

Keywords: Spur Dikes; Angle of Spur Dikes; Porosity; Shape of Spur Dike; Scour

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