Climate change and the value of flood barriersIf you wish to see the movie about the wave- and collision test, please visit YOUTUBE.COM and search for "Dutchdam collision test". Also to find "Dutchdam animation".
Essentials of the Dutchdam flood barriers
Over the past years Dutchdam developed a program of demountable flood barriers.
A number of significant improvements have been tested and implemented in the market. Several disadvantages of traditional systems are solved, as no longer using nuts and bolts, storage on site (no logistics & warehousing) and fast deployment. The Dutchdam is nowadays applied in many countries.
Most eye-catching is the high load capacity of the flood wall assembly by its flexibility
This is a result of the specifically designed interlocking panels in both, the horizontal ànd vertical direction. The unique strength is a result of the grip between the panels during the installation and the way the panels are secured by internally installed sliding bars fixing the panels towards the stanchions. During usage all parts are locked. According to this method it is possible, even when confronted with bad weather conditions, to put the Dutchdam flood barriers in place in an extreme limited timeframe. The reliable construction of the flood wall makes it possible to use all Dutchdam systems in urban and industrial areas. The compact design of the panel and stanchion combination is valuable. It limits the storage volume and is the economic base for the limitation of the Total Costs of Ownership. Fast available with limited manpower and no mechanical or electronic logistic systems are needed.
 Computer modelling confirmed the results of the test program.
According the Dutchdam method a flexible defence wall comes available which offers a high energy absorption. Result: a new safety standard.
The Dutch Ministry of Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat) commissioned WL_Delft Hydraulics to test the Dutchdam at extreme level. A video of this test is available at YOUTUBE, to find under “Dutchdam”.
The heavy waves and collisions at extreme water levels proved the value of the flexible structure of the Dutchdam flood barriers.
Storage on site, complete storage in its own foundation duct
Storage of all parts in its own foundation duct is economical by design and of a greater value when the flood barrier will be used over a longer distance and in case the waterfront is far from warehousing.
The compact design requires limited depth and width of the duct. This allows manual operation. No machinery is needed. Most operating costs are thus avoided. Inspection of the system is easy as all parts can be inspected visually. This is an important increase of the total safety.
A small spot in the infrastructure is needed for a complete and economic flood control
The Dutchdam is applicable under a variety of physical infrastructural and building conditions. The high traffic load capacity of the cover plates over the duct, makes the Dutchdam suitable at motorway level. Traffic load up till 266 kN (400 kN incidental max.) at 20x20 cm. makes the cover plates functional in surroundings of continuous heavy traffic and harbour areas. More and lower classes are available.
Climate change requires flood control, Dutchdam is a relevant help
One of the effects of the climate change is that new flood planes will occur, new danger for the community and the environment. The more flood planes, the greater the interest in reliable flood barriers.
Dutchdam improves water resistant building and helps to reclaim flood threatened areas what rehabilitates living and investing along the water lines.
Dutchdam-Duplo, installed at 8 locations in the City centre of Dublin Ireland.
 |
Without nuts or bolts
When the Dutchdam is unfolded it forms a completely closed construction. A special feature of the design is that the Dutchdam is assembled without the use of nuts and bolts and for this reason is to a great extent vandal-proof. |
Dutchdam and the infrastructure
Because of the high operational safety of the system, the Dutchdam offers interesting possibilities for use in raising the height of the infrastructure in areas liable to flooding. The water authorities will check whether the flood defence height of quays, dikes and defence walls can cope with the changing water table.
|
|
