BresDefender: An experimental study on an emergency response measure for levee breaches

The dissertation explores the use of emergency measures, particularly the BresDefender, to prevent or delay levee failure and mitigate the impacts of floods, focusing on the Netherlands' flood protection systems. Levees are vital for protecting low-lying areas, but there's always a risk of failure, leading to significant societal and material damage. Emergency measures like the BresDefender aim to reduce this risk.

When extreme water levels are expected, crisis protocols are activated, leading to levee inspections and potential implementation of emergency measures. In times of resource scarcity or challenging conditions, the military may assist civilian authorities, as protecting against floods is one of their responsibilities.

Given the increasing frequency of high-water events due to climate change, there's a need for more efficient use of military resources, termed as the 'adaptive army' concept. The BresDefender, initially designed for constructing temporary bridges, is explored for reinforcing levees. It can be submerged against weakened levees without heavy equipment, potentially reducing the risk of failure.

Physical experiments and numerical models assess the BresDefender's effectiveness. It primarily impacts water infiltration and flow over levees during breaches. Experiments demonstrate its ability to reduce seepage flow and delay levee failure, providing additional time for response measures.

The dissertation emphasizes the importance of the BresDefender's adaptation to levee irregularities. Flexible materials are crucial for optimal contact, enhancing effectiveness. A probabilistic model assesses the likelihood of successfully preventing levee breaches, highlighting the importance of proactive action and efficient logistics.

Logistically, timely preparation and response are essential. The model identifies key stages, emphasizing the need for prompt damage detection and swift deployment of emergency measures.

Overall, the research suggests that the BresDefender can enhance water safety if deployed promptly and adapted to levee conditions. Further optimization could make it a valuable tool for reinforcing levees and improving flood resilience, even in unforeseen circumstances.