Design, maintain and operate movable storm surge barriers for flood risk reduction

Marc Walraven, Koos Vrolijk, Baukje Bee Kothuis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeChapterScientificpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)
102 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

In several coastal regions around the world, movable storm surge barriers have been implemented to protect against flooding induced by storm surges and waves. These barriers often form an integral part of the coastal defense system. In urban deltas, they are mostly intended to protect urban and industrial interests, while providing access for shipping. The movable structure also offers other advantages, for example, the preservation of natural ecosystems. Where dams and dikes completely close off an area from the ocean, movable storm surge barriers ensure that a gradual freshwater-saltwater transition and tidal effects are maintained, while still providing the necessary flood protection. This multifunctionality makes these types of barriers sought-after for new flood protection schemes, as in the Houston-Galveston Bay area. In this respect, it is important to realize that movable storm surge barriers are assets with very specific characteristics. These characteristics have a major impact on the management, maintenance, and operations (MMO) of the barrier and can cause multiple challenges during its lifespan. However, by taking these specific characteristics into account in the design phase of the barrier, several of these challenges could largely be addressed. In the different contexts of coastal physics, climate, and flood risk approaches along the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, the challenges and their consequences might differ. This chapter examines a number of specific characteristics of movable storm surge barriers and their implications for MMO. The aim of this chapter is to create awareness for these specific characteristics and to offer direction on how to deal with their impacts on MMO by means of a reasoned design.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCoastal Flood Risk Reduction
Subtitle of host publicationThe Netherlands and the U.S. Upper Texas Coast
EditorsSamuel Brody, Yoonjeoung Lee, Baukje Bee Kothuis
PublisherElsevier
Pages271-286
Number of pages16
ISBN (Electronic)9780323852517
ISBN (Print)9780323852524
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Bibliographical note

Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care
Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.

Keywords

  • Coastal defense
  • Flood risk
  • Maintenance
  • Prototype
  • Reasoned design
  • Storm surge barrier

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