Inflating dyke as an emergency measure during high water
On the afternoon of Tuesday, February 28, a demolition test was conducted at the Ministry of Defense’s training ground in Marnewaard, Groningen. During this test, explosives were used to create a breach in a dyke. This could serve as an emergency measure in the event of a flood crisis. The test is part of the international EU INTERREG Polder2C’s project. The goal of this test is to increase knowledge about emergency measures in the event of a flood crisis.
Demolition test
During the demolition test, explosives were used to blast a hole in a test dike. Marc Balemans, Ministry of Defense: “This test is helping us gain knowledge about the use of explosives in emergency situations involving high water. We are exploring the possibility of using explosives to relieve pressure on the water system during floods or to create a breach in a dyke safely drain the water. This allows us to better control and manage excess water.” This demolition test is part of a study into how the breach is controlled, for example regarding its location, dimensions, and sealing. In this way, we aim to reduce the discharge of water downstream.
Inflating dyke a temporary solution
During the 2011 floods in the state of Missouri, this measure—blowing up a dyke relieve pressure on a downstream dike system—proved successful. This dyke designed to be demolished using explosives via a pipe system, in order to create space for the water and protect New Orleans. The Netherlands has used this measure in the past as a defensive tactic: to keep adversaries out of an area. Using the method of breaching a dyke peacetime, specifically to limit damage, is a new approach. Creating a breach in a dyke be done quickly, using light equipment, and in a controlled manner. This will be investigated and tested during the trial. Ultimately, the Safety Region, together with the water authority Rijkswaterstaat, will determine which emergency solution is chosen during a flood crisis.
About the international collaborative project Polders2C’s
This demolition test is being conducted as part of the international EU INTERREG project Polder2C’s and was initiated by the Ministry of Defense in close collaboration with Noorderzijlvest Water Authority. Fourteen organizations involved in water safety from Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and England have joined forces to better prepare us for the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels. Focus areas include flood defences, emergency measures, and knowledge sharing regarding the strength of flood defences crisis management. The lead partners of Polder2C’s are the Dutch STOWA (Foundation for Applied Water Management Research) and the Flemish Hydraulics Laboratory.
Polder2C’s is receiving a grant of 3.9 million euros from the European Interreg 2 Seas programme , co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under grant agreement No. [2S07-023]. For more information, visitwww.interreg2seas.eu.