Inflating the dike as an emergency measure in case of high water

Demolition test

During the demolition test, explosives were used to blow a hole in a test dike. Marc Balemans, Ministry of Defense: "This test allows us to gain knowledge about the use of explosives in emergency situations involving high water levels. We are exploring the possibility of using explosives to relieve pressure on the water system in the event of flooding or to blow a hole in a dike to safely drain the water. This will give us more control and allow us to manage excess water." This demolition test is part of a study into how to control the breach, for example, its location, dimensions, and closure. In this way, we are trying to reduce the discharge of water downstream.

Inflating the dike as an emergency solution

During the 2011 floods in the state of Missouri, this measure—blowing up a levee to relieve pressure on a downstream levee system—was successful. This levee was designed to be removed with explosives using a pipe system. This was done to give the water room to flow and protect New Orleans. The Netherlands has used this measure in the past as a defensive measure: to keep opponents out of an area. The use of blowing a hole in a dike in peacetime, precisely to limit damage, is new. Making a hole in a dike must be done quickly, with light equipment and in a controlled manner. This will be investigated and tested during the trial. Ultimately, the Safety Region, together with the water board and Rijkswaterstaat, will decide which emergency solution will be chosen during a high water crisis.

About the international collaboration 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 the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority. Fourteen organizations involved in water safety from Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and England have joined forces to better equip us to deal with the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels. Focus areas include flood defenses, emergency measures, and knowledge sharing about the strength of flood defenses and 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 receives a contribution of €3.9 million from the European Interreg 2 Seas Program 2014-2020, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under grant agreement No [2S07-023]. More information can be found atwww.interreg2seas.eu.