Physical scale model experiments into local sediment displacement around hydraulic structures of Xstream

Over the past centuries, the Dutch rivers have been extensively engineered with the construction of hydraulic training works. A changing climate and increasing demands of river functionalities require innovations to the system to ensure its resilience. Exploring potential applications of Xstream elements might contribute to the development of...

Financial feasibility of large-scale adaptation strategies for future SLR in northern Europe: NEED vs dike reinforcement

The effects of climate change are felt all around the world. An increased sea level goes hand in hand with an increased risk of flooding. To combat this, the coastlines must be reinforced to withstand future sea levels. However, repeatedly reinforcing coastlines to keep up with the sea level rise (SLR) could prove extremely costly. An...

Hydraulic jumps with low inflow Froude numbers: air–water surface patterns and transverse distributions of two-phase flow properties

Abstract: Hydraulic jumps are commonly employed as energy dissipators to guarantee long-term operation of hydraulic structures. A comprehensive and in-depth understanding of their main features is therefore fundamental. In this context, the current study focused on hydraulic jumps with low Froude numbers, i.e. Fr₁ = 2.1 and 2.4, at...

Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamic Modelling of Wave Impact: A numerical and theoretical analysis of non-breaking wave loads on structures with overhang

Hydraulic structures can be prone to impulsive wave impact, which is a highly stochastic and uncertain process. This type of impact, defined by extreme pressure peaks and a very short duration, is not only caused by breaking waves, but also by non-breaking standing waves on structures with an overhang, such as culverts and steel gates. In this...

De nieuwe generatie Maasstuwen: Een geschikte uitvoeringsoplossing voor een nieuwe stuw bij Linne

The weirs in the river Meuse reach their theoretical lifespan. The weirs were built in the early 1930s and now one is faced with a replacement task. Various studies have been carried out in recent years on the future of the weirs in the river Meuse. This concerns research into the entire weir system, different types of weirs and the way in which...

The dynamic behaviour of hydraulic structures caused by wave impact loads: Enhancing the present design method in time and space

At this moment hydraulic structures are designed based on a simple method: the Dynamic Amplification Factor (DAF) method. This method does not consider the full dynamic interaction between the wave impacts, structure and water. The research project DynaHicS focusses on the dynamic behaviour of hydraulic structures, taking into account fluid...

Validation of pressure-impulse theory for standing wave impact loading on vertical hydraulic structures with short overhangs

The applicability of pressure-impulse theory is evaluated for predicting wave impact loading magnitudes for non-breaking standing wave impacts on vertical hydraulic structures with relatively short overhangs. To this end, tests were carried out on a schematized but realistic configuration with low steepness regular wave impacts on a straight...

Probabilistic system identification and reliability updating for hydraulic structures - Application to sheet pile walls

Given its geographical location and history, water defense is of utmost importance for the Netherlands. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) offers a promising approach for system identification of hydraulic structures in this water defense system. The aim of SHM is to set sensors on structures and use the monitored responses to identify...

Overtopping hazard reduction at Churchill Barriers, Scotland

Churchill Barriers, a series of four causeways in Orkney Islands, Scotland were constructed during Second World War and now serve and a critical link for South Ronaldsay and Burray to the Orkney Mainland. Due to their location and design, causeways are exposed to storm waves generated in the North Sea. During coastal storms, some waves are able...

Performance assessment of the Ocean Falls Wave Energy Converter: A solution for electrical power production in the future

There is a growing demand for renewable sources of energy of which wave energy conversion is one. The Ocean Falls is an oscillating water column (OWC) system invented by BAM Infraconsult b.v. This system differs from conventional OWC systems since it includes a connection tube and an adjustable back wall. The OWC system is a resonance system for...

The reconstruction of Riskeer: WBI2017 assessment tool focused on hydraulic structures

The reliability assessment of hydraulic structures, in primary water defences before 2017, is characterised by exceedance probabilities and implicit uncertainty. In January of 2017, the new water law enforces a change in the assessment of primary water defences. The water law requests a probability of flooding when assessing the safety...

Flood risk reduction interventions for the New York City subway system: A research on the impact of storm surge and sea level rise on the safety against flooding in urban delta's

On 29 October 2012 hurricane Sandy hit the coast of New York City. This category 1 hurricane had a devastating effect: large parts of the city were flooded and the city was out of business for several days. An estimated total damage of $41.9 billion had occurred of which $5 billion in account of the metro system. The largest damage was to the...

Numerical modeling of sediment transport over hydraulic structures

Hydraulic structures are present in the designs of different Room for the River projects in the Netherlands. Examples are longitudinal weirs, groins, summer dikes and weirs in the inlet of a side channel. Morphological simulations with Delft3D are frequently carried out to investigate the effect of such projects on for example hindrance for...