Impact Assessment of Extreme Storm Events Using a Bayesian Network

The most densely populated and economical most valuable areas in The Netherlands lie below mean sea level. These areas are protected against the sea by a coastal dune system. The vital importance of this dune system is reflected in the extensive collection of Dutch legal regulations that ensure the safety level of the dunes. Current safety...

Safety Assessment Method for Indirect Failure Mode Flow Sliding

Flow sliding of submerged slopes in front of dikes affects flood safety. The occurrence of flow sliding may result, sometimes with delay, in a failure mode and consequent flooding. The current safety assessment method for flow sliding does not consider the interaction between flow sliding and failure modes. Therefore it is unclear whether the...

A method to calculate the probability of dike failure due to wave overtopping, including the infragravity waves and morphological changes

In this thesis, a method was developed, with which the infragravity waves and morphological changes of a sandy foreshore are included in the calculation of the probability of dike failure due to wave overtopping. Constructing a natural foreshore in front of the dike can be an attractive and innovative method to decrease the failure probability....

Reliability Analysis And Safety Assessments of Structural Wall with Nonlinear Finite Element Analyses

Inclusion of safety formats method in nonlinear finite element analysis of a structure is beneficial to realize<br/>the safe and real behavior of structures. In addition, reliability analysis in combination with NLFEA results<br/>and safety assessments provide an insight into consistency of the safety assessments recommendations related<br/>to...

Using a process-based model for dune safety assessment: A case study of Delfland with a 2DH XBeach model

With the implementation of new legal aspects for dune safety assessment in 2017, the current method, Duros+, is no longer feasible to represent the desired processes. This 1D deterministic, volume-balance model cannot simulate processes like inundation and overwash, which are crucial to fulfil the new requirements for dune safety assessment....

A Study of the Application of Safety Formats in Non-linear Finite Element Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Tunnel Segment

The application of non-linear finite element analysis is important nowadays to simulate the real behavior of structure. A sort of non-linear finite element analysis with and without safety formats referring to Model Code 2010 is applied in this thesis, to study the FEM simulation of the shear capacity of reinforced concrete structure. A case...

Safety assessment method for macro-stability of dikes with high foreshores

This Thesis studies the safety assessment method for macro-stability of dikes with high foreshores. Currently, this method is a semi-probabilistic method, which does not take the presence of a foreshore into account. The research concludes that the presence of a foreshore has a significant influence on the failure probability with respect to...

An evaluation of safety assessment methods for a reinforced concrete frame using non-linear finite element analyses

In order to perform a reassessment of existing structures or design new structures in a more efficient and economical way non-linear finite element (NLFE) models are used to take into account all non-linear behavior in reinforced concrete structures. The Model Code 2010 (fib, 2012) suggest several safety formats to perform non-linear finite...

Safety through Machine Learning Applications: A Safety Case Analysis

Machine learning applications are increasingly being implemented in socio-technical safety-critical systems, but the safety of these applications is not well understood. This thesis used a mixed-method design and applied four methods to explore the field of machine learning and safety. With the results of these four methods, a framework was...

Mid-air Deployment Safety Assessment Method for a Morphing UAV

Deployable morphing aircraft are gaining popularity in the academic and industrial world. Their deployability offer the possibility to be stored and takes less space. This is advantageous in volume limited applications like space explorations, where every cubic centimeter is important. Another field where this aircraft is increasingly used is...

Present and future coastal safety assessment of 'De Slufter' anticipating sea level rise and coastal management changes: Modelling the effects of a natural coastal management strategy on the morphodynamic development and coastal safety of De Slufter on Texel with XBeach Surfbeat

'De Slufter' is a nature conservation area located in the Northwest of the Dutch Wadden island Texel which is inundated with seawater during storm events. The landward side of De Slufter is a sand dike which is part of the primary coastal defence ring of the island. HHNK, which is responsible for the coastal safety of Texel, currently relocates...

Flood Protection Using Multiple Lines of Dikes: A Case Study of the Twin Dike Eemshaven-Delfzijl Project

The Twin Dike project is an innovative concept to achieve the required flood safety while being able to preserve valuable areas. A lower, second dike is constructed behind the original existing dike. The original dike is only being strengthened to a minimal extent. The general idea behind this project is to more efficiently use the area near the...

A method to assess safety implications during authority transitions in automated driving

The question of how well in terms of safety can a driver take over control of an automated vehicle in response to an emergency situation is of crucial importance. Most of the studies performed so far focus on the drivers’ reaction times and the mechanisms behind the transition. In this study, an effort is made to incorporate the braking times...

Numerical analysis of the influence of desiccation cracks on the stability of Dutch river dykes

With changing climatic conditions, droughts are expected to increase in duration and intensity. Under drying conditions, desiccation cracks can form in clay soil, which is often used as dyke cover and in some cases also for the core of the dyke. These desiccation cracks have a potential impact on the stability of dykes. The main objective of...

Global shoreline forecasting with a clustering approach

Coastal areas around the world have always been densely populated areas. However, sea-level-rise and an increase in single extreme events due to climate change, threaten the coastal areas and their inhabitants. Governmental organizations, coastal managers and various private parties thrive for better insights into long-term shoreline behavior...

A surrogate model approach to study the effect of rainfall through cracks on the macro-stability of canal dikes

Under the current climate change projections, droughts and extreme rainfall events are becoming more common and intense. During sustained droughts, soil cracks can develop in the topsoil of a dike. These soil cracks can enhance the infiltration and drainage of the dike, affecting the dike stability. This study’s main objective is to better...

Towards emission-free sea dike revetments: Making sustainable design choices by employing probabilistic safety assessment and integrating the environmental cost indicator in the parametric design process of sea dike revetments

Large parts of the Netherlands lay below mean sea level. An extensive network of flood protection measures is in place to prevent flooding. Periodic safety assessment and reinforcement are required to guarantee a resilient system. Currently, in the Netherlands, an extensive sea dike reinforcement program is underway to meet the safety standards...