This thesis introduces a fragility-based framework in order to perform a custom assessment of the complex Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier. By applying a conditional approach to loading parameters, the statistical dependency between failure mechanisms and structure elements can be described separately for the strength and loading part of the assessment, allowing for a reduction of the conservatism. This report applies this fragility-based assessment to assess the barrier on the failure mechanisms ‘height’ and ‘failure due to failing closure’.

The Segment barrier is a conceptual design for a storm surge barrier consisting of individual concrete segments which can be combined to form a barrier. The structure is designed with the ability to expand in size to deal with the uncertainties of global mean sea level rise by stacking the individual segments into various configurations. At its core, the Segment barrier is a temporary structure that can be assembled before the advent of a storm surge and dismantled afterwards with the intent of mitigating the long-term environmental and ecological impact associated with permanently fixed hydraulic structures. However, the Segment barrier is equally able to function as a typical structure with a long design life if necessary. Long Island Sound served as a case study for the development of this concept. The severity and frequency of annual hurricanes is expected to increase within this century and recent examples of hurricanes have already shown the devastating impact to New York City and the wider coastal region. The area of Long Island Sound is expected to have a crucial role in providing protection for millions of people through the development of flood protection measures. The development of this concept involved analyses on the structure’s overall stability, local wave climate, structural design of prestressed concrete elements and the applicability of the barrier for this region. An important aspect of this concept is optimization for which a number of suggestions are provided to inspire further research and design efforts. This thesis establishes the foundation for a new type of storm surge barrier and aims to convey the potential of this concept for wider applicability around the world.