deltares builds extreme wave generator to help cities against rising sea levels

deltares builds extreme wave generator to help cities against rising sea levels
all images courtesy of deltares

in 2015, deltares added a unique test facility where it is possible to test at full scale, the effect of extreme waves on dikes, dunes, breakwaters and offshore structures. there is obviously a global demand for the realistic testing of hydraulic structures in particular situations. the ‘delta flume’ is a versatile, indispensable facility that can be used for numerous projects: coastal, harbor and offshore structures. 

more than ever, climate change is putting flood risk management under pressure. too little is still know about the many innovative solutions, and full-scale tests in the ‘delta flume’ can fill this gap. it’s 300 meters long, 9.5 meters deep and five meters wide. this length is needed to simulate wave formation on gradually rising coasts. the depth makes it possible to generate waves up to 4.5 meters high and requires a ten-meter high wave board that moves using hydraulic cylinders. 

the wave flowing through the canal

a water reservoir containing nine million liters of fresh water is located alongside the new ‘delta flume’. that’s the equivalent of four olympic swimming pools. the reservoir can also help during testing, making it possible not only to generate high waves but also to simulate variations in the water level of the kind caused by storm surges and tides. deltares hopes the ‘delta flume’ will help vulnerable flood areas in the netherlands as well as abroad. 

the model hall where structures can be tested 

the ten-meter wave board

the whole delta flume facility