Hydraulic engineering

Constructions in water are exposed to many more forces than those on land. Technically speaking this is not a problem, but it is much more difficult to find a balance between these forces of nature, the user’s requirements and costs. This balance is Deltares’ speciality: hydraulic structures that are sufficiently strong, yet at the same time not too strong – long-lasting but not too expensive.

Forces of nature

Building in water is more complex than building on land. As well as wind and gravity, the waves, currents and seabed characteristics also have an influence. We predict the precise impact of these forces on constructions and how the marine infrastructure will react to this – both now and in the future. Therefore we develop software and we test breakwaters, dikes, dunes, storm surge barriers, locks and land reclamation using scale models, in for example the well-known ‘Deltagoot’.

Requirements and expectations

Just as important as the physical conditions are the requirements and expectations of our clients. If ships take just one minute longer to pass through the locks it can sometimes make a difference of millions of Euros. First of all we clarify these demands: what the client requires, why and what are the margins? Dredging slightly deeper now can, for example, save considerably on maintenance later on.

Complex projects

Together with our client we search for a balance. We undertake research and give advice. Quality is central in this: either we do it properly, or not at all. This approach has given Deltares the reputation as the organisation for complex hydraulic engineering projects. We combine knowledge of hydrodynamics, morphology and geotechnics with shipping, water quality and ecology.

Clients throughout the world

The Netherlands and Dutch engineers are known throughout the world as hydraulic engineering experts. Because of this 70% of our turnover comes from overseas. In the Netherlands our clients include builders, engineering bureaus and port authorities. The relationship between advice and research is approximately 50-50.

Knowledge areas

• Coastal structures: breakwaters, dunes, sea walls, wave load.
• Geotechnics: stability of underwater inclines and foreshores, flood settings, dredging activities, erosion protection, wharf construction.
• Harbour and marina development: wave penetration, currents, manoeuvring and mooring ships.
  River engineering: dikes, morphology, groynes and locks.
• Coastal engineering: morphology, reclamation, wave conditions, currents, water quality.
• Hydraulic structures: locks, weirs, sluices, barrages, storm surge barriers.