The influence of floodplain compartmentalization on flood risk within the Rhine - Meuse delta

D. Alkema, H. Middelkoop

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The present compartmentalization layout within the river polders in the Dutch Rhine-Meuse delta is the result of abandonment and partially removal of secondary dikes and the construction of modern infrastructure embankments. These structures will guide the flow of water in case the polder would inundate. Through the application of a 2D flood propagation model in the polder "Land van Maas en Waal" this study explores whether restoration or removal of old dike remnants would contribute to a reduction of the risk and damage during an inundation. A systematic set of 28 flood scenarios was simulated and for each scenario an additional damage and risk assessment was carried out. It is concluded that a simple removal or total restoration will not reduce flood damage, but that this must be achieved by a strategic compartment plan. With such a plan old dike remnants and present embankments can be used to keep water away from vulnerable and valuable areas for as long as possible and to guide the floodwater to areas that are considered less vulnerable
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFlood risk management in Europe: innovation in policy and practice
Editors S Begum, MJF Stive, JW Hall
Place of PublicationBerlin
PublisherSpringer
Pages21-42
Number of pages22
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007

Publication series

NameAdvances in natural and technological hazards research
Number25

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