Unique, sustainable dike design from Fugro solution for Limburg

At the heart of this success: proven safety and sustainability. As of this year, surrounding villages are protected from high water. To conclude the project, a comprehensive lecture will be given on June 9, 2021 for local residents and interested parties during which these unique dike concepts will be discussed.

After the floods in 1993 and 1995, emergency measures were taken to prevent a recurrence. No more building was allowed between Ooijen and Wanssum, along the Meuse. This was unpleasant for residents, farms and the harbor, which is why the state, the province and the municipalities started looking for a solution that would guarantee high-water safety, along with more economic and recreational opportunities.

Contractor combination Mooder Maas took the area by storm. Geo-data specialist Fugro, together with H+N+S, developed sustainable dikes that are unique. During construction, construction materials are normally used by CO₂ emitting ships and trucks brought in. At the same time, deepening a side channel was to give the Meuse more room. The soil was not removed now, but was assessed for strength with extensive laboratory tests by Fugro. The dike was simulated in a 300-meter-long corrugated trench and tons of soil from Ooijen were tested. The results proved that the material can be safely used for these dikes. "This kills two birds with one stone," said Leo Zwang, Fugro's project director. 'You don't have to remove soil and you don't have to bring in clay from elsewhere. Because 3.7 million cubic meters of soil were needed, this reuse yielded enormous savings in terms of transport movements, as much as 20,000 tons less CO₂-emissions for the project!"

Together with residents we also sought an 'area-specific land' model for possible nature development, recreation and agriculture, which fits in with the terraced landscape. For extra safety and nature development, the dike has a floodplain area on the river side for erosion and nature development and on the inside a slope with a gentle slope for safety, recreation, nature and activity. This Limburg solution already won the Water Innovation Prize of the water boards and the national High Water Protection Program has adopted the dike concept as an example of how dike reinforcement can have a broader function than just ensuring dry feet. And to be more sustainable and cheaper too. Limburg can be proud of that.