Title of the project
Dike erosion due to wave overtopping: Erosion of the clay layer after failure of the grass cover
Type
PhD Research
Duration
January 2024 – December 2027
Persons involved
PhD candidate: ir. N. (Niels) van der Vegt
Promotor: prof. dr. S.J.M.H. (Suzanne) Hulscher
1st Co-Promotor: dr. J.J. (Jord) Warmink
2nd Co-Promotor: dr. ir. B. (Bas) Hofland (Delft University of Technology)
Advisor: dr. V.M. (Vera) van Bergeijk
Funding of the project
This work is part of the Perspectief research programme Future Flood Risk Management Technologies for Rivers and Coasts with project number P21-23. This programme is financed by Domain Applied and Engineering Sciences of the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
Summary of the research
The required crest level of a dike is determined, among other factors, by the erosion resistance of its landward slope. Currently, when the crest level is calculated, only the strength of the top layer of grass covering is considered. The strength of the clay layer, often present beneath the grass top layer, is disregarded as it is unknown how much it contributes to the erosion resistance of the landward slope. The aim of this research is to investigate the erosion resistance of this clay layer.
The primary objective of this PhD research is to develop a model for the erosion of the clay sub-layer on the landward slope following the initial failure of the grass cover. This will be accomplished through an analysis of field experiments using a wave overtopping simulator, a series of experimental studies at the Delft University of Technology to quantify hydraulic loading in erosion pits, and the development of a soil erosion model specifically for the clay layer. Subsequently, the developed model will be applied to multiple case studies in The Netherlands to assess the effects of taking into account the clay layer on dike assessment, design and maintenance.
Keywords
Wave overtopping, dike erosion, experimental research, flood safety, flood defence reliability
More information
Niels van der Vegt
Horst W-211
n.vandervegt@utwente.nl