Levee design

Although natural flood management is ideal specifically for biodiversity, improving water quality and its sustainability, there is no immediate protection of reducing flood risk or general flood prevention as it take a long time to form a natural sediment deposition. Furthermore, natural flood management tends to require more space.

Whereas artificial levees and dikes are constructed to prevent flooding and put immediate flood protection in place, especially to protect key infrastructures.

If there is potential risk of flooding with for example storm surges, rising seas and river channels it is vital to have tailored defence and control.

A ground investigation will provide essential data for any kind of levee and dike design. Specifically looking at geotechnical data for example: soil composition, soil strength, water table levels, soil permeability, foundation testing as well as other geotechnical properties. This is in addition to potential further data collection such as:

• Hydrological Data: water-level monitoring, water flow rates, flood levels, and erosion patterns.

• Topographical Data: elevation and terrain features.

• Environmental Data: impacts on ecosystems, sedimentation, and climate risks.

• Geophysical Data: subsurface conditions like groundwater and fault lines.

After data collection and analysis, the subsequent stage is flood map planning, which informs the ground modelling and visualisation process. Designers consider a model and visual site representation crucial for designing levees and dikes, and authorities may even legally require them.

These models are particularly valuable for simulating levee performance during flood events to identify weak points. Beyond risk assessment, models aid in planning and design, facilitate communication with stakeholders (e.g., environment agencies), and ensure regulatory compliance.

Sustainability, on-going maintenance, and longevity of levees and dikes are essential for effective flood control. These structures manage surface water, flood waters, and river floods by using durable, sustainable materials and accounting for future climate risks. Regular maintenance prevents erosion and structural failures, while installation support ensures that the levees are built correctly and perform as intended. Sustainable designs also integrate natural systems, extending the levee’s lifespan and ensuring it can control flood waters for many years with minimal environmental impact.

• Sustainability: Incorporating eco-friendly materials and designing structures to work with natural processes helps reduce environmental impact.

• On-going Maintenance: Regular inspections, repairs, and upgrades are essential to ensure that levees and dikes remain effective over time, preventing erosion or structural failures.

• Longevity: Well-maintained structures can last for decades or longer, if their design accounts for climate change, increasing flood risks, and evolving environmental conditions to ensure long-term resilience.