First true sea dike full of sensors in Eemshaven

The world's first true sea dike equipped with sensors is being built at Eemshaven.

The world's first true sea dike equipped with sensors is being built at Eemshaven. This 'dike of the world' is equipped with measurement equipment that makes it possible to remotely monitor a dike's condition on a continuous basis. This principle was previously tested under the name 'IJkdijk' in East Groningen, and has now been developed to the point that the sensors can be placed in a section of the sea dike, explained a spokesman of the IJkdijk foundation on Wednesday.

A test dike was built last year and tested in a small polder to the south of Bellingwedde in East Groningen. The sensors are now being placed in an existing dike at Eemshaven. This dike does not form part of the direct sea barrier of the Province of Groningen, but is still in contact with the sea. That implies that there is no risk whatsoever, whilst still creating a realistic test opportunity. Water Board Noorderzijlvest has made the dike available for the test.

The IJkdijk is a test setup for new inspection and monitoring technologies for water barriers. The IJkdijk is used to look into whether these technologies can be used to improve the inspection of dikes in order to gain a clearer understanding of how they behave. The ultimate aim is to constantly monitor the strength of dikes so that a faster response is possible should that prove necessary. A lot of interest in the 'dike of the future' has been expressed from other parts of the world, including New Orleans, says the spokesman.

The IJkdijk is an initiative of organisations including the Investment and Development Company for the North Netherlands (NOM), Deltares, the organisation of water boards STOA and TNO.