Engineering Doctorate in Digital Dikes: A multiscale framework for risk assessment of Backward Erosion Piping

The Netherlands relies heavily on its dikes. However, current models do not show exactly how dikes collapse when seepage flows erode sand underneath a dike (Backward Erosion Piping). The Digital Dikes project is changing that. The consortium aims to develop advanced digital models with varying degrees of detail, integrated into a flexible open-source tool, assimilating monitoring data to give probabilistic predictions. This framework can assess the probability (and severity) of pipe progression as a function of dike geometry, variability of subsurface properties and hydraulic loads. The novel technology will be tested through real-world case studies, co-designed with industry, government, and international users. This makes accurate risk assessment and targeted dike reinforcement possible.

Digital Dikes is a prestigious and ambitious project funded by NWO. Twente University is leading this projects with consortium partners University of Utrecht, Eindhoven University, University of Bologna and Deltares. The partners are supported by a large group of users, government (e.g. Water Authorities, Rijkswaterstaat, STOWA, Dutch Flood Protection Programme) and international organisations.