Van Oord NV

03/19/2019 | Press release | Archived content

Woods versus Waves

Woods versus Waves is an experiment to test the role, trees can play in flood risk reduction. Van Oord takes part in this research, because we can utilise the results in designing solutions for coastal and riverine defence systems. Participating in this kind of research fits in with the aim of our Estimating & Engineering department: to upscale the possibilities for applying Building with Nature.

Cheap alternative

Flood protection is often associated with dams and levees. However, nature offers great cheap alternatives to protect people and their livelihoods. In the future, the safety and livelihoods of millions of people will depend more on sustainable, nature-based coastal defence systems. There is very little evidence of how extreme conditions, such as flooding and storms affect coastal ecosystems, or, vice versa, how ecosystems affect those conditions.

To increase reliability, the field of nature-based solutions requires a strong quantitative basis. Building this knowledge basis in collaboration with research institutes, the private sector, NGOs and public authorities increases the reliability and leverage of nature-based solutions.

Bregje van Wesenbeeck , expert on coastal systems and ecosystem-based adaptation at Deltares

Natural Flood protection

Riverine and coastal woodland is said to be a very important natural flood protector. But what role can trees actually play in reducing the impact of extreme flooding and waves? Researchers for Deltares, Delft University of Technology, and the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research hope to answer this question by creating a life-size experiment. They will test the power of trees to protect us from flooding by constructing a forest in the largest wave-testing site in the world, the Delta Flume.

The Delta Flume

To better quantify the effect of willow trees and mangroves on wave height reduction, 40 metres of willow trees will be positioned in the world's largest wave flume facility, the Delta Flume at Deltares. The Delta Flume is 300 metres long, 5 metres wide and has a depth of 7.5-9 metres. Wave heights of up to 4m (Hs=2.2m) can be generated, allowing the testing of vegetation and vegetation models at realistic scales for extreme wave conditions.

Woods vs. Waves - Flood risk reduction experiment

You can view this content after you accept this cookie.
Accept cookies
For more information visit the Woods versus Waves website or contact Erik van Eekelen, [email protected]

Building with Nature

Van Oord is also involved in EcoShape, the foundation implementing the public-private partnership innovation programme 'Building with Nature' in the Netherlands. Within EcoShape, contractors, engineering companies, research institutions, public authorities, and NGOs are collaborating to develop and spread knowledge about Building with Nature. For information about more projects and initiatives, visit the EcoShape website.

Van Oord NV published this content on March 19, 2019, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 29, 2026 at 22:28 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]