Future-proof infrastructure
With the rise in population, the challenge of housing, the transition towards sustainable energy, flood and drought risks, and the need for a more livable environment, mobility is undergoing significant changes. Infrastructure is increasingly being constructed in delta regions, both on land and in water. Deltares assists governments, managers, and the private sector in maintaining reliable, safe, and efficient transportation by road, rail, and water, even in the face of changing circumstances.
Future-proof infrastructure is essential to keep our living environment safe and reliable, even in the face of climate change, land subsidence and other environmental challenges. With sustainable and adaptive solutions, we ensure that roads, bridges, tunnels, dykes and other civil engineering structures function properly, not only now but also in the future.
Why is future-proof infrastructure important?
Climate change is leading to more extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, drought and rising sea levels. This requires infrastructure that can withstand these conditions without quickly becoming damaged or failing. Land subsidence and urbanisation are also putting additional pressure on our infrastructure. By responding to these challenges now, we can avoid high costs and risks for people and the environment.
How does Deltares contribute?
Deltares supports governments, engineers and designers with knowledge and innovative methods. We use smart models and scenario analyses to identify risks and develop effective measures. In this way, we help design and manage infrastructure that is sustainable, safe and flexible.
Examples of applications
Addressing challenges in ports and waterways
Ports and waterways are facing significant challenges due to the energy transition, digitalisation, changes in goods flows, and climate change. These factors impact operations and maintenance, making it crucial to keep water transport reliable, safe, and efficient.
Deltares has in-depth systemic knowledge about hydrodynamics, morphology, geo-engineering and ecology. By combining our expertise, we offer tailored advice to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of ports, waterways, and supporting infrastructure.
More on future-resilient ports and waterways
Ensuring the future of rail transport
The growing number of passengers and freight transported by rail is pushing the limits of current infrastructure, making railroad safety and continuity crucial. To prevent future bottlenecks and maintain operational efficiency, significant track expansion and innovative solutions are needed.
Deltares collaborates with governments, asset managers, rail infrastructure builders, and other stakeholders to provide research, advice, and applications for these infrastructure issues. By leveraging our global expertise, state-of-the-art research facilities, and sustainable collaborations, we contribute to a future-proof, reliable, and safe railroad network
Challenges and solutions for underground infrastructure
Underground infrastructure, including (sewer) pipes, cables, basements, and tunnels, is crucial for essential services like gas, water, energy supply, transportation, and communication networks. However, increasing demand for sustainable energy and the impacts of climate change pose significant challenges.
At Deltares, we leverage our extensive knowledge and innovative technology to address these challenges. By collaborating with governments, network operators, and other stakeholders, we develop sustainable and reliable solutions.
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Managing risks in underground construction
Building below cities poses significant risks, including noise, vibrations, and subsidence, which can disrupt local communities. The public is increasingly critical of construction impacts, making it essential to predict and mitigate these disruptions. Effective communication and alternative scenarios can enhance acceptance by residents and stakeholders.
Deltares develops knowledge that lengthens the lifetimes, and improves the reliability, of tunnels, excavation pits and pile structures. We also work on quality controls and monitoring tools for structures built in the ground such as piles and D-walls. We advice about how to reduce local disruption and how to manage stakeholder expectations better.
More on undeground constructions
Future-proofing quay walls for urban and port sustainability
Quay walls are essential for the safety and functioning of ports, cities, rivers and canals. They must withstand loads from water, soil, ships and transport. Many current quay walls are decades or even centuries old and are under pressure from corrosion, subsidence and climate change.
At Deltares, we research ways to make quay walls more sustainable and future-proof. We work with universities, research institutes and market players to develop new technologies, materials and methodologies for the maintenance and construction of quay walls.
More on future-proof quay walls
Ensuring the future of Dutch hydraulic infrastructure
The Netherlands faces significant challenges with its hydraulic infrastructure, which is crucial for managing water safety, distribution, and transport. Many structures, such as dikes, locks, and pumping stations, built in the 20th century, are now aging and require urgent replacement or renovation.
Deltares, in collaboration with various partners, provides essential research and technical support for the management, maintenance, and renewal of these structures. By leveraging scientific research, innovative technologies, and decades of experience.
More on future-proof hydraulic structures
Resilient coastal developments and structures
Infrastructural interventions along the coast affect the environment, locally but often much further away. Deltares maps the effects of this existing and new infrastructure such as breakwaters, dams and land reclamation. This enabling that project developers, port authorities, governments, consultants and contractors can make better choices for their design, construction and management and maintenance.
Our in-depth knowledge of hydrodynamics, waves, sediment transport, morphology and ecology enables us to map the effects of existing and new infrastructure.
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Nature-based Solutions for delta protection
By building with nature, we make optimal use of natural processes to keep delta areas safe and livable. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are sustainable, circular and resilient and are internationally recognised and applied. These solutions combine natural and traditional methods to strengthen infrastructure while preserving and restoring nature.
Our approach is multidisciplinary and includes collaboration with ecologists, hydrologists, engineers and socio-economic experts. We develop knowledge for large-scale implementation of NbS through laboratory research, field experiments and data analysis. This integrated approach enables us to provide sustainable and cost-effective solutions to challenges such as flooding, drought and biodiversity loss.
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Climate resilient roads
Climate change poses significant challenges to infrastructure, with extreme weather events such as heat waves, floods, and intense precipitation increasingly affecting roads, bridges, and tunnels.
To address these challenges, substantial investments and strategic planning are essential. Deltares provides research and applications to support these efforts, drawing on extensive scientific studies to enhance infrastructure resilience.
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Resilient pipeline systems
The global demand for water and energy is rising, making reliable water transmission and distribution systems crucial. Operational inefficiencies can lead to suboptimal performance, increased downtime, and higher maintenance costs. Environmental concerns also play a major role, with potential adverse effects on ecosystems and water quality.
At Deltares, we specialise in providing smart hydraulic solutions for these essential infrastructures. Our services include system diagnostics, design reviews, hydraulic design expertise, customised solutions, and troubleshooting. We utilise advanced tools and facilities, such as our specialist software WANDA and experimental facilities, to ensure optimal performance and sustainability in water management.
More on resilient pipeline systems
Ensuring coastal safety with innovative hydraulic structures
Coastal residents face significant risks from storm surges and extreme weather, necessitating robust hydraulic structures like storm surge barriers, jetties, and breakwaters. These structures must be both safe and cost-effective, enduring harsh conditions over time.
Deltares develops knowledge and resources to test and optimise the design of these structures. We are commissioned to test the load and strength and ensure a risk-aware design that guarantees safety for coastal residents.
