BRABANT FIGHTS AGAINST WATER
Hollandse IJssel
Stormvloedkering the Hollandse IJssel.
The program to improve
safety for the people in the provinces Zealand and Zuid-Holland
started in 1954 with "closing" of the Hollandse IJssel. This
was necessary to protect the weakened sea
dikes at the Krimpenerwaard. The collapse of the sea dikes is a very threatening
issue because major industries, agriculture, towns and villages are then in
danger. (In total 1.5 million people are living in this area)
During this part of the
Delta works the Delta commission had to take into account the following
conditions.
- The weir
required a double construction.
- The tide not
to be influenced. (No change in tidal range)
- The shipping
not to be restricted.
- Construction
near the mouth of the river.
Considering all the requirements and after evaluated all possibilities it was
decided to build a construction consisting of movable weirs, which only need to
be closed once there is the threat of a Flood.
This is the best solution.
This was the best solution.
This part of the Delta work
looks much like a lock. When the water reaches a level as high as in 1953
the two movable weirs (gates) [each weighing 670 tons] who are positioned
in between the 4 big pillars will be lowered down. Once all down they create a
complete barrage. If the two gates are down the land behind the weir is not any
more in danger. To be able to continue the passage of ships when the gates are
down locks have been constructed next to the barrier.
When there is no risk of
flooding the storm barrier is open.
If they are open the tidal
range will remain. As you can see this is a very flexible and reliable solution
to protect this part of the Netherlands.
Nice to know.
- One weir gate weights
670 ton!
- The two gates are locked
in the open position at a height of 20 meter above N.A.P
- This part of the Delta
work cost 40 million Dutch guilders
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