Dutch Scientists Develop Digital Technology to Predict When Flood Barriers Will Fail
Enschede, Monday, 16 February 2026.
Netherlands researchers are creating advanced computer models to solve a critical gap in flood protection: predicting exactly how water seepage destroys dikes from underneath. The Digital Dikes project, led by University of Twente with international partners, aims to revolutionize flood defense engineering through probabilistic risk assessment tools that could prevent catastrophic failures before they occur.
Addressing Critical Knowledge Gaps in Flood Defense
The Netherlands relies heavily on its dikes for protection against flooding, yet current models fail to accurately predict how these critical structures collapse when seepage flows erode sand underneath through a process called Backward Erosion Piping [1]. This significant knowledge gap leaves the country vulnerable to potentially catastrophic infrastructure failures that could devastate low-lying areas. The Digital Dikes project is specifically designed to address this engineering challenge by developing advanced digital models with varying degrees of detail, integrated into a flexible open-source tool that assimilates monitoring data to provide probabilistic predictions [1][3].
Multi-Institution Collaboration Tackles Complex Engineering Problem
The Digital Dikes initiative represents a prestigious and ambitious project funded by NWO (Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research), with the University of Twente leading the consortium [1][3]. The collaborative effort brings together consortium partners including Utrecht University, Eindhoven University, University of Bologna, and Deltares [1][3]. These academic and research institutions are supported by a large group of users from government agencies including Water Authorities, Rijkswaterstaat, STOWA, and the Dutch Flood Protection Programme, as well as international organisations [1][3]. This comprehensive partnership ensures the research addresses real-world needs while maintaining rigorous scientific standards.
Advanced Framework for Risk Assessment and Prediction
The project’s innovative framework aims to assess the probability and severity of pipe progression as a function of dike geometry, variability of subsurface properties, and hydraulic loads [1]. The novel technology will undergo testing through real-world case studies that are co-designed with industry, government, and international users [1][3]. This approach enables accurate risk assessment and targeted dike reinforcement strategies, moving beyond traditional reactive maintenance to proactive protection measures. The Engineering Doctorate position associated with the project focuses on advanced computational methods to better understand and predict dike failure mechanisms [1].
Timeline and Implementation Strategy
The Digital Dikes project is actively recruiting researchers, with application deadlines set for March 15, 2026, and intended starting dates as soon as possible but no later than September 1, 2026 [1]. The Engineering Doctorate position offers a full-time, 2-year program that includes extended internships planned at Deltares and the University of Bologna [3]. Fellows will benefit from continuing education through secondments and short visits to partners in the Digital Dikes network, along with training activities, workshops, and dedicated sessions at international meetings [3]. Laboratory tests on heave screens will be conducted in collaboration with Deltares and the Water Authority Aa & Maas, while field-scale tests are planned at the test site in Boretto, Italy, in cooperation with the University of Bologna [3].