A Global Overview of Navigable Storm Surge Barriers: Suitable Gate Types for New York for a Dutch Perspective: Fid-Bau Portal

A Global Overview of Navigable Storm Surge Barriers: Suitable Gate Types for New York for a Dutch Perspective

Dircke, P. T. M. / Jongeling, T. H. G. / Jansen, P. L. M.

The Dutch storm surge barriers and the Dutch experience with design, construction and O&M of storm surge barriers is appreciated all over the world. Dutch engineers were and are involved in the design of storm surge barriers outside the Netherlands in cities like New Orleans, Venice, and St Petersburg. Based on this experience a systematic overview and comparison of navigable storm surge barriers that could be suitable for the New York and New Jersey Metropolitan Region is presented. Considered aspects include type of gate structures, design criteria and requirements, risk management, environmental aspects, navigation aspects, technical design details and operation and maintenance aspects. It is concluded that there is not one single perfect gate type, and it is suggested that a tailor-made combination of gate types, combining the most favorable aspects of several gates or locks might result in the best solution for New York. The New York and New Jersey complex water system should be considered as one system and flood control solutions should be interconnected. The different elements should form an integrated flood risk management system. Finally, it is recommended that although floodgates can be a suitable solution for flood protection, for a sustainable, economically and environmentally optimal result, gates should always be compared to or combined with other flood risk management measures like dike or levee strengthening, natural coastal protection systems, or nonstructural measures.