Enabling Flood Defenses By Creating More Accurate Wave Modelling

Faced with rising sea levels and unpredictable storm behavior, the Dutch Flood Defence Authority needed accurate, long-term data to guide dyke construction and minimize flood risk across the Wadden Sea and Eems-Dollard estuary. Traditional models struggled to capture the complex effects of tides, islands, and wind in this funnel-shaped marine environment. To improve storm surge prediction and optimize dyke height and strength at the lowest possible cost, the Authority turned to Druck.

Druck provided a customized sensor solution using its versatile UNIK5000 pressure sensing platform. Deployed in rugged wave overtopping tanks built into the dykes, these sensors measure wave behavior by recording the water level and flow rate in stacked “wave transfer bins.” The PDCR5031 sensor activates the system upon wave detection, while PTX57N2 sensors capture both overtopping volumes and drainage flow. A barometric pressure sensor (PDCR5021) was also added to correlate wave data with atmospheric changes.

Each sensor was chosen for its durability, low power needs, and corrosion-resistant titanium construction—vital for remote, solar-powered deployments exposed to saltwater and harsh weather. Druck’s tailored, energy-efficient setup enables reliable data capture over years, reducing long-term costs and improving the Dutch Authority’s ability to protect millions of citizens from climate-driven coastal threats.