The Houston area is vulnerable to hurricanes and is therefore seeking for coastal defences. The Dutch Delft University of Technology, Royal HaskoningDHV and Iv Infra are exploring possible designs for a storm surge barrier off the coast of Houston.
Five years ago Hurricane Ike caused more than $38 billion in damage and 100 deaths in and around Houston and Galveston in the US state of Texas. Besides being the US’ fourth largest city, Houston is also the centre of the oil and gas industry and its port fulfils a crucial economic role.
The Ike Dike
Immediately after Hurricane Ike, Professor Bill Merrell of the Texas A&M University developed and unveiled the “Ike Dike” concept. A key element of the concept is a movable storm surge barrier that can seal off the bay near Galveston and Houston during a hurricane.
Accessible to Shipping
The bay provides a passage to the Port of Houston, so it must remain accessible for shipping and the bay’s ecosystems need to be preserved. The Dutch partners are currently examining possible flood barriers for the area.
Maeslant and Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barriers
Over the past months the Delft University of Technology, Royal HaskoningDHV and Iv-Infra have worked out flood defence concepts for closing off the approximately 3 km long opening and presented them to Merrell and his team. In terms of dimensions, the barriers are similar to the Maeslant and Eastern Scheldt storm surge barriers in the Netherlands.
The various concepts were compared in terms of reliability, makeability, maintainability and life cycle costs. The three parties will now elaborate on the preferred variants. A joint research programme will also be set up between the Delft and Texan universities.
Picture: Texas surge barrier – overview (by d.efac.to)
Picture below: Texas surge barrier (by Delft University of Technology) **please click the pop-out link, the little squares, at the bottom right to view the picture in its proper dimensions**
