With more extreme flooding occurring because of climate change and rising sea levels, things like wave generators are being constructed in order to test preventative measures like flood dykes and sand dunes. Among the many low-lying countries affected by such flooding is Holland, which has produced the Delta Flume machine, creating the largest man-made waves in the world.
A hydraulic-powered wave board produces waves up to 4.5 meters high, which flow along the 300-meter long trough. At the end of the trough, scientists place various things like a newly designed dyke, gravel beach or sand dune to test their strength and effectiveness in flood prevention. The water trough is designed after realistic land conditions, with a slanted bottom similar to that of a coastline. Effects are measured using laser scanners and sonar machines that are integrated inside of recesses in wave generators' walls.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Extreme Flooding
- Opportunity to develop innovative flood prevention measures and infrastructure.
- Man-made Wave Generators
- Potential for creating advanced wave technology for research and testing purposes.
- Hydraulic-powered Wave Boards
- Disruptive innovation opportunity in the development of more efficient wave generation systems.
Where This Applies
- Infrastructure
- Opportunity to provide advanced solutions for flood control and prevention.
- Research and Development
- Industry can support the development of cutting-edge wave generators and testing equipment.
- Coastal Engineering
- Potential for innovation in designing and constructing effective flood prevention structures.
