Combinatie Herik/Strukton vof carried out a two-year project for Waterschap Limburg to reinforce the dike near Neer in the municipality of Leudal. Within this project, an application of a glass water barrier was devised. This glass water barrier was extensively tested at full-scale in the Delta flume at the Deltares knowledge institute. This gives the Limburg Water Board the first ever glass water barrier that meets all the stringent safety requirements, ensures that views of the Meuse are maintained and can therefore be used as a tested system within dike reinforcement projects at specific locations.

Making meters
The dike reinforcement at Neer consists of reinforcing the green dike over about 1,600m and reinforcing a hard barrier (retaining wall) of about 550m. During this project, nearly 70,000m3 of soil/clay was excavated, of which as much as 40,000m3 was reused.

Safety and sight preservation
Raising the hard barrier by 70cm meant that several homes would lose their view of the Meuse River. Residents want to preserve the view of the Meuse. For the water board, safety was the most important aspect. It therefore entered into discussions with the residents and investigated the possibilities. Eventually, the Limburg Water Board opted for the innovative concept of constructing part of the flood barrier in glass, which guarantees both safety and the preservation of the view. Combinatie Herik/Strukton vof designed and realized a glass barrier.

Glass panels
The glass panels are composed of several layers of glass and foil. In close consultation with the experienced glass supplier Scheuten, the ideal thickness and composition in terms of strength and transparency were calculated and determined. The aim was always to maintain the view through to the Meuse while meeting water safety standards. The glass and foil used is of high quality so that it is also resistant to external influences such as weather. The glass panels have been installed over a total length of 80 meters, divided into four sections, the longest of which has a length of 30 meters.

Flood barrier tested at Deltares
Prior to installation, a test assembly of the glass barrier at the Deltares knowledge institute in Delft was subjected to various tests in the well-known test facility the ‘Delta flume’. A test assembly of the barrier, built to actual size, was tested there for wave loads and the resistance of floating objects. As a representative floating object, a 6-meter long tree trunk weighing 800 kg and 40 cm in diameter was used, which collided with the glass at a certain speed. By carrying out various tests, it was demonstrated that the glass barrier can withstand the occurring loads during a high water, so that residents behind the dike are well protected.