Flood protection and water systems

Flood protection and water systems

More extreme rainfall, higher water levels, and longer periods of drought are placing ever greater demands on flood protection and water systems. Iv takes an integrated approach to these challenges by considering flood protection, flood risk management, and water management as a coherent whole.

We work on a wide range of projects, from flood defence reinforcements to the design of climate-resilient water systems. In doing so, we combine technical expertise with construction knowledge, stakeholder management and experience in spatial planning and permitting procedures. This is how we develop feasible solutions that bring engineering and the surrounding environment together.

A full package for complex projects

Iv has every discipline in-house to deliver flood protection and water systems projects in their entirety. We provide consultancy and design services at both system and object level. Our expertise covers the entire water system. We assess flood defence sections, prepare Urban Water System Overviews (SSWs), and calculate flood probabilities. In addition, we design flood defence reinforcements, water-retaining hydraulic structures, and wetland nature areas.

We offer a unique combination of technical expertise with practical construction experience. With broad (structural) engineering knowledge, complemented by expertise in asset management, measurement and monitoring, road design, and RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Safety), we can strengthen projects on every front and deliver them to the best possible standard.

Through this multidisciplinary approach, Iv delivers integrated and innovative solutions to tomorrow’s water challenges. Together with our clients, we are building a robust, liveable, and water-conscious Netherlands.

• Primary flood defences
• Regional flood defences
• Water systems

Primary flood defences

Iv supports both public clients (such as Rijkswaterstaat and the water boards) and private sector clients (such as contractors and property developers) with primary flood defences. We work on reinforcement projects under the Flood Protection Programme (HWBP), from early-stage studies through to detailed planning. We also support contractors with design challenges within construction team partnerships (in Dutch: bouwteams) and construction contracts. In addition, we prepare permit applications for works in or near flood defences, such as infrastructure works and housing developments.

Specialists in hydraulic structures and longitudinal structures

Our expertise covers all relevant failure mechanisms, and we work with the latest insights and technologies to develop sustainable, future-proof solutions. In addition to our work on embankments, we specialize in hydraulic structures within flood defence systems, including structures with listed (monumental) status. When it comes to longitudinal structures in flood defences, we are among the leading experts in the Netherlands and contribute to national guidelines and manuals.

Assessment of flood defence

We are one of the first engineering consultancies in the Netherlands to support multiple authorities in assessing their primary flood defences under the latest assessment cycle (LBO2). As a result, our experts are well experienced in building the ‘story’ of the flood defence and identifying its dominant failure paths. We have also developed our own methodology for assessing non-water-retaining objects (NWOs), which uses risk classes to quickly determine which objects genuinely pose a threat to water safety.

With our integrated approach and in-depth knowledge bridging theory and practice, we provide solutions that are not only technically robust, but also practical to build and tailored to the specific requirements of our clients.

Regional flood defences

The Netherlands has more than 14,000 kilometres of regional flood defences. Due to (autonomous) land subsidence, area developments and stricter standards, the reinforcement challenge continues to grow.

Iv supports public authorities (such as Rijkswaterstaat and water boards) and private clients (such as contractors and developers), throughout every project phase. Our services range from policy development and assessments through to design, procurement, contract management, and construction supervision. We also support contractors with design challenges within construction team partnerships (in Dutch: bouwteams) and construction contracts. In addition, we prepare permit applications for works in or near flood defences, such as infrastructure works and housing developments.

Broad and innovative expertise

Our expertise covers all relevant failure mechanisms, and we work with the latest insights and techniques to develop sustainable and future-proof solutions. In addition to our work on embankments, we are specialists in hydraulic structures and longitudinal structures within regional flood defences. We actively contribute to the STOWA guideline on longitudinal structures.

Iv has also developed its own methodology for assessing non-water-retaining objects (NWOs). We avoid unnecessary over-dimensioning in our designs, by using advanced analyses methods – for example, by working with undrained soil parameters, making smart use of soil parameters derived from in-situ settlement tests, and by refining the phreatic line based on geohydrological investigations. We are continuously exploring new opportunities to improve the accuracy and reliability of our advice and designs.

Efficiency and innovation in assessment and design

The sheer scale of the task – managing more than 14,000 kilometres of regional flood defences –  demands an efficient and innovative approach. Using automation, we can rapidly assess large numbers of embankment sections and non-water-retaining objects (NWOs) in a consistent and traceable manner. This not only improves efficiency but also ensures consistency throughout the assessment process. However, expert judgement remains essential, as not every aspect of a flood defence can be fully captured in automated calculation algorithms. Our extensive expertise is what turns automated assessments into reliable, integrated evaluations.

In addition to automated assessments, we also develop innovative applications that support the design process. One example is LeveeLift™, an application we developed that not only performs an area-wide crest level assessment, but also automatically generates designs for raising flood defences that falls short on height. The application, which is also available to flood defence managers, allows us to tackle this large-scale task together efficiently and effectively.

With our integrated approach and in-depth knowledge bridging theory and practice, we provide solutions that are technically robust, practical to build and tailored to the specific requirements of our clients.

Water systems

Prolonged droughts and extreme rainfalls are placing ever greater demands on our water systems. At the same time, pressure on available space is growing, and urban development, nature, agriculture, and water management increasingly overlap. This calls for climate-adaptive and nature-inclusive solutions that make greater use of the way the water system naturally functions.

Iv supports public and private sector clients in the analysis, designing, and realising local and regional water systems. Our strength lies in combining technical expertise with pragmatic design integrations. We have a clear understanding of how water systems function and translate this knowledge into practical, feasible solutions that fit within an area’s spatial, technical, and ecological constraints.

Surface Water

We advise on and design the local and regional surface water systems, from polders and watercourses to streams and nature areas. Using hydraulic modelling and calculations, we analyse discharges, water levels, flow velocities, storage capacities and overall system performance. We then translate this knowledge into practical measures and design alternatives.
One of our specialist areas is stream restoration. Here, we combine hydraulic, ecological and landscape expertise. We assess the hydraulic effects of various design alternatives and balance hydraulic requirements with ecological and landscape constraints. This results in designs where water, nature and the surrounding environment reinforce one another.

Urban Water

Climate change requires resilient urban water systems. Urban water systems must accommodate extreme rainfall events, while prolonged droughts require water retention and effective use of available freshwater resources. We help municipalities, water boards and private sector clients translate these challenges into integrated solutions for existing as well as new urban areas.
We draft Urban Water System Overviews (SSWs) and apply the findings directly to our advice and design work. For existing urban areas, we manage the entire process. This includes data collection, inspections, surveys, system analysis, stress testing, and the design of the necessary measures. For new residential districts and area developments, we build water into designs from the very start, ensuring that sewerage, surface water, water storage, and public space are treated as a single, coherent system.

Groundwater and geohydrology

The groundwater system has a considerable influence on how an area is developed and managed. Iv advises on a wide range of geohydrological issues, including groundwater levels, dewatering systems, and the effects of groundwater abstraction on the surrounding environment.
We also assess geohydrological impacts associated with work on or near flood defences, excavation pits, and infrastructure. By looking at groundwater and surface water together, we develop solutions that align with both the natural functioning of the area and its spatial development.

From analysis to feasible design

Our strength lies in translating system analyses into practical solutions. An SSW, hydraulic analysis or geohydrological study is not an end product, but the foundation for targeted advice and design. Thanks to our multidisciplinary organisation, we approach water system challenges holistically, bringing together expertise in water, landscape, ecology, infrastructure, and structural.
The result: solutions that are not only technically sound but also fit their surroundings, are feasible and practical, and contribute to a climate-resilient and attractive living environment.