Dike deformation near Eemshaven and Delfzijl measured with satellite radar interferometry

Abstract

It is observed from satellite radar measurements that the dike between Eemshaven and Delfzijl in the north of the Netherlands shows instability. It can be possible that a development of these instability results in dike failure. The two possible failure mechanisms that may occur are settlement and slope-instability. In this research the displacements for different cross sections of the dike were calculated. By analysing the size and the direction of the displacements it is concluded that the dike shows over a length of approximately 110 meters some first indications for the failure mechanism slope-instability. When slope-instability may indeed occur in the future, a slice of soil will slide aside and the dike will fail. This can cause humanitarian and economic consequences. It is therefore necessary to inform the Waterschap Noorderzijlvest who are responsible for the maintenance to the dike.