ABSTRACT
As a low lying and highly developed country the Netherlands are continuously facing a potential flooding disaster. Large parts of the country lie below water levels that may occur on the North Sea, on the rivers Rhine and Meuse and on the IJsselmeer. Flood protection measures have to provide sufficient safety to the large number of inhabitants and the ever increasing investments. Construction, management and maintenance of flood protection structures are essential conditions for the population and further development of the country (Janssen and Jorissen, 1996, Jorissen, 1997).
