ABSTRACT
Dikes protect the hinterland from flooding by storm surges from the sea or by high river discharges. Both situations are well known in low-laying countries and the safety in The Netherlands relies heavily on good and strong dikes. Design of dikes and other structures differs from examination of existing structures, but in both situations the same knowledge on hydraulic loads and resistance of the structure can be used. Geometrical parameters such as heights and slopes can be chosen and optimised in a design procedure, where they have to be determined for existing structures and examined against given criteria. The result of an examination may be a qualification ranging from good to unsafe; the latter result has to lead to design of a modified and safe structure.
