New sea wall for Scheveningen

(30-01-2011)

In 2010, work began on strengthening of the sea defence and construction of a new promenade in the Dutch coastal resort of Scheveningen. In the project the interests of safety and spatial quality go hand in hand.

In a concept unique to the Netherlands, a pitched stone dike will be entirely hidden underneath a new promenade. Witteveen+Bos was responsible for the detailed engineering design and construction specifications for the sea defence and various retaining walls. During the construction phase we advise on hydraulic- and geotechnical engineering issues.

Construction of the sea defence

The construction works will not escape the attention of visitors. In 2010, the beach was widened by a large sand replenishment. Also the first part of the pitched stone dike was put in place. More recently, a diaphragm wall has been installed to become the transition structure between the dike and the adjacent sandy coast. This diaphragm wall runs close to nearby apartment buildings. The municipality of The Hague asked Witteveen+Bos to advise on potential soil deformations. We prepared a 3D model of the subsoil to determine possible soil deformations and assess the risk and extend of damage to nearby buildings.

Seaside resort with appearance

During winter, works on a primary sea defence is prohibited by law, given the risk of heavy storms at these times. In the past winter attention turned to the promenade and its amenities. Construction of the sea defence resumes this spring. The pitched stone dike designed by Witteveen+Bos will be entirely concealed under the sand, only becoming visible in case of a ‘super storm’ of a magnitude seen once in every ten thousand years. The project is scheduled for completion in 2013. Scheveningen will then be an even more attractive seaside resort, while the hinterland will be protected against flooding until at least the end of this century.