New wave flume at Hydraulic Laboratory opens doors for innovative coastal safety and climate impact research

Filip Boelaert, Secretary-General of the Department of Mobility and Public Works: “I am very proud of this impressive feat of innovation. Thanks to the new and larger wave flume, we can map the impact of wave and water movements on sea dikes, harbor dams, quay walls, and other structures even more accurately. This opens up new possibilities for research into the effects of climate change and rising sea levels on our coastline.”

Mark Andries, Administrator-General of VLAIO: “Through the Program for Innovative Public Procurement, we contributed to the transparent glass walls of the wave flume. These enable the Hydraulic Engineering Laboratory to apply advanced optical measurement methods, which can better analyze wave movements. Investing in research is investing in the future.”

Nathalie Balcaen, Administrator-General of the Agency for Maritime Services and Coast: “Coastal safety and protection against flooding and rising sea levels are an absolute priority for MDK. In this, we strongly believe in so-called natural solutions, such as the dune-in-front-of-dike concept. We are therefore very enthusiastic about any additional research conducted by the Hydraulic Engineering Laboratory.”

Reliable Tool for Research on Wave Movements

A wave flume is a long and narrow facility in a laboratory where various types of waves are simulated on a small scale using a computer-controlled wave generator. Researchers use a wave flume to test wave impact or overtopping on scale models of sea dikes, breakwaters, quay walls, or other structures. The stability of dike coverings, harbor dams, and erosion protection around offshore wind turbine foundations can also be tested in a wave flume.

Highly Accurate

The Hydraulic Engineering Laboratory already has two smaller wave flumes, each 41 meters long, 0.70 meters wide, and 0.86 meters deep. The new wave flume, located at the Antwerp headquarters, is significantly larger: 84 meters long, 2 meters wide, and 2.50 meters deep, with a standard water depth of 1.50 meters.

In this new facility, waves and structures can be simulated or constructed on a larger scale (approximately 1:10 to 1:15), resulting in more precise outcomes. Additionally, the construction of the new flume meets accuracy levels exceeding standard benchmarks in the construction sector.

The wave flume was built by Consmema from Hattemerbroek, Netherlands, incorporating innovative technologies and custom solutions. This included the installation of 42-meter-long glass sections specifically designed for optical measurement techniques such as Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV). This technology visualizes water movement and accurately measures water velocities. Thanks to the seamless integration of the glass sections with the concrete walls, researchers gain a clearer view of wave behavior.

The wave generator, built by HR Wallingford from Oxfordshire, UK, can move 2 meters back and forth and generate waves up to 80 centimeters high. Its computer control system produces both regular and irregular waves and includes an integrated wave absorption system to neutralize reflected waves simultaneously.

Additional features of the wave flume include an automated pump system for filling and draining water, a modern wave generator, and an elevated platform with a control cabin, offering researchers a perfect view of the flume.

Opening Doors to Climate Change Research

In light of climate change and the Coastal Vision strategy—the Flemish government’s policy plan to protect the coast from rising sea levels—the new wave flume can provide valuable insights. Coastal Vision proposes moving the coastline an average of 100 meters seaward over the long to very long term. This would involve raising and widening dunes and dikes, as well as shifting the beach seaward to keep the hinterland dry as sea levels rise. The wave flume enables further research into the impact of waves on "nature-based" solutions, such as dunes (whether combined with dikes or not).

Additionally, the Hydraulic Engineering Laboratory is a research partner in the European DuneFront project. In 2026, the laboratory will carry out an experimental program in the new flume as part of this project. The knowledge gained can eventually be applied to adapt coastal defenses to the effects of rising sea levels.

Program for Innovative Public Procurement

The development of this wave flume was supported by the Program for Innovative Public Procurement (PIO) of VLAIO (Agency for Innovation and Enterprise). PIO creates opportunities to collaborate with companies and research centers to modernize the Flemish public sector and provide innovative solutions to societal challenges.

About the Hydraulic Engineering Laboratory

The Hydraulic Engineering Laboratory is a NeXperta division of the Department of Mobility and Public Works (MOW) and serves as a center of expertise for research and consultancy on hydraulic engineering, nautical, hydrodynamic, sediment-related, and hydrological issues. Key projects in which the laboratory has played a crucial role include the lock renovation in Sint-Baafs-Vijve, Coastal Vision, the complex project ECA (Extra Container Capacity Antwerp), and the creation of flood risk maps. In 2022, the Flemish Government recognized the laboratory as a Flemish Scientific Institution.

More Information

• About the Hydraulic Engineering Laboratory: www.waterbouwkundiglaboratorium.be
• About the Agency for Maritime Services and Coast: https://www.agentschapmdk.be/nl
• About the Program for Innovative Public Procurement (PIO): Program for Innovative Public Procurement - PIO | VLAIO