The Environment Agency is planning to start a research study covering the assessment and management of risks with transitions in flood defence infrastructure.
The aim of the research and development project to better understand the effects of transition zones on the performance of flood defence assets. Transition zones are areas of weakness within an overall system of flood defences where flood defences ‘transition’ to a new form or geometry.
The interface between the 2 differing surfaces is the point at which the processes of erosion (internal and external) are promoted. If the erosion processes are undetected, or left unchecked, they can ultimately lead to flood defence failure and breach.
The study will aim to address these issues by helping Risk Management Authorities to:
- consider the presence of transitions during flood defence condition assessment
- quantify the effects of transitions on defence performance and flood risk and
- manage the risk of transition with improved design and retrofitted solutions for existing defences.
The Environment Agency said it anticipates that the contract will be awarded in November 2017 to be completed over approximately 17 months.
Successful suppliers will need to have both geotechnical and hydraulic engineering expertis.
For more information on the proposed research work click here to access the Prior Information Notice.
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