Oosterscheldekering

The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier (Dutch Oosterscheldekering ) is part of the Delta Works that protect mainly in the Dutch province of Zeeland from storm surges and flooding. The building, partly dike and partly military, was built between the islands Schouwen- Duiveland and Noord- Beveland.

The Oosterschelde would initially be the same as other areas of the Delta area separated by a degree dike from the North Sea. Thus, the Oosterschelde would have been cut off by the tide. Over time, also had fresh water displaces the salt water, which would have a massive impact on the entire flora and fauna. In particular, negative effects on the mussel and oyster farming would have been expected in Yerseke.

The entire barrier is nine kilometers long. Protests after the completion of the first five kilometers caused a rethinking of the government, so that a storm surge barrier was built on the remaining four miles rather than a final dike. When floods the gates are closed at other times to reach the Eastern Scheldt ebb and flow continues.

In total there are 65 pillars that are difficult and up to 65 m high up to 18,000 tons. Between them, 62 movable panel contactors were hung, which are 42 m wide. The height of the panel Sagittarius is from 5.9 to 11.9 m, the heaviest weighing up to 500 tons. The panel contactors can be closed within an hour.

The piers were built as a hollow body in a dry dock and then brought to their floating position. To provide a stable foundation, special plastic mats have been developed which have been filled with stones applied on the seabed. In this then the towers were lowered, then filled with sand and complained of outside stones.

The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier was passed on October 4, 1986 by Queen Beatrix of its determination.

On the former artificial island Neeltje Jans An information center has been set up since then.