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Optimal design of flood defence systems in a changing climate

H.G. Voortman1 and J.K. Vrijling2
1  ARCADIS Infra, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
2  Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft,
   The Netherlands,

Recent research indicates that worldwide climate change is likely, leading to changes of the mean sea level and the wind climate. The paper presents a methodology to find the most effective strategy for coastal flood protection in a changing climate. The method is based on risk-based optimisation of the flood defence design. Scenarios for climate change, including associated uncertainties, are included.

Key words: flood defence systems, risk-based design, optimisation, climate change