International partnerships

Global Networks

I-STORM

I-STORM is the international knowledge sharing network for all those working in the storm surge barrier industry, established in 2006. Within our network, specialists around the world are getting together to face common challenges. I-Storm enables continuous improvements in storm surge barrier design, operation, maintenance and management. Rijkswaterstaat is the operator of the Netherlands’ storm surge barriers and is therefore a member of this network. Other core members are England (Environment Agency – Thames Barriers), Italy (Venice Barrier) and USA (New Orleans Barrier and others).

Barrier managers

Each year a conference is organised in which barrier managers meet and discuss different topics of similar interest. Members are encouraged to share their knowledge, experience, research and developments, by bringing them together. They collaborate on joint projects and develop resources, which can be used by everyone in the network. In this way our members can:

  • Improve: continuously improve the design, operation, maintenance and management of storm surge barriers.
  • Inform: inform each other about how to improve the design and development of new barriers and how to strive towards continuous improvement of existing barriers and its teams.
  • Optimise: optimise the operations of barriers within Flood Risk Systems.
  • Understand: understand the impacts of environmental factors on storm surge barriers to help anticipate and adapt to future challenges.

ICOLD

The International Commission On Large Dams (ICOLD) is a non-governmental international organisation, which provides a forum for the exchange of knowledge and experience in dam and levee engineering.

ICOLD was founded in 1928 and has National Committees from more than 100 countries with approximately 10.000 individual members. ICOLD members are essentially practising engineers, geologists and scientists from governmental or private organisations, consulting firms, universities, laboratories and construction companies. ICOLD leads the profession in ensuring that dams are built safely, efficiently, economically and without detrimental effects on the environment.

Focus

Focus is put on subjects of current concern such as dam safety, monitoring of performance, reanalysis of older dams and spillways, effects of ageing and environmental impact. More recently, new subjects include cost studies at the planning and construction stages, harnessing international rivers, information for the public at large and financing.

ICOLD leads the profession in setting standards and guidelines, to ensure that dams are built and operated safely, efficiently, economically, and are environmentally sustainable and socially equitable.