Samenvatting

The current flood protection infrastructure in the Netherlands no longer meets required standards, which led to the formation of the Hoogwaterbeschermingsprogramma (HWBP). This program is tasked with reinforcing 2,000 kilometres of dikes and 400 sluices over the next 30 years to safeguard the country against natural disasters. The HWBP is a collaboration among all 21 water boards and Rijkswaterstaat (Hoogwaterbeschermingsprogramma, 2023). The reinforcement process aims to be as sustainable as possible, minimizing environmental impact. Circularity, a key aspect of sustainability, ensures that existing materials are reused and natural materials are allowed to regenerate, making dike reinforcements as eco-friendly as possible. The continuous advancements in sustainability and circularity will help the Netherlands achieve its environmental goals in a timely manner.

Circularity, in brief, means that materials are never wasted and natural materials are allowed to regenerate (Ellen Macarthur Foundation, 2023). The Netherlands aims to be fully circular by 2050 (Rijksoverheid, 2024), and these projects are integral to reaching that target, as they are implemented nationwide.

This report examines the role of soil material circularity in dike reinforcement projects, using the Dijkversterking Tiel-Waardenburg (TIWA) project as a case study, where the research was conducted. It provides the necessary background on the topic, explaining what dikes and dike reinforcements are and detailing the concept of circularity in soil materials. The research results in a "Framework" designed to guide users through the decision-making process at various stages of the project, ensuring a high ranking on the circularity ladder (R-Ladder).