The Netherlands-based TenCate Geosynthetics — a developer of solutions and systems for transportation infrastructure, water management and cleaning, and environmental applications — and Switzerland-based AGT International — a developer of solutions for infrastructure and border protection, urban management, cyber security, transportation, law enforcement, and natural disaster preparedness applications — have agreed to partner to install a TenCate GeoDetect® monitoring system in a dike body at the Yellow River in China's Henan province.

The system, which comprises a geotextile with interwoven fiber optics that record changes in a dike or embankment, will be used in the AGT Flood Early Warning System (FEWS), which will collect and evaluate data related to dike stability, dike deformations and flooding risk. Using those analyses, operators will be able to take steps as quickly as possible to prevent dike failure or sagging. In addition, FEWS can conduct a flood prognosis and thus enable timely evacuation if required, and can monitor and report on the dike's condition and stability."

Our solution collects real-time information from new and existing systems to generate a real-time assessment of the river conditions," said Pieter-Christiaan van Oranje-Nassau, head of AGT International in the Netherlands. "Our advanced prediction and simulation software will generate alerts and recommendations to affected areas. Another key element for the full realization and success of the project is our commitment to turning key project findings into shared learning opportunities."

For the Yellow River project, AGT International is collaborating with the Netherlands-based R&D organization TNO Operations, which develops knowledge for practical applications for a variety of industrial and government entities. The project was commissioned by the Yellow River Conservancy Commission, which handles water issues for the entire 5,000-kilometer-long river.

March 21, 2012