Operation of the Storm Surge Barrier

Decision and Control System (BOS and BES)

The decision as to whether or not to close the Storm Surge Barrier is made by a computer programme known as the Decision and Support System (BOS). The decision is left to computer as the risk of error would be many times greater if the decision were to be taken by human beings: a computer follows procedures, is not prompted by intuition and is not affected by bad environmental factors. In the event of a closure the BOS issues commands to the New Waterway Storm Surge Barrier Control System (BES), which then carries them out.

1. Construction
2. Interaction
3. Closure strategy
4. Reliability and safety