![[animation]](../../anigifs/104/zoomsnel.gif)
![[animation]](../../anigifs/104/opensnel.gif)
![[animation]](../../anigifs/104/nvaksnel.gif)
Operation of the Storm Surge Barrier
Retaining wall
In extreme weather conditions the retaining walls float out into the New Waterway, sink to the bottom and hold back the seawater. The water level on the seaward side is higher than that on the river side; the difference in force is so great that a ship of comparable dimensions would immediately capsize. The shape is particularly important. The final design of the retaining walls was arrived at experimentally. Keyword at the design stage: stability.