Dutch Water Authorities Field Test the Haawal Flood Barrier

In May 2026, the Haawal flood barrier was field tested at the Marnewaard military training area in the Netherlands as part of the BONSAI flood testing program.

The test gathered around one hundred water professionals from Dutch water authorities, emergency response organizations, and research institutes, to evaluate mobile flood protection systems. The focus was on deployment speed, operational simplicity, transportability, and performance.

Among the participating organizations was Deltares, the Dutch research institute internationally recognized for its expertise in flood risk management.

Repeated Deployment Under Realistic Conditions

During the test, multiple teams repeatedly assembled and dismantled a 20-meter Haawal installation in order to evaluate deployment speed, logistical efficiency, and ease of use.

The barrier was installed on uneven terrain with sharp corners and sloped surfaces, replicating the types of conditions often encountered during real flood emergencies. One of the key objectives was to evaluate whether personnel with limited prior experience could deploy the system quickly and reliably without heavy machinery.

The testing also included overtopping scenarios, transport assessments, and repeated redeployment under field conditions.

Participants highlighted the flexibility of the system and its ability to adapt to complex terrain without requiring specialized corner elements or additional structural components.

The tests also demonstrated the sealing performance of Haawal’s individual modules combined with its flexible membrane. The barrier remained highly watertight by allowing the membrane to conform closely to the ground surface under water pressure.

• Participant at the BONSAI Field Test

Secure Your Operations

The BONSAI maneuver confirmed that Haawal is the professional choice for rapid flood protection.

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