Balgstuw Ramspol, Inflatable rubber dam in Ramspol, Netherlands
The Balgstuw Ramspol is an inflatable rubber dam with three membrane sections stretching across the water between Ketelmeer and Zwarte Water. The structure works by filling with air to create a barrier that controls water flow between these waterways.
The dam was built to address recurring flooding problems in the IJssel delta region. The project marked a turning point in Dutch flood protection strategies.
This dam represents Dutch water management expertise and shows how communities protect themselves from flooding through engineering. Visitors can see how people in vulnerable areas coexist with water as a daily concern.
The dam can be fully inflated in about one hour and reaches a height of around 10 meters when operational. The best views of the structure come from the surrounding walkways and dikes that border the water.
The structure uses natural forces through strategically placed vents that allow water to enter while air fills the membrane simultaneously. This clever system keeps the barrier stable even under extreme water pressure.
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