What is a coupure?
A coupure is an opening in a dyke, quay wall or flood defence that is normally open for traffic but can be closed with temporary stop logs, steel shutters or swing gates during high water or flood risk. The term comes from the French word for “cut” or “incision”.
How does a coupure work?
- Opening in the flood defence — the dyke or wall is interrupted for a road, path or access point
- Guide channels — the side walls contain grooves into which stop logs or panels are placed
- Closure material — aluminium stop logs, steel gates or swing barriers
- Sill — a raised threshold in the road surface on which the stop logs rest
Applications
- River quays — in urban waterfronts along major rivers
- Coastal defences — in promenades and harbour walls
- Historic fortifications — openings in old city walls for traffic
- Polder dykes — for access to farmland
Safety considerations
A coupure is a potential weak point in a flood defence. Strict requirements apply: closure materials must be stored nearby, guide channels must be kept clear, and emergency plans must allow for rapid closure.
Related terms
- Flood defence
- Dyke
- Lock
- Quay
- Fortification
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