In addition to desk study research, Deltares undertakes physical model research and development of computer applications. For physical model research, Deltares has several wave flumes (including the Delta Flume), wave basins, and lock facilities. Facilities are also available for research on pumps and pipelines.
For geotechnical research, Deltares provides facilities such as the geocentrifuge, a water and soil flume (for dredging research), and a geotechnical laboratory.
History
Deltares was established on January 1, 2008, following the findings of the Wijffels Committee, from the merger of:
Parts of the specialized services RIZA, RIKZ, and DWW from Rijkswaterstaat.
Initially, the name Delta Institute was considered. However, this name had been used until 1992 by another organization: the Delta Institute for Hydrobiological Research. This organization is now part of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW).By 2008, the Delft laboratory had become known by the English name WL | Delft Hydraulics, and in an effort to consolidate knowledge with similar institutes, it was merged with other research institutes and sections of Rijkswaterstaat, becoming known by its present name.