Freeboard (water management)
In water management, the freeboard describes the distance between a water level and a higher-lying edge of a structure , usually the upper edge of a dam or bank . In shipbuilding, the freeboard is the height of the ship's side above the water level, see: Ship dimensions .
According to DIN 4048, the freeboard is defined as the distance between the so-called highest storage destination and the lowest point of a building crown that should not be overflown. The freeboard must therefore be large enough. In the case of dams , the greatest possible flood (i.e. the highest storage target or the design water level) must not lead to overflow of the barrier structure ( dam , dam ) in order to be able to safely rule out structural failure.
In addition to the required freeboard height calculated according to the flood course lines , reserves for wind and ice build-up, waves and a safety margin are provided.
It is rightly called “the freeboard”; colloquially, however, it is often said “the freeboard”.
In sea ice research, freeboard denotes the height of the part of an ice floe protruding from the sea water (without snow cover) and is a scientific parameter used to quantify sea ice cover.