Cofferdams are a very effective way to provide dewatering solutions for a number of different projects. They can be utilized for construction sites, shoreline restoration projects, building bridges, and much more.
Each project’s specifications are extremely individual and can often change depending on the time of year and location. The experts at Water World, an influential online flood control industry news site, have provided 5 important aspects to consider when you begin your dewatering and cofferdam projects:
1. Depth and Flow
These conditions change from season to season. Water World suggests reviewing the timing of the project and consulting the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to gauge fluctuations in water levels at the site to determine the best timetable for the project.
2. Permits
“Turbidity requirements, contamination concerns, right-of-way restrictions, and time constraints for working in the water” are all items that may need permits or permission to conduct construction. Even though it is usually the responsibility of the project engineer to understand and obtain these permits, it is important for the contractor to know these as well.
3. Navigating the Subsurface
Water world suggests that knowing, “the silt levels, slopes, vegetation and composition of the subsurface” to determine the best cofferdam technology and specifications to meet the projects needs.
4. Contractor Experience
Because of the complexity of dewatering projects, it is important to hire contractors who have experience working in and around water. Experience affords the contractor the ability to understand and respond to changing conditions of the work site. They may have come across overlapping aspects in previous jobs to determine the best solutions for the current project.
5. Engineering and Design Criteria
The last aspect a contractor needs to know before beginning the dewatering project is the right cofferdam technology for the project and if the cofferdam’s construction cost meets specifications. “Further, he or she should conclude if the project calls for Professional Engineer Stamped Calculations. The contractor should be well-versed in dam safety protocol and standard operating procedures and also able to provide engineering support in an emergency.”
Understanding and utilizing each of these five tips can better prepare your project for a quick and efficient delivery. Hydrological Solutions is highly experience in dewatering projects, and understands the uniqueness of each site and the necessary processes for effective cofferdam installation.
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