Caissons, cofferdams, inflatable water dams–what are these terms and how do they relate to your construction project? To stay ahead in your construction progress and successfully complete your work, having a dewatering solution is key. Get the inside look of one of the best inventions in water construction with our guide to cofferdams.
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If you’re having to repair a bridge, water is a large factor in your project. Without a way to control water currents or flooding, the quality and safety of your worksite could be in danger. The process of dewatering has experienced many advancements throughout the years. With the modern cofferdam, construction crews don’t have to worry about flooding or soil erosion in their water-based projects.
What are Cofferdams?
Dating back to the days of Persia in 539 B.C., cofferdams have been used in construction for centuries. Cofferdams are watertight enclosures that are temporarily placed in bodies of water to create dry worksites. Today’s cofferdam may be designed with different materials, but the goal is the same: control water flow. Whether you’re building near water or preparing for a flood, cofferdams are a great alternative to sandbags.
Pro Tip: Stop spending a fortune on one-time use cofferdams. Invest in an Aqua-Barrier, the redesigned water control solution that can be reused.
Types of Cofferdams
Depending on the building project, there are different types of cofferdams to consider. Braced cofferdams are designed with single-walled steel sheet piles driven into the water, and cellular cofferdams have double-walled piles that may be filled with clay or sand. Inflatable water dams, in contrast, are made of vinyl material and use the water to create a barrier. Depending on the variable of the specific construction project, the appropriate type of cofferdam may vary from project to project.
Construction Applications
Unlike caissons that are installed permanently in water, cofferdams are temporary structures that allow for new construction or maintenance repair. Cofferdams give construction crews the ability to perform their job without water getting in the way. The most common construction applications include:
Best Tool for Water Construction Sites
In construction, water can wreck a project without warning. For construction sites found near bodies of water, it’s crucial to be one step ahead of water damage. Compared to sheet pile cofferdams used in the past, inflatable dams offer a number of advantages for your water projects. If you’re looking for a dewatering solution that can be easily reused, transported, and installed, look no further than the AquaBarrier cofferdam.
Connect with our team to learn more about cofferdams, cofferdam design, and the wide range of cofferdam applications.
