The Application of Cofferdams In Construction

by

Jenna Rivers

One of seevral most challenging types of construction would be the building or repair of anything located underwater. The level of difficulty climbs up, the types of tools essential is different, and the cost is drastically higher than construction that could be performed on dry ground. One way to cut down some of these challenges is definitely the use of cofferdams in lieu of underwater construction.

A cofferdam is actually a temporary dam around the area that the work is to be carried out in. The dams are made and the water is pumped out in order to create a dry space for the workers and equipment to perform their tasks. In the event the construction is finished, the dam is removed and the water is usually allowed back into the area. Usually the dams are constructed with metal sheathing driven into the ground throughout the area. This will make a wall that is reinforced with concrete and also compacted sand in making the dam water tight. As soon as the wall is completed, the water will be pumped over the wall back to the lake or ocean. Cofferdam construction could be a difficult proposition, but the time and labor savings tends to make them well worth the effort. Special construction companies specialize in these sorts of dams that will create them efficiently and with as low of cost as possible. In the event the water is pumped out, the workers could access the area to perform the needed tasks in a considerably more efficient manner. Some repairs to ships have to be carried out in a dry environment. Placing a large ship in dry dock could be impossible or too expensive. Cofferdams have been used in order to create a dry working area around the ship and never having to place the ship in dry dock. This could certainly save time and money for the ship owner Cofferdams were also used for thousand of years for dam construction, ship salvage, and dock repair. The salvaging of the \’La Belle\’, Robert de LaSalle\’s ship in the Gulf of Mexico is probably the most famous use of cofferdams. The actual ship was smashed up of the Texas coast. The dark water in the area made visibility for divers surprisingly low. The use of a cofferdam was the best way to have the artifacts from this ship. A double walled steel cofferdam was made around the ship. The walls had compacted sand placed in between them to ensure a water tight working environment for the salvage. After the water was removed, a team of archeologists recovered the historically important ship and artifacts. Without the cofferdam, this treasure from the famous explorer would forever be lost.

The use of a

temporary cofferdam

can be a vital construction tool that makes some projects possible that would otherwise not be attempted. While

cofferdam construction

can be expensive, the return to the owner often exceeds the cost of the dam. Any ship or dock owner that needs repair performed should consider the use of a temporary cofferdam.

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