Cofferdam

A cofferdam is a temporary enclosure built in a body of water, designed to allow the enclosed area to be pumped dry, creating a dry working environment for construction or repair projects. Constructed from various materials like sheet piling, concrete, or earthen embankments, cofferdams are essential for projects such as bridge pier construction, dam repairs, and underwater foundation work. They protect workers and equipment from water pressure and provide safe access to the underwater site. The structure's design must withstand hydrostatic forces, buoyancy, and potential ground movement to maintain stability.

Cofferdam meaning with examples

• Engineers erected a cofferdam around the bridge pier supports to facilitate foundation repairs. This allowed the team to inspect and fix structural damage without constantly battling rising tides. Once the water was pumped out, workers could safely access the foundation in a dry and controlled environment, speeding the repair process significantly.
• During the construction of the new hydroelectric dam, a cofferdam was built upstream to divert the river's flow. This created a dry area for pouring concrete and assembling equipment necessary for the main dam's structure. The cofferdam was meticulously designed to withstand the river's current and seasonal fluctuations.
• The cofferdam's collapse during construction caused significant delays and cost overruns. The structure wasn't sufficiently reinforced to handle the hydrostatic pressure. The investigation highlighted the importance of thorough engineering calculations and adequate safety margins in cofferdam design to prevent such failures.
• Divers used a cofferdam to repair a section of the submerged pipeline. The cofferdam's ability to keep the area dry allowed the team to weld and make other complex repairs. It was a crucial part of the pipeline maintenance, keeping the flow of liquids unimpeded.