What are the different types of cofferdams?

Types of Cofferdams

  • Box-Type.
  • Braced.
  • Double-walled sheet pile.
  • Cellular.
  • Earthen.
  • Single-walled sheet pile.
  • Portadamâ„¢ Systems.

What do cofferdams mean?

A cofferdam is an enclosure built within a body of water to allow the enclosed area to be pumped out. This pumping creates a dry working environment so that the work can be carried out safely.

What are cofferdams made out of?

Circular cellular cofferdams are composed of circular arcs that are connected by straight diaphragm walls. The cofferdam is made out of interconnected steel sheet piles and filled with non-pervious materials such as sand.

What is sheet pile cofferdams?

Sheet pile cofferdams are a specific form of a temporary works solution and as such is a cornerstone to the range of services offered by Sheet Piling (UK) Ltd. The main purpose of a cofferdam is to exclude soil and/or water to form a safely supported excavation where construction works can progress.

What are cofferdams and caissons?

The main difference between the two is that a cofferdam is a temporary structure which is removed after completion of the work, whereas a caisson is built to remain in place as part of the completed structure.

What is the importance of cofferdams?

Cofferdams help protect construction crews, materials, and equipment. Additionally, they help protect completed work until your structures are ready for contact with the water. Therefore, cofferdams are an important part of the marine construction process.

Who invented cofferdams?

1) Earthen Cofferdams The first cofferdams were said to be used by King Cyrus of Persia in 539 B.C. to temporarily divert water from the Euphrates river, allowing the capture of Babylon. This capture of Babylon ended their rule, allowing the Medo-Persian empire to begin.

How are cofferdams installed?

1) Dry Surface Installation To install the Aqua-Barrier on a dry surface, simply unroll it around the area you want to protect and inflate the cofferdam with water to its desired height. That’s it! Installing the cofferdam on a dry surface is usually done as a preventive measure if flooding is anticipated.

How do sheet piles work?

Process. Sheet piles are installed in sequence to design depth along the planned excavation perimeter or seawall alignment. The interlocked sheet piles form a wall for permanent or temporary lateral earth support with reduced groundwater inflow. Anchors can be included to provide additional lateral support if required.

What is box caisson?

Definition of box caisson : a heavy-timber watertight box open at the top, floated over a position prepared by dredging, and sunk by building a masonry pier within it.

What are the types of caissons that can be used as a foundation?

The four main types of caisson are box caisson, open caisson, pneumatic caisson and monolithic caisson.