Braced Cofferdams
Pro: Braced cofferdams are good for bridge pier and abutment repairs.
Con: A confined space work conditions.
Braced cofferdams can be used when it’s difficult to install piles into the bed in the water. In braced cofferdams, two piles are inserted and laterally supported by wooden cribs. The wooden cribs are installed alternately in order to create pockets.
These pockets can be filled with rock and dirt. The frame of the cofferdam is made out of wood and built on dry ground, prior to being installed in the water.
Cellular Cofferdams
Pro: Cellular Cofferdams offer a large work area.
Con: They are usually left there permanently.
Cellular cofferdams are used when the water level is too high for other cofferdams to work efficiently. Cellular cofferdams are created by installing straight web steel sheet piles in an interconnected cellular structure. These cells can be custom-configured in order to fit the project. These cells can be filled with things like sand, gravel, or clay.
There are two main types of cellular cofferdam.
- Circular
- 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.
- Diaphragm
- Diaphragm cellular cofferdams are composed of larger circular cells which are connected by arcs of smaller cells. The walls of the smaller cells are perpendicular to the walls of the larger cells. These cells can be filled independently.
TrapBag® cofferdams are cellular cofferdams. TrapBag® is a series of pentagon-shaped bags that are sloped on one side, vertical on the opposite side and open at the top for filling. Each of the cells are connected side by side like an accordion, each cell has a common wall with the next cell, and are collapsed during storage and deployment. The cells are made of high-strength textile. Each of the cells are self-contained yet rely on the next cell for added strength. If one of the cells is compromised, it will not affect the rest of the barrier, which will remain standing strong.
TrapBag® Pro: There is no ground penetration required for installation, thereby minimizing subsurface risk (environmental, cost, and schedule) usually associated with sheet piling, also much less expensive. TrapBags® can be individually removed after use without material discharge into the environment.
Double-Walled Cofferdams
Pro: Double-Walled Cofferdams offer increased support compared to single-wall, used for large sites and high depth of water.
Con: These types of cofferdams are more expensive.
Double-walled cofferdams work well for projects with a larger site and deeper water. Single-walled cofferdams are not efficient in this situation. A double wall helps add stability to the cofferdam, allowing it to hold deeper water.
Earthen Cofferdams
Pro: Earthen cofferdams use materials already on site.
Con: They can be installed when water is low and current velocity is low.
Earthen cofferdams are made of natural and local materials like dirt or sand. They are not intended to hold deep water or withstand high velocity.
Rockfill Cofferdams
Pro: Rockfill cofferdams work better than earthen cofferdams and make use of rocks already on site.
Con: These cofferdams are very pervious.
Rockfill cofferdams are similar to earthen cofferdams, but instead of sand or soil, rock is used. These cofferdams are created when there is rock available onsite. Rockfill cofferdams are, however, quite permeable and must be filled with a soil membrane.
Single-Walled Cofferdams
Pro: Single-walled cofferdams can be used for jobs with higher water depths.
Con: These types of cofferdams are more expensive.
Single-walled cofferdams work in areas with moderate water depth (6+ meters) which have smaller sites. An example of this is bridge construction. These cofferdams are built with wood sheets along the perimeter and supported by steel sheets on the interior. Sandbags add additional support to the cofferdam.
Each cofferdam variety has advantages and disadvantages. The project location, budget, and site limitations should be considered before installing a specific type of cofferdam.