Eiffel 101: What is Dewatering?

Dewatering removes water and/or controls water currents to ensure the safety of job sites for construction or repair projects involving bridges, dams, boat ramps, ships and other vessels, canals, pipelines, diversion pipes, utility lines, etc. Dewatering occurs through the process of removing water, storing water, pumping it, and discharging it to a different location. It can happen with the help of structures like cofferdams, caissons, and inflatable cofferdams. These structures aid in preventing issues during construction due to water, flooding, and erosion.

Cofferdams

These structures, also called “coffers,” are sealed, enclosed areas situated across bodies of water where water is removed (and cannot re-enter). Construction can safely take place within the confines of a cofferdam, as the structure creates a dry environment. Cofferdams are most often temporary fixtures. Once construction is complete, they are removed, and the materials used for their initial construction can be re-used or re-purposed for future projects involving cofferdams or for other purposes. Cofferdams are made of steel sheet piles, concrete, and other durable materials that keep water out. Those that are made of steel sheet piles create a wall that is driven into the earth quickly and efficiently. Steel sheet pile cofferdams can be installed and uninstalled easily once construction is over.

Caissons

These dewatering structures are often made up of hollow boxes or cylinders that are floated to particular areas, where they are inserted and secured deep into the earth. Once they reach a desired location, water, mud, etc. is pumped out of them until they reach bedrock or clay, at which point a dry environment is created. A caisson is usually filled with concrete once it is set up in its final location. This creates a safe and dry work platform, and it also can serve as a component of the foundation of the construction. If a caisson is intended to be a part of the construction, as is often the case, it is a permanent structure. Caissons are constructed using concrete, wood, steel, or a mix of those materials. Some of the popular types of caissons include box caissons, open caissons, pneumatic caissons, excavated caissons, and floating caissons, which all are best suited to particular types of applications and environments.

Inflatable Cofferdams

Designed to be temporary and portable, these are convenient choices for dewatering. They are made of a fabric, usually composed of polyester and vinyl (or some combination). They are inflated with water and placed in an area that needs to be dewatered. Once in place, the water is pumped out, and a watertight work environment is facilitated. Inflatable cofferdams come in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet the needs of particular projects and can be customized. Although most often used as temporary structures, inflatable cofferdams may also be utilized as permanent faults in streambeds and rivers. Inflatable cofferdams are fairly easy to repair/patch up and also to deflate and re-use elsewhere. When they are deflated, storing them is also quite simple. Although inflatable cofferdams work well in many scenarios, they are not as strong against pressures as traditional cofferdams made of steel sheet pile. In areas where pressure from surrounding water is immense, they are not always the best choice.

The structures mentioned above are all excellent dewatering solutions for marine construction. Each comes with specific benefits. For instance, for temporary applications, cofferdams and inflatable cofferdams are a solid choice, with traditional cofferdams being the better option for areas in which water pressure is greatest. And caissons are best-suited to foundation projects in which they are built into the constructions.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading is an online marketplace that enables contractors to buy and sell unneeded heavy civil materials and equipment. We specialize in all things foundation, including steel sheet pile, steel pipe, h pile beams, and much more. Furthermore, our inventory includes concrete equipment, shoring equipment, and much more.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.