Cofferdams are temporary structures built around a construction site that is submerged in water, such as in a river, canal or lake. For over two decades, Geodesign Barriers have proven to be an effective solution for building these temporary structures. Scroll down to discover the benefits and applications of Geodesign Barriers for cofferdams.
When faced with challenging sites, where pre-made and traditional dams just won't cut it, Geodesign Barriers provides the perfect solution with their site-specific cofferdams. These temporary dams are carefully engineered to adapt to the unique conditions of your project and guarantee to keep the area dry, while reducing site risk and preventing unforeseen delays. With their flexible design, Geodesign Barriers can easily be applied to any layout and stand up to even the strongest water flow and tides.
Geodesign Barriers are the perfect environmental solution, as they leave the subsurface undisturbed and minimise the impact on the surrounding environment. So, whether you're dealing with a particularly challenging site or looking for an eco-friendly solution, Geodesign Barriers' cofferdams are the ideal solution.
"Impressive bit of engineering that a barrier so simple, quick to erect and lightweight can withstand such pressure."
- Sam @tallsam
Geodesign Barriers is a flexible and modular system that can be easily set up as a cofferdam or portable dam in water up to 3 meters deep. Our specially designed elements and range of sizes make it easy to adapt to fit the unique needs of each job. Whether you need to create a dry work area or isolate a water-filled area, our barriers offer a reliable and effective solution. With Geodesign Barriers, you can trust that our cofferdams and portable dams will perform reliably in any situation.
Installing Geodesign Barriers in water is a straightforward process. First, the metal supports are unfolded into a triangular shape on land and then secured into their upright position, with the simple snap-lock mounted on the supporting beam. Once in the water, the supports are linked together with connection bars. Finally, aluminium sheets or specially designed cofferdam elements are placed on the bars.
On land, a chain is embedded into the outer edge of the plastic membrane and secured. After the metal structure of the Geodesign Barriers has been installed in the water, the membrane is laid out on the water and attached to the top edge of the barrier. With the barrier placed in the water, the membrane is pressing down against the barrier and the river- or lake bed. This completes the second step in the installation process and sets the scene for the next step, which can be started simultaneously.
Once the plastic membrane is in place on the Geodesign Barriers, it's time to start pumping out the water. As the water level drops, a pressure difference is created between the embankment and the remaining water. This pressure difference causes the membrane to press against the barrier, creating a watertight seal. The water pressure pushing against the barrier also creates an anchoring force, which causes the system to self-anchor. This third and final step in the installation process sets the foundation for a reliable and effective solution that creates a dry work area or isolates a water-filled area.
Geodesign Barriers are modular cofferdam systems that can be quickly assembled and disassembled, providing a flexible and cost-effective solution for a wide range of water-related construction projects. Here are some examples of how Geodesign Barriers could be used in different situations where a cofferdam may be needed: