21CV72 MODULE-5

MODULE-5
COFFER DAMS
Coffer Dams: Cofferdams – types, design and construction of single, double
wall, Cofferdam.

Question 1: Define a cofferdam. Explain its importance in construction

projects and list its major types.

Solution:
A cofferdam is a temporary enclosure built within or across a body of water to create a dry
working area for construction activities. It allows the removal of water and soil to provide a
stable environment for constructing foundations, piers, or other structures.

Importance in Construction:

1. Enables dry working conditions in waterlogged or submerged areas.

2. Facilitates excavation and construction below the water table.
3. Provides stability and safety during construction.
4. Prevents soil erosion and water inflow at the construction site.

Types of Cofferdams:

1. Single-Wall Cofferdam: Suitable for shallow water; consists of one row of sheet
piles.
2. Double-Wall Cofferdam: Contains two parallel walls with fill material in between;
used for moderate depths.
3. Earth Cofferdam: Made of earth or sandbags; applicable in shallow and low-
velocity waters.
4. Rock-Fill Cofferdam: Uses large rocks for high stability and resistance to erosion.
5. Cellular Cofferdam: Formed with interlocked steel sheets filled with soil; used in
deep waters.
6. Braced Cofferdam: Reinforced with internal bracing for stability in narrow spaces.

Question 2: What are the steps involved in the construction of a single-wall

cofferdam? Explain each step in detail.

Solution:

1. Site Preparation:
o Clear the area of vegetation and debris.
o Perform a survey to ensure suitability of soil and water conditions for
cofferdam construction.
2. Driving Sheet Piles:
o Sheet piles or timber planks are driven into the ground in a continuous single
row.

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o This creates a barrier to prevent water from entering the enclosed area.
3. Sealing the Cofferdam:
o Seal gaps between sheet piles using sealing compounds or interlocking designs
to reduce water seepage.
4. Dewatering:
o Install pumps to remove water from within the cofferdam. This ensures a dry
working area for construction activities.
5. Excavation and Construction:
o Excavation for the foundation or other structures is carried out.
o Construction activities are performed in the dry environment created by the
cofferdam.
6. Dismantling:
o Once construction is complete, sheet piles are extracted, and the site is
restored to its natural condition.

Question 3: Compare single-wall and double-wall cofferdams based on

construction, stability, and cost. Which one would you recommend for
moderate depths and why?

Solution:

Feature Single-Wall Cofferdam Double-Wall Cofferdam

More complex; involves two walls and
Construction Simple and quick to construct.
filling.
Limited stability; suitable for shallow High stability; can handle moderate
Stability
waters. depths.
Low cost due to minimal materials High cost due to additional materials
Cost
and labor. and labor.

Recommendation for Moderate Depths:

For moderate depths, a double-wall cofferdam is recommended because:

1. It provides greater stability due to the use of two walls and fill material.
2. It can withstand higher water pressures compared to a single-wall cofferdam.
3. The design ensures reduced seepage, making it safer for construction activities.

Although costlier, the double-wall cofferdam is more reliable for projects requiring robust
structural support and safety.

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Question 4: What is a sheet pile cofferdam? Explain its construction

process, advantages, and limitations.

Solution:
A sheet pile cofferdam is a temporary watertight enclosure built using interlocking steel
sheet piles to allow construction activities in waterlogged or submerged areas.

Construction Process:

1. Site Preparation:
o Conduct a survey to assess soil conditions and water depth. Clear debris from
the site.
2. Driving Sheet Piles:
o Drive interlocking steel sheet piles into the ground using impact or vibratory
hammers. The piles form a continuous barrier.
3. Bracing:
o For deep or wide cofferdams, install horizontal or diagonal braces to counter
water and soil pressure.
4. Sealing:
o Apply sealing compounds or use interlocking designs to minimize water
leakage.
5. Dewatering:
o Use pumps to remove water within the cofferdam, creating a dry area for
construction.
6. Construction Activities:
o Proceed with excavation, foundation, or other construction tasks.
7. Removal:
o After the construction is complete, extract the sheet piles for reuse.

Advantages:

1. Quick and easy to install, especially in soft soils.

2. Reusable, reducing costs over multiple projects.
3. Provides effective water exclusion and stability for moderate depths.

Limitations:

1. Not suitable for very deep or high-pressure water conditions.

2. Installation can cause noise and vibrations, impacting nearby structures or
ecosystems.
3. Limited structural capacity compared to more robust cofferdam types.

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Question 5: Compare concrete wall movable cofferdams, land cofferdams,

and the soldier construction method in terms of applications and
suitability.

Solution:

Concrete Wall Movable Soldier Construction

Feature Land Cofferdam
Cofferdam Method
Pre-fabricated concrete Earthen or sand
Vertical piles with
Description walls used for watertight barriers for dry land
horizontal supports
enclosures sites
Fabricate walls, transport,
Construction Build earthen dams or Drive vertical piles and
assemble, seal joints,
Process use sandbags place horizontal planks
dewater
Large projects in deep
Shallow water or low- Retaining walls for
Applications water (e.g., dam repairs,
pressure areas shallow excavations
piers)
High water depths, Low water depths,
Confined spaces with
Suitability reusable for multiple cost-effective for
soil retention needs
projects small sites
Easy to construct and
Durable, reusable, and eco- Economical and
Advantages adaptable to soil
friendly simple
conditions
High initial cost and Limited to shallow Limited to shallow
Limitations
transportation requirements water excavations

Recommendations:

1. Concrete Wall Movable Cofferdam: Ideal for large, deep-water projects requiring
robust and reusable structures.
2. Land Cofferdam: Best for small-scale, shallow water or dry site applications.
3. Soldier Construction Method: Suitable for confined spaces or shallow excavations
requiring vertical support.

Cofferdam wall by ICOS method, coffer dams with touching and interlocking
piles and diaphragm wall.

Question 6: What is the ICOS method for constructing cofferdam walls?

Explain its process and applications.

Solution:
The ICOS method (Iterative Construction of Soil or Slipform) is used for constructing deep
foundation walls or cofferdams. It involves creating continuous or segmented walls using
reinforced concrete. This method is particularly useful for high-stress environments and
requires advanced techniques for stability and durability.

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Process of ICOS Method:

1. Site Preparation:
o Assess soil and groundwater conditions. Clear the construction area.
2. Drilling:
o Drill vertical holes along the planned alignment of the cofferdam wall. These
holes serve as guide paths for the concrete.
3. Reinforcement Installation:
o Place steel reinforcement cages into the drilled holes to provide structural
strength.
4. Concrete Placement:
o Fill the holes with high-strength concrete using tremie pipes to ensure
uniformity and avoid voids.
5. Soil Excavation:
o Excavation is performed adjacent to the wall once it has gained sufficient
strength, ensuring stability during construction.

Applications:

 Construction of retaining walls and cofferdams in deep foundations.

 Urban infrastructure projects requiring minimal disturbance to surroundings.
 Stabilization of soil in high water table areas.

Question 7: Describe the construction of cofferdams using touching and

interlocking piles. What are their advantages?

Solution:
Cofferdams with touching and interlocking piles are built using steel or concrete piles
driven into the ground. The piles either touch at their edges or interlock to form a continuous
barrier, providing excellent watertightness and stability.

Construction Process:

1. Site Survey and Preparation:

o Conduct geotechnical surveys to determine soil type and pile depth. Clear the
site.
2. Driving Piles:
o Use machinery to drive touching or interlocking piles into the ground along
the perimeter of the construction site.
o Touching Piles: Piles are placed edge-to-edge, forming a near-continuous
wall.
o Interlocking Piles: Piles interlock to create a fully continuous and watertight
barrier.
3. Bracing and Anchoring:
o Install braces or anchors to resist lateral soil and water pressure.
4. Dewatering:
o Use pumps to remove water within the cofferdam, creating a dry working
environment.
5. Construction Activities:

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o Perform excavation, foundation laying, or other construction tasks inside the

cofferdam.

Advantages:

1. Provides excellent watertightness, especially with interlocking piles.

2. High stability for medium to deep water depths.
3. Reusable piles reduce long-term costs.

Applications:

 Construction of bridge piers in rivers.

 Retaining walls for urban construction.

Question 8: What is a diaphragm wall in cofferdam construction? Explain its

method of construction and key benefits.

Solution:
A diaphragm wall is a reinforced concrete wall constructed in-situ to act as a temporary or
permanent retaining wall for deep excavations. It is commonly used in cofferdam
construction where high stability and watertightness are required.

Construction Method:

1. Site Preparation:
o Conduct soil analysis and prepare the site by clearing debris and marking the
alignment of the wall.
2. Trench Excavation:
o Excavate a trench along the alignment using specialized equipment like grabs
or trench cutters.
o Use bentonite slurry to support the trench walls and prevent collapse.
3. Reinforcement Installation:
o Lower prefabricated steel reinforcement cages into the trench.
4. Concrete Placement:
o Pour concrete into the trench using tremie pipes to displace the bentonite
slurry and form a solid wall.
5. Dewatering and Excavation:
o Dewater the construction area and begin excavation for foundation work.

Key Benefits:

1. Provides excellent structural strength and watertightness.

2. Suitable for deep excavations and high-water pressure environments.
3. Can act as a permanent retaining wall, reducing the need for additional structures.

Applications:

 Construction of basements and underground facilities in urban areas.

 Deep excavation projects for foundations near water bodies.
 Long-term retaining walls for dams and tunnels.

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21CV72 MODULE-5

Caissons: Types, box, pneumatic and open caissons, Well foundations,

details, design and Construction of pneumatic and precast caissons.

Question 9: What are the different types of caissons used in foundation

construction? Explain the construction process of each type.

Answer:

Caissons are large, watertight structures used to support foundations, especially in

waterlogged or submerged areas. The main types of caissons are:

1. Box Caissons: These are rectangular or square structures used to provide support for
heavy loads. They are typically constructed on land and floated to their desired
location. Once positioned, the caisson is sunk to the desired depth by removing soil
from the inside. The construction process involves:
o Building the caisson on a dry dock or on land.
o Floating it to the installation site using tugboats or barges.
o Sinking the caisson to the required depth by dredging the soil inside, allowing
it to sink under its own weight.
o After reaching the required depth, the caisson is filled with concrete to form a
solid foundation.
2. Pneumatic Caissons: These are used in deep water foundations and involve working
in an air-tight chamber to prevent water ingress. The key components include:
o A cylindrical steel chamber that is sunk to the required depth.
o Air pressure inside the chamber prevents water from entering while workers
excavate the soil beneath.
o The caisson is gradually sunk deeper as the excavation continues.
o Once it reaches the required depth, the chamber is filled with concrete.
3. Open Caissons: These are used in situations where the soil is too soft for other
caisson types. They are open at the bottom and sink into the ground due to the weight
of the structure. The construction process involves:
o A cylindrical shaft is created at the construction site.
o The caisson sinks by its own weight, and soil is excavated from the bottom.
o The process continues until the caisson reaches the desired depth, after which
concrete is poured into the bottom to form a solid foundation.

Question 10: What are well foundations, and how do pneumatic caissons
play a role in their construction?

Answer:

Well Foundations are deep foundations used for large structures, often found in bridges or
piers, where the foundation needs to be placed under water or in areas with weak soil. Well
foundations are typically large, circular or rectangular hollow structures that are sunk into the
ground or water.

The construction of well foundations involves:

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 Excavation of a large hole at the site where the well will be constructed.
 Placement of a hollow caisson (open or pneumatic) into the hole. The caisson is
designed to be self-sinking by the weight of the structure or by applying air pressure.
 The caisson is gradually sunk by excavating the earth below it and may be filled with
concrete once it reaches the required depth.

Pneumatic caissons are crucial for well foundation construction in deep-water areas. They
consist of:

 A sealed chamber with compressed air to maintain the interior free of water.
 Workers can excavate the soil at the bottom of the caisson under controlled conditions
without being exposed to water pressure.
 The caisson is progressively lowered as the excavation continues, ensuring the well
foundation reaches the desired depth for supporting structures like bridges or piers.

In summary, pneumatic caissons allow for precise control in challenging underwater

conditions and help in creating well foundations that are stable and durable for large
structures.

Question 11: Describe the design and construction process of precast

caissons and how they differ from other types of caissons.

Answer:

Precast Caissons are large, pre-constructed, reinforced concrete units that are manufactured
in a controlled environment and then transported to the construction site. These caissons are
used for foundations, especially in marine environments. The design and construction process
involves the following steps:

1. Design Considerations:
o Precast caissons are designed based on the load-bearing capacity required for
the structure they support, the soil conditions, and the water depth.
o They are reinforced with steel to withstand heavy loads and external pressure
from water and soil.
o The bottom of the caisson is often tapered to facilitate sinking, and the sides
are designed to resist lateral soil pressures.
2. Manufacturing Process:
o Precast caissons are cast in a factory or precast yard on land, using large molds
to create the desired shape.
o Concrete is poured into the molds, and reinforcement bars are placed inside to
provide additional strength.
o The caissons are cured and allowed to set before being transported to the
construction site.
3. Transport and Installation:
o Once completed, the precast caissons are transported to the construction site
by tugboats or barges, depending on their size and the location of the site.
o The caissons are positioned in place and sunk by dredging the soil beneath,
similar to other caisson types.

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o Once they reach the desired depth, the caisson is filled with additional
concrete for stability.

Differences from Other Types:

 Unlike box and open caissons, which are usually constructed on-site, precast caissons
are manufactured off-site, reducing on-site construction time.
 Pneumatic caissons require the use of air-tight chambers and workers operating under
controlled conditions, while precast caissons do not need such environments as they
are pre-built.
 Precast caissons often have a more uniform quality because they are made in a
controlled environment, leading to more consistent strength and durability.

Precast caissons are typically used when there are high construction time constraints, or the
foundation needs to be installed quickly and efficiently in challenging locations like water
bodies.

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