Technological advancements have revolutionized how new bridge construction and repair projects are undertaken. Bridge construction cofferdams are an essential element in any operation and critical to the project’s success. AquaDam® offers a modern solution to building or repairing bridge sections below water by providing stable, temporary barriers that inflate with water. The result is an isolated work area that can be dewatered to facilitate effective bridge construction and repairs. 

The Challenges of Bridge Construction and Repair

Constructing a cofferdam for bridge repair has traditionally been labor-intensive, expensive, and time-consuming. Issues such as water intrusion during critical phases of the project and adherence to environmental regulations significantly extended project timelines, causing costly delays. Traditional cofferdam designs during bridge construction usually used one of two methods, each of which has several drawbacks: 

1. Steel sheetpile: This method has a high environmental impact and is often not permitted for use under bridges. 
2. Earth or gravel fill: This method requires slow, labor-intensive installation, which increases construction costs. It may also negatively impact water purity after construction, as complete removal after project completion is difficult. 

AquaDam® water-filled cofferdams use on-site water as fill material for a robust barrier to isolate work areas when constructing or repairing bridges. They can be precisely positioned and removed with minimal site impact. 

How AquaDam® Supports Efficient Bridge Construction Projects 

AquaDam® creates a cofferdam that can be positioned and inflated in hours instead of the days required by traditional methods. Once the space has been dewatered, crews can undertake their tasks, creating firm foundations that ensure the longevity of the overhead bridge. Strategic positioning of interlocking AquaDam® sections using the patented collar lock can also facilitate temporary water diversion as the flow of the stream or river is directed away from work areas. 

Some benefits of using AquaDam® cofferdams for bridge construction and repair include: 

• Cost effectiveness: Stay within budget by creating cofferdams that require minimal construction labor and can be removed entirely at the project’s conclusion. 
• Minimal environmental impact: Manage sensitive water projects responsibly using a water-inflated barrier that has almost no lasting impact on the area where it is deployed.
• Reliable water management: Maintain a protected workspace for crews to undertake bridge-building and repair operations.
• Lightweight portability: Create water-filled cofferdams wherever they are needed, in any weather, even on remote sites, without hauling bulky, invasive materials. 
• Versatile site deployment: Construct robust, stable cofferdams that conform to irregular surfaces to minimize seepage. 

Advantages of AquaDam® for Water Management

Creating water-filled cofferdams with AquaDam® adds cost-effective efficiency to any bridge-building project. From small stream overpasses to major new bridge construction, the patented tube-in-sleeve design provides reliable worksite isolation to support dewatering. AquaDam® is manufactured to meet the unique requirements of each project and is available in lengths of up to 1,200 feet. 

Isolate Construction Sites and Build Solid Bridges With AquaDam®

After more than three decades of experience creating robust cofferdams that support bridge construction projects, AquaDam® continues to provide contractors with a dependable, cost-effective solution to an age-old challenge. This innovative, scalable solution creates reliable cofferdams by using water to control water, isolating worksites for effective dewatering.

AquaDam® delivers nationwide and provides setup support. Contact us to learn more about AquaDam® customizable cofferdam solutions on bridge construction projects.