Concrete Culvert Repairs

Concrete culvert repairs are most effectively completed in a dry work environment. An AquaDam® provides a temporary, water-filled cofferdam that isolates the work area by controlling and diverting water, allowing contractors to perform repairs more efficiently while minimizing environmental impacts.

Each AquaDam® consists of two watertight inner tubes manufactured from extruded polyethylene, enclosed within a durable woven polypropylene geotextile outer sleeve. An integrated internal baffle separates the two chambers, increasing stability and helping the barrier maintain its shape during installation and operation.

Cofferdams for Concrete Culvert Repairs

Temporary water control is often required when repairing culverts to provide safe access and maintain dry working conditions. For optimal performance, AquaDams® should be installed at a natural bank and streambed, away from the repair area whenever site conditions allow.

Although installation procedures vary by project, the following guidelines apply to most applications:

1. Determine the Start and End Locations

The installation path should be established before ordering an AquaDam®, and both the starting and ending locations should be prepared before delivery. AquaDams® are shipped rolled around a wooden core with a protective outer wrap. Position the roll at the designated starting location, square to the bank, with the directional arrows pointing toward the intended installation path. Remove the protective wrap, secure the open end, and begin unrolling the AquaDam® toward the water. The cofferdam should terminate against each bank or structure at approximately a 90-degree angle to maximize sealing performance.

2. Secure Ropes and Anchor Points

The starting end of the AquaDam® must be securely anchored to prevent movement while filling. Additional ropes should be attached to appropriate shore-side anchor points to help control the roll and guide the AquaDam® during installation, particularly when navigating turns. In flowing water, control ropes should pass beneath the AquaDam® to maintain continuous control of the roll. The material should never be allowed to unwind freely. As the AquaDam® fills, it develops the mass necessary to maintain its position and resist hydraulic forces.

3. Connect Fill Hoses and Pumps

Expose the fill-tubes extending from the woven outer sleeve, insert the fill hoses, and connect them to the water pumps. The fill-tubes form two independent watertight chambers that create the body of the AquaDam®. Before inserting hoses, remove or pad any exposed metal fittings to prevent damage to the polyethylene fill-tubes.

4. Fill the AquaDam®

Begin pumping water evenly into both fill-tubes, using an equal number of pumps for each chamber to maintain balanced filling. When making a turn, the pumps supplying the inside chamber may be slowed or temporarily idled while ropes are used to reposition the AquaDam®. Once the desired alignment has been achieved, resume equal pumping rates to continue filling uniformly.

Why Choose AquaDam® for Concrete Culvert Repair?

AquaDams® offer several advantages for temporary water control during culvert repair projects:

• Fast installation and removal: Most installations can be completed within a few hours, and removal is typically even faster.
• Environmentally responsible: AquaDams® provide temporary water control without the need for earthen fill or sheet piling and are manufactured from materials with minimal environmental impact. They can also support compliance with project-specific environmental requirements, including those established under the Clean Water Act.
• Effective sealing performance: AquaDams® conform to irregular streambeds and other surfaces, providing excellent sealing characteristics with minimal seepage.
• Flexible sizing: Standard AquaDams® are available in heights ranging from 1 to 16 feet and can be manufactured in custom lengths with short lead times.
• Cost-effective: AquaDams® can significantly reduce installation equipment, labor, and overall project costs compared to many conventional temporary water-control methods.

Choose AquaDam® for Your Next Concrete Culvert Repair Project

Whether repairing deteriorated concrete, addressing structural damage, or performing routine maintenance, AquaDam® provides an efficient temporary cofferdam solution that helps create a safer, drier work environment. Contact us today to request a quote and learn how AquaDam® can support your next concrete culvert repair project.