
The third primary AquaDam® cofferdam system comprised five AquaDam® units: four measuring 14ft in height and one measuring 12ft. The configuration formed an “L”-shaped barrier, with each end securely abutted against the existing seawall to ensure a watertight seal. Notably, all four 14ft AquaDam® units were repurposed from the previous cofferdam installation on the opposite side of Perry’s Victory, demonstrating both resource efficiency and structural reliability.

The AquaDam® units were installed in a configuration that ran essentially parallel to the seawall undergoing repair. This photograph captures the Lake Erie-facing side of the cofferdam system, illustrating its alignment and proximity to the shoreline.

his image highlights the fill-tubes at the second connection point. Lake Erie is visible on the left, while the designated work area lies to the right. To stabilize the main cofferdam system and prevent lateral movement, support AquaDam® units have been strategically installed along the work area side.

We are now approaching the third connection in this view.

At the third connection point, workers installed an additional support AquaDam® on the lake side to reinforce the system at the bend. With support AquaDam® units positioned on both the lake and work area sides, the configuration provided enhanced stability and helped mitigate the impact of wave action during storm events, reducing the risk of compromise at the connection.

Visible on the left side of this photo are the fill-tubes for the lake-side support AquaDam®. This double closed end (DCE) unit was employed due to the absence of a launching bank. Ropes connected from the center seam of both the support and main AquaDams® ensure the stability of the support unit during its inflation.

The 12ft tall DCE AquaDam® on the right marks the end of the main cofferdam system. The 14ft tall SCE unit will finish unrolling over the top of the DCE unit, sealing off the seawall from the remainder of the lake.

This image shows the point where the 12ft tall DCE AquaDam® was abutted directly against the seawall, forming a secure seal at the end of the cofferdam system.

Once the 14ft tall SCE AquaDam® was unrolled atop the 12ft tall SCE unit, workers finished filling the 12ft tall DCE AquaDam®.

This image captures the closed end of the 14ft tall SCE AquaDam® positioned atop the 12ft tall DCE unit. At this stage, the 14ft AquaDam® remains partially filled, with several feet of water still required to reach its full operating height and ensure a complete seal.

This photograph shows the work area side of the cofferdam system prior to de-watering, with all the AquaDams® fully installed and stabilized in preparation for water removal.

Another view of the work area prior to de-watering.

This aerial photo displays the entire third AquaDam® cofferdam system, fully operational.

Here you can see the first two 14ft tall AquaDams®. The initial unit was an 80ft long DCE AquaDam® with a connection collar. Following it was a 14ft tall, 29ft wide (when fully filled), 377ft long SCE AquaDam®. A thin layer of plastic sheeting, placed by the contractor, lies beneath the entire main cofferdam system.

As the camera pans north, the closed end of the second unit (featuring a connection collar) comes into view, along with the fill-tubes of the third 14ft tall AquaDam®.

This photo provides a clearer view of the second connection. Ropes were fastened around the connection collar in a manner similar to lacing a shoe, helping secure the material and maintain alignment.

A storm event caused a shift at the connection point, resulting in tearing of the collar material. To reinforce the damaged area and stabilize the connection, workers secured ropes around the collar.

The third connection, shown here, was reinforced with support AquaDams® on both sides. On the lake side, the support dam helped mitigate wave action, while the dam on the work area side provided additional mass for the main AquaDam® to lean against, improving overall stability.

AquaDams® are constructed from lightweight, flexible materials that allow them to conform to diverse terrain and be shaped into a wide range of configurations, making them highly adaptable for site-specific conditions.

Closing off the AquaDam® cofferdam system at its north end required workers to employ innovative solutions.
Shortly thereafter, workers successfully de-watered the work area, removed old seawall sections, and began pouring new ones.
With the work area de-watered, the support AquaDams® serve as weighted anchors, preventing the main dam from shifting or sliding.
De-watering and seepage mitigation are continuous processes inherent to the use of any cofferdam system.
Workers were required to excavate existing seawall foundations and construct modern replacements.
By holding back the waters of Lake Erie, the 14ft AquaDam® cofferdam system created a secure environment, facilitating the safe deployment of equipment and the efficient completion of the required work.
Taller AquaDams® consist of multiple layers, and their outer layer can serve as an anchor point for ropes when additional stabilization is required.
Note the wet area on the lake-side corner of the AquaDam®—a result of continuous wave action from Lake Erie impacting the structure throughout its deployment.
This image shows the northern end of the AquaDam® cofferdam system after de-watering. Most of the seepage at this location originated from the interface between the newly constructed concrete seawall and the sandbags supporting the 12ft tall DCE AquaDam®. While concrete appears solid, it's actually a porous material at a microscopic level. It contains a network of capillaries and micro-cracks that allow water to permeate through it over time, especially under pressure.
The complete 1,200ft AquaDam® cofferdam system is visible here, framed by the backdrop of Perry's Victory International Monument.

After completion of the seawall, the work area was re-watered and the AquaDams® were dismantled and removed.
With the AquaDams® now removed, the area has been fully restored to its original condition.
Wonderful job AquaDam®!

Five Main AquaDams®, Lake Erie, Perry’s Victory International Monument, ES Wagner Company, Seawall Repair, Wave Action,” L” Shape Configuration.