CM 420 TEMPORARY STRUCTURES Learn Civil （厘米420个临时结构学习公民）.pdf

CM 420 TEMPORARY STRUCTURES Lesson 4: Cofferdams Overview A cofferdam is a temporary structure designed to keep water and/or soil out of the excavation in which a bridge pier or other structure is built. When construction must take place below the water level, a cofferdam is built to give workers a dry work environment. Sheet piling is driven around the work site, seal concrete is placed into the bottom to prevent water from seeping in from underneath the sheet piling, and the water is pumped out. The word cofferdam comes from coffer meaning box, in other words a dam in the shape of a box. This lesson covers structural cofferdams as temporary installation, explaining in step-by-step detail proper and safe methods and materials to be used. There are different types of cofferdam, some are used to support excavation operation and some are enclosed type box placed in the water. The focus of this lesson is on the latter type. Lesson Objectives By the end of this lesson you will be able to: • describe cofferdams and when they are used on construction projects; • describe the forces on cofferdams • explain design considerations; • recognize the importance of sealing the bottom of cofferdams Reading Assignment Class notes Optional reading: Ratay, Chapter 7 Cofferdams. CM 420 – TEMPORARY STRUCTURES LESSON 4: COFFERDAMS 1. INTRODUCTION • Cofferdams are temporary enclosures to keep out water and soil so as to permit dewatering and construction of the permanent facility (structure) in the dry. • A cofferdam involves the interaction of the structure, soil, and water. The loads imposed include the hydrostatic forces of the water, as well as t