Mastering the Cofferdam: practical, time-tested methods for piers and foundations
This book presents real-world examples of cofferdam construction and river foundation work, drawn from historical and industrial practice. It connects historical insight with practical guidance for engineers facing water-logged sites.
This edition focuses on the coffer-dam process used in pier construction, explaining when to choose crib, sheet-pile, or metal cofferdams and how to adapt methods to different bottom conditions and tides. It collects notable projects and the lessons they offered, helping practitioners plan, execute, and troubleshoot foundation work with confidence.
- Step-by-step discussions of cofferdam types, from cribs to sheet-pile works, with practical rules of thumb
- Foundations under water: construction details, bracing, water control, and ventilation of work areas
- Lessons from historic bridges and piers, including equipment choices, pumping strategies, and failure modes
- Guidance on material selection, stability, and the economic trade-offs of timber, concrete, and metal cofferdams
Ideal for engineers, contractors, and students involved in bridge and pier work who seek a solid, historically grounded reference for safe, effective underwater foundations.