What is a Cofferdam?
A cofferdam is a type of watertight construction designed to facilitate construction projects in areas which are normally submerged, such as bridges and piers. A cofferdam is installed in the work area and water is pumped out to expose the bed of the body of water so that workers can construct structural supports, enact repairs, or perform other types of work in a dry environment. In some regions of the world, a cofferdam is better known as a caisson. Working inside a cofferdam can be hazardous if it is installed improperly or not safely pressurized, but advances in engineering have led to increased safety for workers using this unique work environment. A variety of materials can be used to construct a cofferdam, which is truly a feat of engineering. Although a cofferdam is a temporary structure, it must reliably hold water back from the work area and also withstand very high pressures in order to be safe, and the construction of cofferdams is often used as a project for engineers lear
