What is Cofferdam?

A cofferdam is an enclosure built within, or in pairs across, a body of water to allow the enclosed
area to be pumped out and created a dry working environment so the work can be carry out safely.
The cofferdam are usually welded steel structures with components consisting of sheet piles, waller
beam and cross braces. Major purpose of cofferdam it to hold back overwhelming or inconvenient
waters and create a dry work environment.

In section 5, the contractor has proposed in 2 types:-

a) On land temporary sheetpile- Cofferdam with max size: 13.8m L x 12.6mW x 7mH- approved
code 1
b) In river temporary sheetpile- contractor will submit soon and to be discuss later once
approved.

Sequence of works

For this session, we will discuss more on land temporary sheetpile for pilecap construction.

1. Cofferdam is fall under major temporary works class 2 when subject to any failures,defects
or looses of serviceability would likely affected public and workers safety and life. Therefore,
temporary works shall be designed, endorsed and supervised by a Professional Engineer
( related to calculation, shop drawing,specification, method statement etc). In section 5, on
land cofferdam design has obtained approval please refer to the drawings.
2. Prior allow contractor proceed inserted the sheetpiles, materials delivered to site shall be
checked and comply based on approved submission. In section 5, type U sheetpiles has
obtained in code 1 for FSP IV supply by approved supplier Ann Yak Siong Hardware Sdn Bhd.
3. Setting out- demarcate location to inserted cofferdam by survey for EGL and setting out the
pilecap orientation shall be carried out by the surveyor.
4. When any excavation more than 3m is encountered, cofferdam or shoring method such as
using sheet pile,waler beam and bracing shall be used.
5. Pre- dredge to remove soil or soft sediments and level the area of the cofferdam.
6. Set steel sheet piles, starting at all four corners and meeting at the centre of each side.
7. Proper installation by driving the sheet piles interlocked with another by using vibro hammer
crane.
8. Prior to proceed, all related permit ie. Hot work permit,permit to work, excavation permit
etc need to obtained and adhere.
9. Excavation inside the grade or slighty below grade while leaving the cofferdam full of water.
Check blocking between bracing, waler beam and sheets. Dewatering process to ensure
work zone inside cofferdam are free from water. In section 5, allowable of exposed height,
min embedded length, layers involved (installation of waler beam and strut) size of waler
and size of steel strut shown below shall be complied. Its depend on depth excavation
required but not allowed excavation more than 7 m depth.
10. Cofferdam completely installation with bracing system and welded according to the
drawings by certified welder.
11. A proper access for workers to enter inside cofferdam and pilecap area shall be installed
after construction of cofferdam is completed. The access shall be constructed by using
tubular scaffolding anchored to the internal of cofferdam and inspected by certified
scaffolder with green tagging.