Selecting a contractor (or contractors) to meet your cofferdam installation requirements is one of the most important decisions you will make to ensure the success of the project.
There are several factors to be considered:
§ One contractor for manufacture and installation?
§ One contractor for manufacture; another contractor for installation?
§ One contractor for manufacture; self installation?
§ One contractor for manufacture; self installation with contractor supervision?
Cofferdam Size
§ Does the contractor offer cofferdams in the size(s) you need?
§ Can the cofferdam(s) be manufactured and delivered to meet project timing?
§ Are the cofferdams water filled?
Who will provide the following equipment that is recommended for large cofferdam installations?
§ At least two portable 2”-3” water discharge pumps. Using more pumps will lessen fill time. The inner fill tubes will accommodate any size discharge hose,
§ A discharge/suction hose for each pump
§ Duct tape to secure and constrict the fill tubes
§ Restraining ropes
(In moving water, restraining ropes should be used to help control the cofferdam during installation. Every 100 feet of cofferdam requires 250 feet of ½-inch rope. The use of four ropes is highly recommended for the installation of cofferdams that are six feet or higher in rapidly flowing water.)
Who will be responsible for provide the following project personnel?
In Stationary Water
Two to four workers are typically required to install small (less than 4 feet in height) cofferdams in stationary water.
Three to six workers are typically required to install large (4 feet or higher) cofferdams in stationary water. Ropes are usually not needed but can be used to maneuver the cofferdam in deep water depths.
In Moving Water
Three to seven workers are required to install small and large cofferdams in moving water. The following table shows personnel needs for typical installations of cofferdams in moving water:
| Cofferdam Size(feet) | Ropes | Workers in the Water | Workers Manning Pumps |
| 1 – 4 | 0 | 1-3 | 1 |
| 4 | 2 | 2-4 | 1 |
| 6 | 3 | 2-4 | 1 |
| 8 | 4 | 2-4 | 1 |
| 10+ | 4 | 2-6 | 1 |
Strong water currents require more personnel to ensure proper installation and the safety of all workers.
Who will be responsible for preparing the site, including moving or removing boulders, rocks and debris that may interfere with proper installation of the cofferdam and, if necessary, leveling the water bed?
Need Help?
Dam-It Dams, Inc. is the Midwest’s Largest Manufacturer of portable water-filled cofferdams. If you need help or have any questions about the manufacture or installation of cofferdams, please contact us at (248) 755-7383.
Looking for a Cofferdam Contractor?
Selecting a contractor (or contractors) to manufacture and install a cofferdam to meet your specific needs is one of the most important decisions you will make to ensure the success of the project.
There are several factors to be considered:
Number of Contractors
§ One contractor for manufacture and installation?
§ One contractor for manufacture; another contractor for installation?
§ One contractor for manufacture; self installation?
§ One contractor for manufacture; self installation with contractor supervision?
Cofferdam Size
§ Does the contractor offer cofferdams in the size(s) you need?
§ Can the cofferdam(s) be manufactured and delivered to meet project timing?
§ Are the cofferdams water filled?
Equipment Needs
Who will provide the following equipment that is recommended for large cofferdam installations?
§ At least two portable 2”-3” water discharge pumps. Using more pumps will lessen fill time. The inner fill tubes will accommodate any size discharge hose,
§ A discharge/suction hose for each pump
§ Duct tape to secure and constrict the fill tubes
§ Restraining ropes
(In moving water, restraining ropes should be used to help control the cofferdam during installation. Every 100 feet of cofferdam requires 250 feet of ½-inch rope. The use of four ropes is highly recommended for the installation of cofferdams that are six feet or higher in rapidly flowing water.)
Project Personnel
Who will be responsible for provide the following project personnel?
In Stationary Water
Two to four workers are typically required to install small (less than 4 feet in height) cofferdams in stationary water.
Three to six workers are typically required to install large (4 feet or higher) cofferdams in stationary water. Ropes are usually not needed but can be used to maneuver the cofferdam in deep water depths.
In Moving Water
Three to seven workers are required to install small and large cofferdams in moving water. The following table shows personnel needs for typical installations of cofferdams in moving water:
| Cofferdam Size(feet) | Ropes | Workers in the Water | Workers Manning Pumps |
| 1 – 4 | 0 | 1-3 | 1 |
| 4 | 2 | 2-4 | 1 |
| 6 | 3 | 2-4 | 1 |
| 8 | 4 | 2-4 | 1 |
| 10+ | 4 | 2-6 | 1 |
Strong water currents require more personnel to ensure proper installation and the safety of all workers.
Site Preparation
Who will be responsible for preparing the site, including moving or removing boulders, rocks and debris that may interfere with proper installation of the cofferdam and, if necessary, leveling the water bed?
Need Help?
Dam-It Dams, Inc. is the Midwest’s Largest Manufacturer of portable water-filled cofferdams. If you need help or have any questions about the manufacture or installation of cofferdams, please contact us at 810-695-1695 or email us sales@damitdams.com.