Aqua dams, also called inflatable cofferdams or temporary cofferdams, are essential tools in construction and flood protection in Alabama. If you want to protect your investments or conduct construction operations on or near a water source, consider purchasing or renting an inflatable cofferdam from Dam-It-Dams. But what are aqua dams, and where are they most effective? Join us below as we break down the science and use cases for these tools.
How Do Aqua Dams Work?
Inflatable cofferdams are flexible damming solutions made from geotextile materials that allow for many versatile damming options ranging from just a few inches of water to 10+ feet. Their construction starts with creating petroleum-based textiles that are overlayed to create a watertight seal and hollow tube, which can then be filled with water and inflated. However, despite looking like giant balloons or floats, aqua dams are self-stabilizing with internal baffle systems that naturally realign themselves in response to changes in hydrostatic pressure.
Inflatable cofferdams are puncture-resistant and eco-friendly as they have little to no impact on the areas used to dam. Unlike sandbags, which can leech harmful chemicals into waterways and other more permanent cofferdam structures, inflatable dams can be set up in hours and taken down just as quickly. Due to their quick deployment and versatile nature, inflatable cofferdams are the only damming option reusable for several work sites or flooding prevention sites. Yet, like all tools, inflatable cofferdams do come with some limitations. Due to the nature of the geotextile materials used in their construction, adequate maintenance and care are necessary. Additionally, there may be more effective solutions for deep water damming than aqua dams. There is a hard limit of around 12 feet in depth, which allows inflatable cofferdams to operate effectively.
Top Uses For An Aqua Dam In Alabama
Depending upon the area of operation and conditions, there are several potential use cases for an inflatable cofferdam. With its numerous waterways and adjacency to the Gulf of Mexico, innumerable applications can benefit from using an inflatable cofferdam. The most prominent use cases include:
- Dredging Operations: Dredging is essential for maintaining docks and waterways. Inflatable cofferdams can create a dry area to remove debris and soil.
- Construction On Or Near Waterways: Create a safe and dry working environment when working near or over water.
- Flood Protection: aqua dams can be deployed quickly, allowing you to respond to emergency flooding conditions.
- Bridge Repair And Construction: One of the best uses for an inflatable cofferdam is in the construction or repair of bridges, as they can be set up for the duration of the repair and quickly removed, with minimal intrusion on traffic on waterways.
- Ecological Recovery: A few environmental uses for an inflatable cofferdam are shoreline restoration and protecting natural wetlands.
There are many more use cases for inflatable cofferdams. Things such as wastewater treatment plant construction, boat ramp repairs, repair of already existing infrastructure, and much more can all benefit from a purchase or rental of an aqua dam from Dam-It-Dams.
Dam-It-Dams Is Your Home For All Your Aqua Dam Needs
Here at Dam-It-Dams, we have decades of experience in the construction and damming industries, giving you an expert team to lean upon for every step of your cofferdam purchasing journey. You can find more detailed guides on the care and maintenance of inflatable cofferdams when you check out our online blog. Schedule your free cofferdam consultation and start your order by contacting us online or by giving us a call at 810-695-1695 today!