A cofferdam is a specific form of temporary works solution and, as such, is the cornerstone of the services provided by steel sheet pile companies. The primary purpose of a steel sheet pile cofferdam is to displace soil and/or water to create a securely supported excavation within which construction works can proceed.

Generally, cofferdams are constructed in locations where significant excavation depths are required in otherwise harsh or confined working environments. Cofferdams are formed using steel sheet piles, which are either cantilevered or supported by an internal steel support frame or external anchors. The exact design solution will depend on many factors, including excavation depth, external design forces, construction method, and installation method.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, sheet pile cofferdams are a very sustainable and environmentally friendly form of temporary works structure because, after the permanent structure is completed, the temporary cofferdam can be fully extracted and reused for another temporary works project.

Hanzi has extensive experience in the design of temporary steel sheet pile cofferdams, and all designs are carried out by our in-house sheet pile design team to provide clients with the optimal design solution regarding construction methods and interfaces between temporary and permanent works. All design work is carried out using our ISO 9001 procedures and BS5975 Temporary Works procedures.