Out of all the natural elements, water is perhaps the most difficult to control or contain. Damage can be caused by severe weather events such as flooding, river breaches and water penetration. The problems associated with the damage and disruption caused by water alone is one thing, but problems are exacerbated when oil, chemicals, or contaminated waste is introduced into the flow of water. With severe weather events becoming more common, it is good to know there are products on the market specially designed to alleviate the damage and expense that would otherwise result. Here we take a look at some temporary and permanent solutions to water management and discover the ways in which water can be controlled:
Dams for use in the construction sectors
Of course not all water control methods are put in place due to the effects of flooding, sometimes a repair or construction scheme will require a temporary solution in order to allow works to continue. Temporary dams can be deployed almost instantly and are inflated with water or air depending on the product, with some models using the flow of water itself as a way of inflation. Dams are used in the construction sector for a wide range of projects that require a temporary curtailment of water. A good example of this is when a dam is used to temporarily prevent water from entering a culvert to allow for inspection or repairs. If a series of culverts is to be examined in this way, then the dam can be quickly removed and repositioned at the next culvert.
Dams and Bridges
In a similar way, dams can be used to temporarily stop or reduce the flow of water to allow for bridge repairs. Quite often inspections and repairs at the foundations of a bridge are required and the dam allows for access which would be otherwise very difficult. In some cases a damaged bridge could be temporarily protected by using a suitable dam while repairs continue. There are many ways in which temporary dams can be used; the list below offers a just a glimpse of how versatile they are, and how they are a useful tool for those working on challenging water based projects such as:
- Weir repairs
- Lake and river bank repairs
- Sewer applications
- Moat maintenance
- Installation projects
- Fluming
Cofferdam enclosures
Cofferdams form a watertight enclosure so water can be pumped out to form a dry exclusion zone for repairs to structures such as piers, towpaths and permanent dam construction. For larger projects, cofferdams are made using steel sheet piling to form a watertight fence so that works can progress. Smaller projects that require a temporary cessation of water can benefit from temporary dams designed specifically for this application. Dams of this type come rolled up in lengths of up to 15 metres and due to their weight, can often can be manoeuvred with a two person lift. Once filled with water they can be joined together to increase their length or make a two or three sided temporary dam; any excess length is simply left rolled up at the end.
TPA supply advanced water diversion and containment equipment:
Whether your project requires a temporary dam or a large scale marine based Boom, TPA can supply the best available from well-established manufacturers. We know that dams are often required in emergency situations, so our friendly hire desk, together with our team of industry experts and an award winning fleet will fully meet your needs.