Cofferdam Collection

USS Maine, 1911. The USS Maine, a pre-dreadnought battleship, exploded and sank in Havana harbour, Cuba, on 15 February 1898, with the loss of 274 of her crew

Excavating within the log cofferdam during an early stage of construction, Douglas Dam, Tenn. 1942
Excavating within the log cofferdam during an early stage of construction, Douglas Dam, Tenn

Progress of the Thames Embankment, Cutting the Piles which form the Cofferdam (engraving)
1099125 Progress of the Thames Embankment, Cutting the Piles which form the Cofferdam (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Progress of the Thames Embankment)

View from the Cofferdam New Bridge of Hungerford (engraving)
1586987 View from the Cofferdam New Bridge of Hungerford (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: View from the Cofferdam New Bridge of Hungerford)

Progress of the Thames Embankment (engraving)
608468 Progress of the Thames Embankment (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Progress of the Thames Embankment; Cutting the piles which form the Cofferdam;)

High Bridge, Uxbridge seen here under going repairs 1936

New canal bridge at West Drayton. Circa 1936

Uxbridge, Dolphin Bridge rebuilding at St Johns Road (A4007) Circa 1929

Building a Cofferdam, Thames Embankment Improvements 1866
Cutting of piles which formed a cofferdam, during the Thames Embankment improvements of 1866. Date: 1866

Saint-Elie. Le Grand Batardeau. (Construction), (Building a Cofferdam), 1900. Creator: Unknown
Saint-Elie. Le Grand Batardeau. (Construction), (Building a Cofferdam), 1900. French Guiana From " Autour du Monde - Fascicule XLVI". [L. Boulanger, Paris, 1900]

Coffer dam erected for repairing the pier of Blackfriars Bridge, London, c1870. Artist
Coffer dam erected for repairing the pier of Blackfriars Bridge, London, c1870

Construction of London Bridge, 1826. Artist: Edward William Cooke
Construction of London Bridge, 1826. View of a timber cofferdam enclosing pile drivers and hoists for London Bridge, with a barge moored close by

Cofferdam work to raise USS Maine, Havana harbour, Cuba
Cofferdam work exposing the wreck of USS Maine, Havana harbour, Cuba. The ship exploded and sank in 1898. Date: 1911

Source Size = 3983 x 3753
Progress of the Thames Embankment: Cutting the Piles which Form the Cofferdam, Uk, 1866

THAMES EMBANKMENT, 1866. Workers cutting the piles which form the cofferdam of the Thames embankment, in London, England. Wood engraving, English, 1866

Colorado River below Hoover Dam
Colorado River in canyon below Hoover Dam (the lower cofferdam). The bridge takes Interstate 93 past the dam; previously traffic passed across the dam itself

Lake Mead with depressed water level
Lake Mead upper cofferdam at Hoover Dam showing depressed water level. The upper cofferdam holds the water used to generate hydroelectricity at the dam

Intake tower in Lake Mead at Hoover Dam
Intake tower in Lake Mead upper cofferdam at Hoover Dam. The intakes feed water to the hydroelectric generator plant. The clock on the tower reads Arizona Time

Intake towers at Hoover Dam
Intake towers in Lake Mead upper cofferdam at Hoover Dam. The intakes feed water to the hydroelectric generator plant

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A cofferdam, a temporary enclosure built within water bodies to facilitate construction or repair work, has played a significant role in various historical events and infrastructure projects. In 1911, the USS Maine was raised from Havana harbor using a cofferdam, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness. Fast forward to 1942, during the construction of Douglas Dam in Tennessee; an early stage involved excavating within a log cofferdam, highlighting the adaptability of this technique over time. The importance of cofferdams is further exemplified by their involvement in major engineering endeavors. Engravings depict their use during "The Flood in the Fens, " where they were employed for flood control purposes. Similarly, on the Thames Embankment project, cutting piles to form a cofferdam showcases how it aids in creating stable foundations for structures like bridges and embankments. Throughout history, many iconic structures have undergone repairs with the assistance of cofferdams. The Blackfriars Bridge pier in London required such intervention around 1870 to ensure its stability and longevity. Even as far back as 1826 when London Bridge was under construction, these enclosures proved crucial for managing water flow and enabling safe working conditions. Not limited to grand-scale projects alone, smaller repairs also benefited from cofferdams' practicality. High Bridge in Uxbridge underwent necessary maintenance work in 1936 utilizing this method—a testament to its widespread application across diverse scenarios. From military operations like salvaging sunken ships to facilitating large-scale infrastructure developments or even minor repairs on historic bridges—the significance of cofferdams cannot be overstated. These versatile structures continue to serve as invaluable tools that enable progress while ensuring safety and efficiency throughout countless engineering endeavors worldwide.