coffer-dam
A construction crew builds a coffer-dam in the river to lay the bridge foundation.
Definition
- Noun:
- A watertight enclosure: "coffer-dam" refers to a temporary structure built to allow construction or repair work in an area that is normally underwater, such as for building bridge foundations or repairing dams. It typically consists of sheet piles or walls that are driven into the riverbed or seabed and then pumped dry of water.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The engineers constructed a coffer-dam around the bridge pier to create a dry work area. (A temporary enclosure to keep water out during construction.)
- After the coffer-dam was completed, the workers could pour concrete for the foundation. (The enclosure was used to expose the riverbed for building.)
Advanced Usage
"to build a coffer-dam": to construct a temporary watertight enclosure for underwater work.
- The team had to build a coffer-dam before repairing the damaged dam. (They created a dry space for repairs.)
"to pump out a coffer-dam": to remove water from inside the enclosure.
- Once the coffer-dam was sealed, they began to pump out the water. (They drained the area to make it dry.)
Variants and Related Words
- Coffer (n): a chest or box, especially one used for storing valuables; also a decorative sunken panel in a ceiling.
- The treasure was kept in a locked coffer. (A strongbox for valuables.)Note: "coffer-dam" is a compound word; "coffer" alone does not share the same meaning as "coffer-dam".
Synonyms
Caisson: a watertight chamber used for underwater construction.
- The caisson was lowered into the water to allow workers to excavate. (Similar to a coffer-dam but often larger and more permanent.)
Sheet-pile enclosure: a structure made of interlocking steel or concrete piles.
- The sheet-pile enclosure kept the river water out during the bridge repair. (A specific type of coffer-dam.)
Related Idioms
- No idioms directly related: "coffer-dam" is a technical term and does not appear in common idiomatic expressions.