What is the purpose of cofferdams in dam construction?

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Cofferdams Serve to Create Dry Workspaces for Main Dam Construction

Cofferdams are constructed specifically to establish a dry environment essential for the ongoing construction of the main dam structure. These temporary enclosures are typically built using materials such as rock-fill and gravel, and the phenomenon of seepage through such materials is a common occurrence that is factored into their design.
Cofferdams Facilitate Main Dam Construction

The primary function of cofferdams in large-scale dam projects, such as the Baleh dam, is to isolate the construction area from the surrounding water. This allows engineers and construction crews to work on the main dam's foundations and structure in a dry and controlled setting, free from the challenges posed by water ingress.
Materials Used and Seepage Management

For the Baleh dam project, cofferdams were constructed using rock-fill and gravel. It is understood within civil engineering practice that structures built with these granular materials are susceptible to seepage, which is the slow passage of water through the dam's body or foundation. Sarawak Energy Berhad has stated that this seepage is a phenomenon anticipated and accounted for within the engineering design of the cofferdams.
Design Adherence to International Standards

The Baleh project, in line with all hydropower developments by Sarawak Energy, is constructed following international best practices for large dams. The International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) provides the principal standards and guidelines that ensure the safe construction and operation of hydropower projects. Detailed geological investigations and studies are integral to the hydropower project development process, conducted at various stages from initial pre-feasibility to detailed engineering design.

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What is the purpose of cofferdams in dam construction?

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