cofferdam

American  

[kaw-fer-dam, kof-er-] / ˈkɔ fərˌdæm, ˈkɒf ər- /

noun

1. a watertight enclosure placed or constructed in waterlogged soil or under water and pumped dry so that construction or repairs can proceed under normal conditions.

2. Nautical. a sealed void between two bulkheads, as for insulation or as an extra barrier to the escape of liquids or vapors.

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cofferdam British  

/ ˈkɒfəˌdæm /

noun

1. a watertight structure, usually of sheet piling, that encloses an area under water, pumped dry to enable construction work to be carried out. Below a certain depth a caisson is required

2. (on a ship) a compartment separating two bulkheads or floors, as for insulation or to serve as a barrier against the escape of gas or oil

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Etymology

Origin of cofferdam

First recorded in 1730–40; coffer + dam ¹

Example Sentences

Piles driven $5 each Cofferdam $37 per M. Wet excavation $1.00 per cu. yd.

From Concrete Construction Methods and Costs by Gillette, Halbert Powers

And so the shares went on rising, rising, and rising, and Messrs. Blocks, Piles, and Cofferdam were buying up every share; either doing that openly—or else selling on the sly.

From The Three Clerks by Trollope, Anthony

Where would Mr. Nogo be if he did not cultivate the friendship of such men as Blocks, Piles, and Cofferdam?

From The Three Clerks by Trollope, Anthony

Cofferdam 7 39 $74 Excavation 2 11 21 Foundation piles 4 22 42 Concrete 5 28 53 — —— —— Totals 18 100 $190 As above given, the labor on the 7,900 ft.

From Concrete Construction Methods and Costs by Gillette, Halbert Powers

Mr. Blocks, of the great firm of Blocks, Piles, and Cofferdam, then came forward.

From The Three Clerks by Trollope, Anthony