Project Overview
Commissioned by DCN Diving BV, MH Poly was responsible for the engineering and design of a temporary cofferdam for repair works on the quay wall along the River Scheldt in Antwerp. Due to settlement and long-term deterioration, extensive maintenance of the quay structure had become necessary.
To provide divers and construction personnel with a safe, dry working environment, a custom-designed cofferdam solution was developed. The temporary structure isolates specific sections of the quay wall from the river, allowing repair work to be performed accurately, efficiently, and under controlled conditions.
The Challenge
Over the years, sections of the Scheldt Quays have experienced settlement, resulting in damaged joints and deteriorated cladding. Long-term rehabilitation required these components to be repaired and restored.
Carrying out such work underwater introduces significant safety risks and operational limitations. A flexible, watertight system was therefore required to temporarily dewater individual sections of the quay wall while accommodating the varying geometry of the existing structure.
Solution and Engineering Approach
MH Poly developed an intelligent modular cofferdam consisting of seven separate sections. The system can easily be adapted to the varying heights and irregular geometry of the existing quay wall.
The design specifically addressed:
- Uneven surfaces and settlement of the existing quay structure
- A watertight seal against the quay wall
- Safe working conditions for divers and construction crews
- Efficient relocation of the cofferdam along the quay
In addition to the structural design, MH Poly developed the complete installation methodology, including positioning, sealing, and dewatering procedures. This enables the cofferdam to be deployed quickly, safely, and efficiently at multiple repair locations.
Results
The modular design allows the cofferdam to be easily repositioned in the water to adjacent joint locations, significantly improving the efficiency of the rehabilitation works. The carefully engineered sealing system and dewatering methodology provide a safe, reliable, and controlled working environment throughout the project.
