The renovation of the Barlett Carry Dam is now underway and while the repairs are being made a cofferdam will provide access to the areas that need to be repaired.
So, what is a cofferdam, anyway?
A cofferdam is a temporary barrier built within a body of water, in this case the Upper Saranac Lake, to create a dry work environment.
Once the cofferdam is built, the water is pumped out of the enclosed area adjacent to the dam, allowing for safe construction or repair.
To construct a cofferdam, sheet piling is driven into the waterbed to form a watertight fence. The vertical pilings are then held in place by horizontal framing members made of steel, heavy timber, or a combination of the two.
Since you asked, technically the crew at the Bartlett Carry Dam have constructed a “braced cofferdam” which is most common type. A braced cofferdam is perfect for providing safe dry access to the dam for repairs.
Repairs to our dam will be done in two phases. This means that when repairs are complete where the current cofferdam is located, it will have to be moved later in the summer to repair the other half of the dam.
All repairs to the Barlett Carry Dam are being funded by your generous donations. If you haven’t had a chance to donate, donations are still being accepted.
The anticipated goal is to complete repairs by the end of 2024.
