Temporary works
Cofferdam design in Quebec, New Brunswick, the N.W.T. and Nunavut
JPC Consultants inc. designs your cofferdam in Quebec City and the surrounding regions, so that work near water can be done in the dry, safely and with a clear work method.
Our approach
A temporary structure that protects the whole site
A cofferdam is a temporary enclosure. It holds back water or saturated soils around a work area. The contractor can then excavate, build or repair a structure in the dry.
JPC Consultants inc. designs cofferdams as part of its civil engineering mandates. We prepare the calculations, the engineering plans and the work method that goes with the structure.
A cofferdam must resist the pressure of water and soil for the full duration of the work. We take into account water levels, soil conditions and the equipment that will move around the site.
Our approach is the same for every mandate. We explain the possible options, their advantages and their limits. We then design the solution best suited to your site.
- Calculations and engineering plans
- Work method included
- Temporary works
- Work near bodies of water
Understanding the structure
What is a cofferdam used for on a job site?
A cofferdam is installed when work must be done below the water level or in waterlogged soil. This is the case, for example, for a culvert or a structure built in a waterway.
The cofferdam isolates the work area. Once the enclosure is closed, the remaining water inside is pumped out. The crew can then work in controlled conditions.
Depending on the site, the structure can be made of steel sheet piles, fill, riprap or a combination of these solutions. The right choice depends on water depth, soils, the duration of the work and site access.
A well-designed cofferdam also protects the environment. It limits the release of sediment into the water during the work. We can include it in an environmental action plan when the site affects a sensitive environment.
What we prepare
Our cofferdam mandate
A cofferdam is often part of a set of temporary works. Here is what our team can take on.
- 01
Structural calculations
Checking the stability of the cofferdam under water and soil pressure.
- 02
Engineering plans
Clear plans for installing and removing the structure.
- 03
Work method
Sequence of operations, from installation to removal of the cofferdam.
- 04
Rock jetty
Temporary access for machinery, for example for a crane to pass.
- 05
Environmental action plan
Prevention measures for work in sensitive environments.
- 06
Traffic control plan
Signage for the work when the site affects a road.
Our process
From site analysis to the structure in place
- 01
Site analysis
Review of water levels, soils, access and environmental constraints.
- 02
Choice of solution
Type of cofferdam based on water depth, soils, duration of the work and cost.
- 03
Design and plans
Calculations, engineering plans and work method for the contractor.
- 04
Construction follow-up
Site inspection and technical answers during the work.
Who we serve
For contractors and project owners
We mainly work with contractors who need to carry out work near water. We also support cities and communities, mining companies and developers.
Do you have another civil engineering structure to design? Contact us. If we cannot do it, we will tell you quickly.
- Contractors
- Cities and communities
- Mining companies
- Developers
- Private projects
Why us
Why choose JPC Consultants inc.
Since JPC Consultants inc. was founded in 2012, the goal has always been the same: keep the same clients and contractors, and make sure they are satisfied.
Fast response
An engineer gets back to you quickly and gives you an opinion from the very first conversation.
Deadlines and fees respected
Documents are delivered within the agreed deadlines and in the required format.
Expertise
In-depth knowledge of our fields of expertise, and we handle all the calculations.
Personalized service
Each mandate is approached according to the project's technical and contractual constraints.
Transparency
If we believe a project is not viable, we tell you.
Recognized suppliers
A wide range of suppliers established in Quebec, to offer you a variety of solutions.
Between Fermont and Gatineau, by way of Nunavut and New Brunswick, JPC Consultants inc. has worked on a great many projects. We are members of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ), of NAPEG for the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, and of AIGNB-APEGNB for New Brunswick.
A cofferdam is a temporary enclosure that holds back water or saturated soils. It allows work to be done in the dry, for example in a waterway or near a body of water.
Yes. We prepare the calculations, the engineering plans and the work method that describes how the structure is installed and removed.
A cofferdam can be made of steel sheet piles, fill, riprap or a combination of these solutions. The choice depends on the site, the soils, the water depth and the duration of the work.
Yes. We also design rock jetties, temporary shoring, trench boxes and traffic control plans.
In Quebec, New Brunswick, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, including projects in remote areas.
Need a cofferdam designed?
For cofferdam design in Quebec City, in the surrounding regions or in remote areas, tell us about your site and your schedule. An engineer will outline the possible options and the information needed for the design.