Summary
Underwater construction involves building structures, such as bridge piers, beneath the water’s surface. To achieve this, a temporary dam called a cofferdam is built to remove water from the construction area.
Vocabulary Table
| Term | Pronunciation | Definition | Used in sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cofferdam | /ˈkɒfərdæm/ | A temporary enclosure built around a construction area to remove water and allow for dry work. | “The cofferdam was built to enable the construction of the bridge pier in the river.” |
| Sheet Piles | /ʃiːt paɪlz/ | Interlocking steel sheets driven into the soil to form a barrier, such as a cofferdam. | “The sheet piles were driven into the soil to a depth of 20 meters to form the cofferdam.” |
| Geotechnical Study | /ˌdʒiːoʊˈtɛknɪkəl ˈstʌdi/ | An investigation of the soil and rock conditions at a site to determine their properties and behavior. | “A detailed geotechnical study was conducted to determine the soil’s strength and carrying capacity for the bridge pier.” |
| Cone Penetration Test | /koʊn ˌpɛnɪˈtreɪʃən tɛst/ | A test used to measure the strength and properties of soil by pushing a cone-shaped probe into the ground. | “The cone penetration test revealed that the soil was unstable and required additional support.” |
| Bracing Frame | /ˈbreɪsɪŋ freɪm/ | A structural system used to support and stabilize a cofferdam or other enclosure. | “The bracing frame was erected to prevent the cofferdam from collapsing inward due to water pressure.” |
| Concrete Seal Course | /ˈkɒnkriːt siːl kɔːrs/ | A layer of concrete used to seal and protect a structure from water seepage and damage. | “The concrete seal course was constructed to prevent water from entering the bridge pier and to provide a strong footing.” |
| Pile Driving Hammer Machine | /paɪl ˈdraɪvɪŋ ˈhæmər məˈʃiːn/ | A machine used to drive piles, such as guide piles, into the soil to support a structure. | “The pile driving hammer machine was used to erect the guide piles for the cofferdam.” |
| Reinforced Bars | /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːrst bɑːrz/ | Steel bars used to reinforce concrete and provide additional strength to a structure. | “High-quality reinforced bars were used to construct the skeleton of the bridge pier.” |
| Bedrock | /ˈbɛdrɒk/ | Solid, unbroken rock that forms the base of a soil or geological formation. | “The sheet piles were driven until they reached the bedrock to minimize water leakage.” |
| Double-Layered Cofferdam | /ˈdʌbəl-ˈleɪərd ˈkɒfərdæm/ | A cofferdam with two layers of sheet piles, used to resist water leakage and provide additional support. | “A double-layered cofferdam was used to construct the bridge pier in the river to prevent water leakage.” |
Vocabulary Flashcards
Embedded Video:
Fill in the Blanks Exercise
1. A temporary dam called a is built to remove water from the construction area.
2. with interlocking connections are driven into the soil to form the cofferdam.
3. A detailed study is conducted to determine the soil’s strength and carrying capacity.
4. A frame structure is erected to prevent the cofferdam from collapsing inward.
5. The skeleton of the bridge pier is constructed using high-quality bars.
Vocabulary Quiz
Fact or Fiction Quiz
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