What is a HippoDam?

A HippoDam is a waterdam, or water-filled cofferdam. It is a temporary structure used in civil engineering and construction projects to create a dry work environment in areas where water needs to be removed or diverted. It is also used as a visibly effective and mobile flood barrier.

It is made with a tough geotextile outer layer, encasing a polyethylene inner layer, to give a flexible, inflatable (with water) temporary dam that can be rapidly deployed and filled with water to create a barrier, enclosing a specific area that can be dewatered and defended against water ingress for construction or repair work.

A 25-metre HippoDam deployed in a C-shape (Southend-on-Sea, England)

The key elements of a waterdam, or water-filled cofferdam, are -

  • Tough Geotextile: The outer layer is made of durable, woven geotextile: a synthetic fabric specifically designed for civil engineering applications. Geotextiles are resistant to punctures, tearing, and degradation, making them suitable for use in harsh construction environments.

  • Polyethylene: The inner layer of the cofferdam is made of heavy-duty polyethylene, a flexible and water-resistant plastic material.

How it works:

  1. Deployment: The waterdam is delivered to the temporary work site, typically rolled and palleted. Once on-site, it is unrolled, prepped and positioned in the area where the dewatering and temporary works are required.

  2. Inflation with water: Once in position, the waterdam is inflated with water.

  3. Dewatering: With the waterdam is fully inflated with water, the area within the barrier can be dewatered and defended against water ingress, thus facilitating the intended construction and/or repair work to take place.

  4. As with all temporary works and construction projects, safety procedures and guidelines should be strictly followed and adhered to, particularly with regard to working in and around water.

  5. Completion: After the construction/repair work is finished, the waterdam is deflated, recovered and removed from the temporary work area and can be redeployed/reused.

Please contact us for our current HippoDam Price List and to discuss your temporary dam requirements.

Telephone: +44 1793 251700