Sand bags are simply bulk bags loaded with sand. They are a flexible and affordable way to manage water and prevent flooding. Although frequently used for emergency flood barriers, they also provide a useful and reasonably priced method of building temporary coffer dams, especially on South African farms or smallholdings.
Coffer dams are temporary enclosures constructed inside or next to a body of water. Their main objective is to redirect water away from a particular region to provide a dry working environment. This makes it possible to carry out various maintenance and construction jobs effectively and safely. Coffer dams are commonly used for:
- Water pump repair – Creating a dry area where submersible or intake pumps may be accessed and fixed.
- Building boat ramps – Forming a dry, sturdy base on which to build boat ramps into a body of water.
- Bridge foundations – Clears water to allow contractors to lay the foundations for bridges.
- Pipeline installation – Making it possible for underwater pipelines to be installed safely and effectively.
- Repairing dam walls – Allowing workers to maintain, repair, and inspect dam walls of farms.
Custom Bulk Bags is a leading manufacturer and supplier of bulk bags in South Africa. We produce up to 3.5 million units per year, and our products can safely hold between 500kg and two tonnes of material per bag. We offer various customisable bulk bags, including sand bags, for water management.
Advantages of sand bags for coffer dams
There are three main benefits to building coffer dams with bulk bags loaded with sand:
- Quick construction and removal – With little specialised equipment, sand bag coffer dams can be constructed fast and effectively. After the job is finished, they are very easy to remove and disassemble.
- Customisability and adaptability – Coffer dams of different sizes and forms can be made with bulk bags because of their adaptability. They readily adapt to the natural curves of the terrain, so they are well-suited for constructing strong, stable base structures in uneven areas, such as riverbeds.
- Economical – Sand bags are a reasonably priced alternative to more complex coffer dam construction techniques, which makes them perfect for farms and smallholdings with limited funds.
How to use sand bags to build a coffer dam
Start by examining the site. Give the area where the coffer dam is to be built careful consideration. Find the water depth or the dam wall’s necessary height. This will help you determine how many sand bags you will need.
Get the supplies ready. Assemble the tarps, shovels, sand, and empty bulk bags. Make sure you have enough sand to fill the bags to 95% of their capacity. You can also order sand bags from Custom Bulk Bags, which are pre-loaded with the correct amount of sand for water management.
Next, drape the base with tarps to stop seepage before putting the sand bags on top. This will help create a stronger seal. Carefully position the bulk bags with minimal gaps between them to create watertight joins. Start with the base layer of sand bags and work your way up.
To make a sturdy and robust construction, add stacked layers of sand bags in a brick-like alignment, overlapping the bags in each layer. The coffer dam’s resistance to water pressure is improved by its interlocking arrangement. After the coffer dam is constructed to the correct height, drain the interior of the coffer dam using pumps to create a dry work area.
A reliable water control solution
We offer premium bulk bags that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as water control and flood management. Our robust and adaptable sand bags are commonly used in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape during their rainy seasons. However, these products are a great option for building cost-effective and efficient coffer dams.
Our skilled team can offer guidance and assistance with choosing the best bulk bags for your needs. This includes advice on all optional extras and design elements. We can create affordable solutions for farmers, miners, contractors and anyone else needing sand bags. For more information about our bulk bags or to get advice on the ideal designs, please contact us today.
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Custom Bulk Bags is a leading South African manufacturer of woven polypropylene bags for various industries, such as mining, chemicals and food. We are a Level 2 B-BBEE manufacturer and supplier and fall under the ownership structure of Deneb Investments Limited. For more information on our products, contact sales@custombulkbags.co.za. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for our latest news and industry insights.
