Jumbo Bags: Great for Building Cofferdams

Updated: 1-17-2025

Bulk Bags (also known as Jumbo Bags) aren’t just for transporting materials anymore—they’re now a game-changer for water control and emergency water control. These durable woven polypropylene bags are great for building cofferdams, which are watertight barriers that let you pump out water and work in dryer conditions. While sandbags are still common, Jumbo Bags (FIBCs) are faster and more efficient.

Let's examine why Jumbo Bags are great for cofferdams, how to build one, and how temporary cofferdams can be used. To subscribe for updates, fill out the form on the right.

Why Jumbo Bags Are Great for Building Cofferdams

When constructing a temporary cofferdam, Jumbo Bags are unmatched in versatility and ease of use. These FIBCs offer several advantages over traditional methods like sandbag cofferdams, including:

• Quick Setup and Removal - They Can be deployed and removed efficiently, saving you valuable time during emergency situations or construction projects.
• Customizable - Jumbo Bags come in various sizes, making them a great fit for all kinds of cofferdam designs—even in tricky or complex environments. Click here for support to find the bag right for you.
• Adaptability- From uneven riverbeds to challenging terrain, jumbo bags are designed to tackle tough conditions easily and reliably.

By combining Jumbo Bags with polyethylene tarps and fillers, such as clean gravel or sand, you can create a highly effective temporary barrier. For tighter spaces or small gaps, traditional sandbags can also be added to the design.

How to Build a Cofferdam

Constructing a cofferdam with Jumbo Bags is straightforward with the right materials. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Assess the Site - Identify the area for the cofferdam and evaluate the water depth, riverbed condition, and flow rate. This will help you determine the required size and configuration.
2. Prepare the Supplies - Gather bulk bags, polyethylene tarps, and filler materials like sand or gravel. Ensure each bag is filled to roughly 95% capacity for maximum stability.
   1. For more tips on filling a bulk bag, see the "The 7 Critical Points for Filling and Emptying a Bulk Bag" blog.
3. Lay the Base- Begin by placing a layer of tarps over the ground. This prevents seepage between the bags and adds an extra layer of waterproofing.
4. Position the Bags - Arrange Jumbo Bags along the perimeter of the area. For tight corners or small gaps, use sandbags alongside to ensure all areas are sealed.
5. Secure the Structure - Add additional layers of bags as needed to reach the desired height. Ensure each layer is aligned and compacted.
6. Pump Out the Water- After sealing the walls, use pumps to remove water from the interior, leaving a dry workspace.

With this method, you'll create an effective and temporary cofferdam suitable for various projects.

Uses for Temporary Cofferdams

Temporary cofferdams are not just exclusive to construction—they have a range of applications across industries. Some common uses are:

• Bridges and Dams - Ensures a dry environment for structural repairs or inspection tasks.
• Boat Ramp Construction - Keep water out of the building area when placing concrete or repairing boat ramps.
• Canals - Use them to isolate canal sections for maintenance, cleaning, or upgrades.
• Construction Sites- Essential for bridge foundations, pilings, and other underwater construction projects.
• Emergency Water Control - From natural disasters to unexpected infrastructure damage, cofferdams provide fast water diversion and protection.
• Flooding Prevention - Whether you're dealing with property or infrastructure, they provide reliable water control during floods.
• Pipelines - Offers a controlled environment for installing or repairing underwater pipelines.
• Shoreline Restoration - Establish dry conditions for adding riprap, repairing erosion, or stabilizing shorelines.

Temporary cofferdams are a practical solution for all kinds of water-related projects and are essential when working near or in water.

Looking for Bulk Bags and/or Sandbags to Build a Cofferdam?

To build a cofferdam with Jumbo Bags, you need premium-quality materials that perform reliably under pressure. National Bulk Bag offers a wide selection of ready-to-ship products:

• White Sandbags: 14” x 26” High UV Empty White Sandbags with Ties
• Burlap Sandbags: 14” x 26” Burlap Sandbags
• Orange Sandbags: 14” x 26” High UV Empty Orange Sandbags with Ties
• Orange Barrier Sandbags: 18” x 27” High UV Empty Orange Sandbags with Ties
• Gold Sandbags: 14” x 26” Heavy-Weight High UV Gold Sandbags
• Gold Barrier Sandbags: 17” x 29” Heavy-Weight High UV Gold Sandbags
• Bulk Bags: 35 x 35 x 35 3,000 LB. Bag with Coating.

You can find these products through National Bulk Bag and our sister company, Sandbag Express, for simple online ordering. For expert recommendations, call 1.888.237.4224 or click here live to chat with a jumbo bag expert for your cofferdam needs.

Closing Thoughts

Jumbo Bags provide an innovative, effective solution for building cofferdams. Their versatility and adaptability mean you’re ready to handle various scenarios, from construction needs to emergency water control. Whether it’s your first time or you’re an experienced pro, Jumbo Bags simplifies the cofferdam-building process. Click here to start your project today!

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Safety and reliability are the number one priority. Each bag has a safe working load (SWL), with the most common being 2,200 lbs and 3,000 lbs. To make sure the product you’re packing will not exceed the SWL of the bag you’re interested in, you’ll need to know the bulk density of the product you’re packing and the cubic foot capacity of the bag.

Click the link below to download our Product Weight Guide and FIBC Volume Calculator, which can help you determine how much weight a specific bag can hold.