COFFERDAM

A temporary watertight enclosure that is pumped dry to expose the bottom of a body of water so that construction, as of piers, a dam, and bridge footings, may be undertaken. Also, a watertight chamber attached to the side of a ship to facilitate repairs below the water line. A Diversion Cofferdam prevents all downstream flow by diverting the flow of a river into a pipe, channel, or tunnel. Also see Dam, Caisson and Camel.