Staying Dry—Design and Construction of Marine Cofferdams

Collins Speaker Series

Construction and Repairs to Structures located over or in water frequently require the installation of cofferdams to allow access for construction. Their design is only marginally addressed in typical specifications, and each structure must conform to its unique site conditions and constraints. Designs must account for construction variations in loading, both for installation and removal, as well as changes in water levels and currents.

Michael Garlich has over 40 years of engineering design, instruction, and manual development experience throughout the country. He holds a BSCE and MSCE in Structures from Purdue University and is a Licensed Structural Engineer in Illinois. He has taught Structure courses for universities and the FHWA National Highway Institute. He currently serves as a Senior Vice President at Collins Engineers, Inc.