Cofferdams�Economical Flood Protection

by Raouf R. Farid, (M.ASCE), Proj. Mgr.; Bernard Johnson, Inc., Houston, Tex.,
Edward J. Davis, (M.ASCE), Vice Pres., Civil/Environmental Div.; Bernard Johnson, Inc., Houston, Tex.,


Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1978, Vol. 48, Issue 9, Pg. 67-69


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

Houston Lighting and Power Co. Sam Bertron Generating Station, located on the Houston Ship Channel, had suffered a drop in elevation of 7.5 ft since its construction in 1954. At such a low elevation, critical elements of the plant were exposed to flooding, and the entire facility could be incapacitated. The company asked Bernard Johnson Inc. to design and insure sufficient completion of a flood protection system for the plant by the height of the next hurricane season. Due to the short time available and several unique site requirements, a permanent cofferdam was designed as an integral part of the new system. The dam was designed and built in 11 months. By the time Hurricane Anita threatened the Texas coast in 1977, the plant had an operational protection system and maintained continuous plant operation during the storm.

Subject Headings: Floods | Protective structures | Power plants | Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones | Cofferdams | Storms | Ships

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