4 Underwater Construction Methods That Changed the World We Live In

Structures and roadways under water require a highly specialized type of construction. Deep-sea construction may have a long history, but with the highly innovative techniques of today, some of the most cutting-edge structures are possible.

1. Pneumatic Caissons

These pieces of equipment are submerged onto the floor of the water and work to pump pressurized air from the surface. These structures allow workers to construct at incredible depths under great levels of pressure. This underwater construction technique is used for work on ship repairs, dams, and bridge piers.

2. Immersed-Tube Tunnels

The parts of these tunnels are sunk into their appropriate locations separately, and then put together underneath the water. The pieces are prefabricated and sealed to allow them to float to their proper spot and then be connected. Since they can be assembled together extremely quickly, this underwater construction method has become among the most cost-effective means of creating underwater train rails and highways. Special care is taken with the joints of these tunnels, which require additional waterproofing.

3. Suction Dredgers

These vessels can move material from water utilizing a tube and suction technique. A number of dredging techniques exist, but the most ideal ones are cutter-section dredgers that use cutting equipment at the suction inlet. Other forms of dredges utilize grabbing techniques, while others use dragging methods to move the earth. There are so many uses for this technique, making it among the more innovative.

4. Offshore Oil Drilling

Perhaps the most influential underwater construction method is offshore oil drilling. Drilling can occur at depths as much as 8,000 feet. There are currently 10 types of platform and rig systems in place, which include some that are totally submersible and others that float. Once these systems are in place they can conduct state-of-the-art projects such as 3-D seismic imaging, horizontal drilling, and enhanced oil recovery processes.

Underwater construction is truly an innovative science that can only be conducted by those with extensive training and experience in the industry. At American Underwater Services, we’re fully licensed and certified to perform a variety of commercial underwater and diving services for bodies of water large and small.