Rubber Dam Construction

A rubber dam mainly consists of civil engineering components, dam bags and anchors, filling and draining (air) facilities, and a control system. During operation, rubber dams must be strictly operated according to the prescribed plan and procedures. It is crucial to ensure that the water (air) pressure inside the dam bag does not exceed the design pressure to prevent the dam bag from bursting. Although rubber dams require less maintenance than conventional steel gates that need regular painting for rust prevention, they still require regular inspections, especially after floods. Checks should be conducted for damage caused by floating debris, punctures to the dam bag, dam vibration, wear between the dam bag and the base plate, and friction and impact from river pebbles. Rubber dam bags are susceptible to damage from sharp and pointed objects; therefore, a management area and safety zone for the rubber dam project should be clearly defined.