Temporary Dams: PortaDam is OnSite’s leading and proprietary temporary dam system. It is one of the safest temporary dam solutions available in the UK and certified by numerous bodies to satisfy Temporary Works Design Certificates (TWDC). This unique solution has been designed, engineered, and tested for the specific purpose of constructing a barrier to hold back water. It creates an effective temporary dam, providing a safe and dry area for maintenance, inspection and civil construction works in waterways, rivers, canals reservoirs and docks. The PortaDam system comprises of welded rectangular steel “A” frames, placed at pre-calculated intervals. A tailored membrane is then suspended from the frames and lies along the “A” frame and the underlying surface to create a hydrostatic seal. Once installed the structure requires no additional bracing or supports. The system is portable and can be deployed in deepwater areas such as a flooded area and on unprepared surfaces making it suitable to be used on nearly any terrain or any landscape. With nearly 50 years’ design and installation experience, Onsite has installed thousands of metres of the PortaDam system throughout the UK. If you have an emergency on a UK waterway, we can be right there with you in just a few hours. PortaDam Key Features A complete temporary dam installation and hire service Standard frame sizes up to 2.5m All elements are man-portable on frames up to 3m Temporary Works Design Certification for both impounded water and dynamic water environments Site-specific Temporary Works Design Certification where required In use since 1973 with tens of kilometres successfully installed Designed to over top and allow flow through to reduce flood risk during high water levels PortaDam Applications/Sectors Rivers, canals, lakes, ponds, tidal estuaries and coastal Isolating bridges and culverts for inspection and maintenance works Bank, wall, towpath works Weirs and fish passes Outfalls and infalls Isolation of water control structures Flume dams (up to 1200mm diameter) Reservoir structures and settling tanks Water diversion channels PortaDam Installation All installations are carried out by OnSite’s experienced and highly trained operatives. Our training and experience is key to providing an effective temporary dam so that you can confidently place your manpower and equipment in a safe dry working area. After initial dewatering, there is a 12-hour stand-down period before an integrity check is carried out and the dam signed off for safe use. PortaDam operatives have a minimum of two years of installation training as well as the following certification as standard: Confined Space working Safe Working in Water Water rescue CSCS cards Ongoing monitoring and assessment. PortaDam Guide Download Bank reinstatement works View Full Gallery Bridge scour protection and repair works View Full Gallery Weir and fish passes View Full Gallery Flume dams View Full Gallery Canals View Full Gallery Infalls and Outfalls View Full Gallery Reservoirs, Lakes and Ponds View Full Gallery Rivers crossings View Full Gallery Channel diversions View Full Gallery Related Case Studies OnSite gets Preston Western Distributor road back on track with PortaDam, despite weather set backs Temporary Dams Temporary Dam Solution for Willen Lake Emergency Works Temporary Dams More Case Studies Share this page: Enquire Now Related Capabilities Inflatable Dams Back to Top Newsletter Sign Up Contact Us +44 (0)1905 340054 Send an enquiry Our locations Company Capabilities About Compliance OnSite Central Ltd: Registered in England No.2712788. Registered Office: South Staffordshire PLC, Green Lane, Walsall, WS2 7PD © OnSite 2021. All rights reserved | Website design by Purpose Media