Creating Safe, Controlled Working Areas In And Around Water

Temporary Dams

Murlac provides temporary dam and water-control systems for construction, maintenance and environmental works within rivers, canals, lakes, ponds and other water assets.

From designed frame-dam installations to water-filled GeoDams, we can coordinate the barrier, pumping, fish management, temporary access and sediment controls required to isolate the working area and support safe project delivery.

Discuss Your Temporary Dam Project

More Than A Temporary Barrier

A temporary dam is only one part of a successful water-control arrangement.

The system must be selected around the water depth, expected flow, bed conditions, working area, access and the consequences of overtopping or movement. Once the barrier is installed, the enclosed water still needs to be removed, incoming flow managed and the working area monitored throughout the project.

Murlac considers the complete temporary works arrangement before installation begins. This may include the dam system, bypass pumping, internal dewatering, fish rescue, floating access, silt management and environmental controls.

By coordinating these elements through one team, the temporary dam can be developed around the actual construction activity rather than treated as a standalone hire item.

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Frame Dams

Frame dams provide a robust modular barrier for temporary water isolation.

A structural frame supports an impermeable membrane, allowing the system to resist the water pressure and create a controlled dry working area.

Murlac supplies frame dams as a designed, installed and managed system. The equipment is not provided for unsupported self-installation because the frame layout, membrane, pumping arrangement and monitoring requirements must remain coordinated.

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GeoDams

GeoDams are flexible water-filled barriers suited to shallow-water and lower-pressure applications.

The empty units are positioned along the proposed alignment and filled with water, using their own mass to create the temporary barrier.

They can provide a rapid and practical option where the available footprint is suitable and a structural frame dam is unnecessary. Their working height is typically around 75% of the nominal diameter.

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Pumping & Bypass Systems

Temporary dams often need a pumping arrangement to manage the water during installation and throughout the works.

Murlac can provide bypass pumps, seepage pumps, hoses, pipework, manifolds and monitoring as part of the complete system.

The pumping duty is developed around the expected flow, lift, pipeline distance and required operating period.

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Fish Rescue & Management

Where a working area is being isolated or dewatered, fish and other aquatic life may need to be removed before water levels fall.

Murlac can coordinate fish rescue, relocation, exclusion and welfare measures with suitably qualified specialists.

The operation is planned around the dam installation and drawdown sequence so that fish management and the main construction works remain aligned.

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Floating Pontoons & Access

Some temporary dam projects require safe access over water or unstable ground.

Murlac can provide modular floating pontoons, walkways and work platforms for operatives, pumps, tools and inspection activities.

The pontoon arrangement can be incorporated into the wider temporary works plan, including bank access, anchoring and edge protection.

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Silt & Sediment Management

Installation, drawdown and construction can disturb accumulated sediment and affect water quality.

Murlac can provide floating silt curtains, sediment-control mats, filter bags, settlement systems and water-treatment measures where required.

These controls are selected around the working method, flow route and sensitivity of the receiving water.

View Sediment Control

Frame Dams

GeoDams

Pumping & Bypass Systems

Fish Rescue & Management

Floating Pontoons & Access

Silt & Sediment Management

WHERE TEMPORARY DAMS ARE USED

Water Control For Construction, Maintenance And Environmental Works

Murlac temporary dam systems can be used across a wide range of land and water projects where a controlled working area is required.

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Bridges & Culverts

Isolation of foundations, headwalls, aprons and channels for repair, inspection or replacement works.

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Rivers & Canals

Temporary water control for bank works, channel maintenance, scour repairs and in-water construction.

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Lakes & Ponds

Localised isolation around banks, outfalls, structures and estate water assets.

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Utilities & Pipelines

Controlled access for service crossings, chambers, intake structures and drainage assets.

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Flood & Drainage Infrastructure

Temporary barriers for sluices, outfalls, headwalls, channels and flood-management assets.

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Habitat & Fish-Pass Works

Water control during environmental improvements, fish-pass construction and habitat restoration.

OUR WATER-CONTROL APPROACH

The System Must Match The Site

Temporary dams should be selected around site conditions, not size alone. Water depth, bed profile, flow, access and duration all affect the final system.

GeoDams suit simpler, short-term works, while frame dams provide greater control for deeper water, longer projects or higher-risk sites.

Pumping, seepage and ongoing inspection must also be considered.

Water Depth
Depth and freeboard determine the dam size and type.
BED TYPE
Bed conditions affect stability, sealing and protection.
Site Space
Available space influences the most suitable system.
Water Flow
Higher flows may require bypassing or extra pumping.
Risk Level
Leakage, movement and overtopping risks shape selection.
Project Duration
Longer works may need additional monitoring and maintenance.

Frame Dams

STRUCTURAL TEMPORARY WATER CONTROL

Murlac Frame Dams use a modular support structure and reinforced membrane to create a robust temporary water barrier.

The system is developed around the specific channel, water depth and working area. Where required, temporary works design considers the expected loads, frame configuration, installation sequence and operating limits.

Frame dams are supplied as a complete Murlac-installed service. We do not offer equipment-only hire because the frames, membrane, pumping arrangement, design assumptions and monitoring requirements form one interdependent temporary works system.

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GeoDams - Flexible Water-Filled Barriers

GeoDams provide a flexible method of creating a temporary water barrier without extensive steelwork or permanent civil construction.

The empty geotextile units are positioned along the required alignment and filled with water. As they fill, the units spread across the bed and use the contained water as ballast.

GeoDams are generally suited to shallower water and lower differential pressure than frame dams. Their practical operating height is approximately 75% of the nominal diameter, and sufficient footprint and freeboard must be allowed.

They can be supplied for suitable contractor installation or installed by Murlac as part of a complete water-management package.

Explore GeoDams
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Installed Frame Dam Service
Frame-dam systems supplied, installed and managed by Murlac.
15+ YEARS EXPERIENCE
A proven track record in land and water management solutions
Environmental Capability
Fish rescue, ecology and sediment controls coordinated with the works.
Nationwide Delivery
Temporary water-control systems installed across the UK.

Need To Create A Safe Working Area In Water?

DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT

Send us the site location, approximate water depth, required working area, expected flow and any available drawings or photographs.

Murlac can review the project and advise on frame dams, GeoDams, pumping, fish rescue, floating access and sediment-control requirements.

Speak To Our Temporary Works Team