Abstract

Diaphragm walls are underground structural elements commonly used for retention
systems and permanent foundation walls. They can also be used as deep groundwater
barriers. A diaphragm wall is a reinforced concrete wall constructed in the ground using
under slurry techniques.

Highly saturated soils, high groundwater, unstable soils and confined or restricted job
sites are typical of the problems encountered on deep, urban excavation projects. Treating
these problems individually by conventional methods can be prohibitively expensive and
time consuming. Conventional approaches also often involve vibration-intensive
techniques that may create unacceptable risks to adjacent structures. The concrete
diaphragm wall construction method addresses all of these concerns in a single, safe
operation.

Diaphragm walls can be constructed in all types of soil, even below the ground water
table. Walls with widths between 300 and 1500 mm can be formed in this way to depths
in excess of 100 metres.

Concrete diaphragm walls provide effective groundwater control and earth retention.
They can also act as temporary or permanent load bearing support. In many cases, the
technique eliminates the need to underpin adjacent structures. And the virtually vibration-
free operation minimizes the potential for ground movement and its resulting detrimental
settlement.

Concrete diaphragm walls are most cost-effective when they can simultaneously function
as a groundwater cut-off and temporary soil retention system during the excavation phase
of the project, and then as permanent underground walls with load-carrying capabilities
for the finished structure.