- Diaphragm Wall is generally reinforced concrete wall constructed in the ground using Under slurry technique which was developed in Europe.
- The technique involves excavating a narrow trench that is kept full of an engineered fluid of slurry.
- Walls of thickness between 300 and 1200 mm can be formed in this way up to a depths of 45 meters.
Diaphragm Wall Application
- Commonly used in congested areas.
- Can be installed in close proximity to existing structure.
- Practically suited for deep basements.
- Used in conjunction with “Top Down” construction technique.
Positive Facades of Diaphragm Wall
- Can be installed to considerable depth.
- Formation of walls with substantial thickness.
- Flexible system in plan layout.
- Easily incorporated into permanent works.
- Designable to carry vertical loads.
- Construction time of basement can be lowered considerably.
- Economic and positive solution for large deep basement in saturated and unstable soil profiles.
- Can be used for seepage control in dams.
- Noise levels limited to engine noise only.
- No vibration during installation.
Negative Facades of Diaphragm Wall
- Not economical for small, shallow basements.
Category of Diaphragm wall
- In Situ Cement Bentonite Vertical Wall.
- In Situ RCC Vertical Wall.
- Precast RCC Vertical Wall
- In Situ Cement Bentonite Vertical Wall
- Provides water tight barrier.
- Used to prevent seepage/water loss from natural reservoir and dams.
- In Situ RCC Vertical Wall
- Underground structural element like Metro Railway Projects, basements.
- Used for retention systems and permanent foundation walls.
- Deep groundwater barriers.
- Trenching Equipment’s
- Hydraulic Grab.
- Kelly-mounted or Cable-hung cam buckets.
- Mechanical Grab.