What is Diaphragm Wall?

  • 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

  1. In Situ Cement Bentonite Vertical Wall.
  2. In Situ RCC Vertical Wall.
  3. 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.