Diaphragm Wall Construction Methodology

A diaphragm wall is constructed using a narrow trench excavated in ground and supported by an engineered fluid (typically a bentonite mud) until the mud is replaced by the permanent material. Generally diaphragm walls are made from reinforced concrete, though unreinforced walls can also be used. Diaphragm walls are often used in congested areas or where the excavation depth is very deep which would otherwise require excavation of much greater soil volumes to provide stable battered slopes. They are well suited for deep basements, underground rail stations, rail car unloaders, tunnel approaches, pumping stations and such like.