Applications of Diaphragm Walls for Underground and Marine Structures—A Review

A long-lasting reinforced concrete diaphragm wall is constructed in the ground to support large-scale construction projects including dams, tunnel designs, deep basements, and enclosures. They function as a foundation, retaining wall, support for the underground construction, a way to prevent access to enable deep excavation. Diaphragm walls are frequently employed to support very deep excavations because since they can resist high stresses. They are suitable in urban areas with vast and older infrastructure, where they help to reduce disturbance to existing nearby structures. They also find vast application in marine structures and also when other earth retention system cannot be used due to geology of the area and presence of groundwater. Diaphragm walls also find its use in deep foundation pits in tunneling work in soft ground. It is advantageous compared to other retaining systems because of its large depth, lower ground settlements, ease in combining top-down and traditional construction techniques and for controlling movement of adjoining structures. In the present study, a detailed review of case studies of application of diaphragm walls in marine conditions as well as for underground structures like metros is done. Also, in the present study, comparison of construction of diaphragm walls including behavior during berthing and seismic conditions is analyzed.