Earth Retention

SLURRY WALLS (STRUCTURAL)

Commonly referred to as a diaphragm wall, slurry walls are mechanically excavated and temporarily stabilized with bentonite excavation, then reinforced and tremie poured with concrete, generally built panel by panel. This proven method minimizes settling of adjacent structures and creates strong, watertight walls.

Cut-off Walls

Cut-off slurry walls typically involve the excavation of a narrow trench in the soil, temporarily supported by bentonite. They are often refilled with a combination of soils, bentonite, cement or polymers.

SECANT PILES

Secant piles are drilled shafts, constructed to overlap each other in formation of a wall. The construction sequence involves drilling every other shaft and then, after the concrete has set in, returning to pour the shafts for the secondary piles. Secant piles are used to build cutoff walls for the control of groundwater inflow and to minimize ground movement.

This technique offers a strong solution for difficult ground conditions and lower noise/vibratory impacts. Kiewit’s foundation experts can help deliver flexible secant pile solutions to best align with your project’s needs and schedule.

TANGENT PILES

Tangent pile walls are used to retain lateral loads and may receive a permanent façade to reduce the costs of an additional interior cast wall. The piles do not overlap, but are intended to effectively touch or almost touch.

Other Techniques

• Sheet Piling and Soldier Pile
• Lagging Walls