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HomeTechniquesRetaining-wallsOther retaining structuresCut-off wall

Cut-off wall

A cement-bentonite wall is a cast-in-situ water retaining screen, made up of a purpose-designed low-permeability material such as a cement-bentonite mixture. Driving sections such as sheet piles can be installed within the cut-off wall to reinforce the latter and assure structural stability.

Construction sequence

Fields of application

• Confine and enclose contaminated areas such as waste dumps or landfills to prevent the spread of contamination through horizontal groundwater flows.

• Drawdown or groundwater lowering to minimize water inflow or prevent undercurrent (i.e. determine quantities and zone of influence) into major infrastructural works, such as aqueducts, quay walls and access to tunnels.

Environmental impact

• Vibration-free installation

• Low noise pollution

• Removal of soil and disposal of bentonite

• The water table must be located at least 2 m below the working level

• A wide working platform for the bentonite production process and a designated storage space of a minimum of 300 m² are required.

• Workspace surface: minimal 15 m from the axis of the wall and 2 m in front of the wall

• A stable, dry and flat work platform is necessary.

Technical specifications