GROUND WATER LOWERING - CUT-OFFS

Solution 3 Solution 4
Embedment of the wall in clay Short wall and grouted mat

Embedding the wall into clay will help to reduce the
pumping rate since clay is far less permeable than sand.
This solution should only be used if there is no aquaclude at
a reasonable depth.
In this configuration the head loss is concentrated across
the height of the grout raft due to its low permeability.
The uplift force exerted on the underside of the raft is
counterbalanced by the weight of the ground above.
A safety factor of 1.05 is required.
The hydraulic gradient across the grouted raft is generally
limited to between 3 and 5, depending on the nature of the
ground and the type of grouting employed.

2.4.2. Excavation in rock-like conditions

Solution 1 Solution 2
Pumping only Pumping + grouted cut-off

This solution presents a risk of high inflow if wash-out of
the fissures occurs in the fractured rock.
This is the most usual solution:
- The lateral flow has been addressed; but the rate of
flow from the base remains uncertain.
- The ground around the retaining wall embedment is pro-
tected, hence reducing the risk of wash-out of the fissures.

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