Slotted, sealed and narrow walls

Diaphragm walls can be constructed to great depths (100 m) and in nominal thicknesses of 0.45 m to 1.50 m. The methods for constructing diaphragm walls are low-noise and generate only minor vibrations. They are therefore particularly suitable for urban civil engineering. As a low-deformation and "watertight" excavation support, diaphragm walls are constructed directly next to an existing development. In the case of deep excavation pits with nearby buildings and groundwater, the diaphragm wall is often a technically and economically favourable shoring option. It can serve a temporary purpose as a retaining wall or be incorporated into the final structure as a load-bearing element. Diaphragm walls can be anchored and braced. Diaphragm wall elements, like large bored piles, are also used as foundation elements for transferring concentrated construction loads into deeper, load-bearing soil layers. These foundation elements are referred to as "barrettes".