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

This chapter provides a thorough review of the applications of diaphragm walls in underground and marine structures, highlighting their construction methods, design considerations, and real-world case studies. Diaphragm walls, also known as D-walls, are essential for large-scale construction projects such as dams, tunnels, and deep basements, serving as retaining walls, foundations, and supports for underground construction. The chapter delves into the structural stability and watertightness of D-walls, their advantages and disadvantages, and the factors influencing their behavior, such as soil characteristics and structural properties. It also explores the use of advanced tools and techniques for analyzing and designing diaphragm walls, including numerical modeling and finite element methods. The chapter includes case studies from various cities, demonstrating the practical application of D-walls in different soil environments and under seismic conditions. Additionally, it discusses the design considerations for D-walls, emphasizing the importance of earth pressure loading, hydrostatic and surcharge loads, and the need for both plastic analysis and design. The chapter concludes by highlighting the significant impact of soil conditions and the groundwater table on the behavior of diaphragm walls, making it a valuable resource for professionals seeking to understand and apply these critical engineering structures.