BS EN 1538:2010+A1:2015

This European Standard establishes general principles for the execution of diaphragm walls as either retaining walls or cut-off walls. NOTE1 This standard covers only structures constructed in a trench excavated with a support fluid or in dry conditions, where soil is removed and replaced by concrete or slurry and with wall thickness B≥40cm. NOTE2 Diaphragm walls can be permanent or temporary structures. NOTE3 The following types of structure are considered: retaining walls: usually constructed to support the sides of an excavation in the ground. They include: cast in situ concrete diaphragm walls; precast concrete diaphragm walls; reinforced slurry walls; cut-off walls: usually constructed to prevent migration of groundwater, clear or polluted, or of other contaminants present in the ground. They include: slurry walls (possibly with membranes or sheet piles); plastic concrete walls. NOTE4 Walls formed shallow vertical trenches (typically excavations with a ratio of depth over thickness D/ B