Standards and rules
Cut-off walls are designed and manufactured in accordance with DIN EN 1538 and the recommendations of the “Construction Pits” Working Group (Empfehlungen des Arbeitskreises “Baugrube”, EAB). Verification of the stability of the open diaphragm is carried out in accordance with DIN 4126.
Production
Cut-off walls are produced along the same lines as diaphragm walls, using the grab method. Guide walls are built along the route where the cut-off wall will stand beforehand to guide the grab.
A cut-off wall compound is used to stabilise the earth walls. This does not have to be replaced in the single-phase system; instead, its high cement content means that it sets in place. Precast concrete elements, HEB profiles and sheet pile profiles are used as structural load-bearing elements.
Cut-off wall thicknesses typically range between 0.45m and 1.0m, with typical depths ranging from 15m to 40m.