Groundwater Lowering in Construction: The Essential Guide

Groundwater lowering is the process of removing water from the ground to allow construction work to be carried out in dry conditions. It is a critical aspect of many construction projects, including:

• Excavations
• Foundations
• Drainage
• Tunneling
• Utilities installation

Groundwater lowering can be a complex and challenging process, but it is essential to ensure the safety and success of construction projects. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of groundwater lowering, including:

Groundwater Lowering in Construction: A Practical Guide to Dewatering (Applied Geotechnics)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	339795 KB
Print length	:	956 pages

FREE

• The basics of groundwater
• The different methods of groundwater lowering
• The factors to consider when choosing a groundwater lowering method
• The design and implementation of groundwater lowering systems
• The monitoring and maintenance of groundwater lowering systems

The Basics of Groundwater

Groundwater is water that is found beneath the Earth's surface. It is stored in the pores and cracks of rocks and soil. The amount of groundwater in an area depends on a number of factors, including:

• The amount of rainfall
• The type of soil and rock
• The topography of the land

Groundwater is an important resource for drinking water, irrigation, and industrial purposes. It can also be a hazard to construction projects, as it can cause flooding and damage to foundations.

The Different Methods of Groundwater Lowering

There are a number of different methods that can be used to lower groundwater levels for construction projects. The most common methods include:

• Wellpoints
• Deep wells
• Ejector wells
• Vacuum wells
• Freeze walls

The choice of groundwater lowering method depends on a number of factors, including:

• The depth of the excavation
• The permeability of the soil
• The amount of groundwater that needs to be removed
• The budget for the project

The Design and Implementation of Groundwater Lowering Systems

The design and implementation of groundwater lowering systems is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. The following steps are typically involved:

1. Conduct a site investigation to determine the depth and permeability of the soil.
2. Choose a groundwater lowering method based on the site investigation results.
3. Design the groundwater lowering system, including the number and location of wells, the pumping rate, and the duration of the dewatering operation.
4. Install the groundwater lowering system.
5. Monitor the groundwater levels during the dewatering operation.
6. Make adjustments to the groundwater lowering system as needed.

The Monitoring and Maintenance of Groundwater Lowering Systems

It is important to monitor groundwater levels during the dewatering operation to ensure that the system is working properly and that the excavation is being kept dry. The following monitoring activities should be performed:

• Measure the groundwater levels in the wells.
• Inspect the wells for any damage.
• Check the pumps for any problems.

The groundwater lowering system should also be maintained regularly to ensure that it is operating at peak efficiency. The following maintenance activities should be performed:

• Clean the wells.
• Service the pumps.
• Repair any damage to the system.

Groundwater lowering is a critical aspect of many construction projects. By understanding the basics of groundwater, the different methods of groundwater lowering, and the design and implementation of groundwater lowering systems, you can ensure the safety and success of your construction projects.

This guide has provided you with a comprehensive overview of groundwater lowering. For more information, please consult the following resources:

• The National Ground Water Association (NGWA)
• The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
• The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Groundwater Lowering in Construction: A Practical Guide to Dewatering (Applied Geotechnics)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	339795 KB
Print length	:	956 pages

FREE