Falling walls are geotechnical structures used to stabilize land during deep excavation. These walls are designed with the purpose of preventing soil slippage, guaranteeing the safety of workers and the stability of nearby buildings. In the context of civil engineering, drop walls are primarily used in urban and infrastructure projects that require deep excavations in unstable terrain or in built-up areas with space restrictions.
The use of descending walls allows the execution of underground works, such as basements and tunnels, without compromising the safety of the surrounding structures. In addition, they adapt to different geotechnical conditions, making them versatile in terrain that presents special challenges, such as rocky or wet soils. These walls provide an efficient solution for projects that require deep excavations.
Falling walls are applied in large-scale projects where deep excavation is necessary, such as high-rise buildings, underground stations and other urban projects that require high precision in soil containment.
When Are Falling Walls Used?
Common Situations Where Falling Walls Are Used
Falling walls are used in a variety of situations involving deep excavations, especially in unstable or complex terrain. Some of the most common situations in which these walls are used include:
-
Deep Excavations in Unstable Grounds: When it is necessary to excavate deeply into soils that do not offer sufficient stability on their own, falling walls provide a structural barrier to prevent landslides or collapses. These walls act as temporary or permanent support to stabilize the ground while the work is carried out.
-
Urban Areas with Nearby Structures: In urban environments, where spaces are limited and nearby buildings must be protected, descending walls allow deep excavations to be carried out without compromising the safety of neighboring structures. This type of wall is ideal when proximity to other buildings makes excavation a technical challenge.
-
Presence of Soils with Complex Characteristics: In rocky or humid terrain, where the ground has complex geotechnical characteristics, descending walls offer an effective solution to contain the ground and prevent it from sliding. These soils can be difficult to work, but drop walls are designed to adapt to ground conditions, providing additional stability.
Types of Descending Walls
Conventional Falling Walls
The conventional descending walls They are retaining structures that are mainly used in deep excavations. These walls are built with materials such as concrete or steel and are anchored to the ground to provide stability to the excavation. He anchoring to the ground It is essential to ensure that the wall can resist the pressure exerted by the surrounding terrain, avoiding slipping or collapse. These walls are typically used in projects where the geotechnical conditions of the ground are relatively stable, and the depth of the excavation does not present extreme challenges.
Descending Walls with Anchorage and Shotcrete
The descending walls with anchor and shotcrete They are a more advanced variant, which uses passive or active anchors to provide greater stability. In this case, an anchoring system is installed that can be composed of cables or rods that are inserted into the ground and fixed with shotcrete. He shotcrete It is projected at high pressure onto the surface of the ground, creating a layer of reinforcement that increases the resistance of the structure. This technique is especially useful in soils with high permeability or in areas where higher pressure from the surrounding soils is expected. Active anchors provide additional reinforcement by applying controlled tension to the anchor rods, increasing the strength of the wall.
Descending Walls Adapted to Rocky Terrain
When the terrain has rocky characteristics, the descending walls must adapt to meet the challenges of excavation. The rock can emerge at different depths, which complicates the construction process and can hinder the stability of the wall. In these cases, they use concrete panels along with alternative anchors that allow a more precise adjustment to variations in the terrain. Concrete panels provide a solid and flexible structure that adapts to the irregularities of rocky terrain. Additionally, alternative anchors allow adjustments to be made during installation to ensure the wall remains stable over time.
Descending Wall Construction Process
Initial Phases
The process of building a descending wall starts with a terrain study phase, which is essential to determine the specific geotechnical conditions of the area where it will be built. This study includes analysis of soil stability, depth of excavation, and characteristics of the surrounding terrain. The results of this study will guide the design of the wall, ensuring that it is adequate to withstand the pressures of the ground.
Once you have the information about the land, you proceed with the wall design, considering the most appropriate type of anchor and the excavation sequence. Planning is crucial as it ensures the wall is built efficiently and safely. In complex terrain, such as those with rock formations, it is necessary to make adjustments to the design, incorporating techniques that allow for more effective installation in difficult conditions.
Example of process with rocky terrain: In rocky terrain, the construction process may include drilling to install anchors deeper. These anchors must adapt to variations in the terrain, and it is common to use concrete panels reinforced to stabilize the most critical areas.
Construction of the Descending Wall
The construction of the descending wall It involves several stages of technical execution. First, the installation of flashing anchors on the ground. These anchors are critical to providing initial stability as they temporarily anchor the structure while the excavation is completed.
The Excavation is carried out at intervals of between 2.5 and 3 meters, allowing excavation in progressive stages. This process helps control ground pressure and facilitates the installation of anchoring systems.
Finally, apply the progressive anchoring system, which involves continually installing anchors as you dig deeper. This system allows the wall to descend in a controlled manner, ensuring that it remains stable throughout the construction process.
This sequential and progressive approach is essential to ensure safety in the construction of descending walls in complicated terrain, such as those containing rock formations or unstable soils.
Examples of Where Falling Walls Can Be Used
Excavations for High Rise Buildings
In high-rise or multi-story building construction projects, deep excavation is required to install basements or foundations. The descending walls They are ideal in these cases, as they allow deep excavations to be carried out without compromising the safety of surrounding structures. Additionally, in urban areas with high building density, falling walls prevent water infiltration and stabilize the ground during construction. This type of work often requires the use of special foundations to ensure that the wall can resist the building loads and ground pressures.
Underground Public Transport Stations
The descending walls They are used in the construction of subway stations, trains or underground transportation systems. These projects require very deep excavations, and the use of drop walls ensures that excavations are carried out safely, even in difficult terrain or near other infrastructure. Anchors and the use of shotcrete allow the wall to maintain its stability, protecting both the construction site and nearby structures. In these cases, it is essential to have special foundations that guarantee the safety and resistance of the underground station, especially in high traffic areas.
Infrastructure Works in Urban Areas with Limited Space
In densely populated urban areas, where excavations must be carried out near existing buildings, falling walls are the most effective option. These walls allow underground construction to be carried out without affecting nearby buildings. They are common in the development of commercial subways, shopping centers the parking spaces in narrow terrain, where excavation must be carried out in a controlled manner. Additionally, the implementation of drop walls in these areas often requires an in-depth analysis of the slope stability, especially if the excavations are located near natural slopes or slopes.
Projects on Unstable or Rocky Terrain
When working on terrain with complex characteristics, such as rocky or wet soils, descending walls They offer an efficient solution to stabilize the excavation. These walls are used in projects such as tunnel construction, underground dams the foundations in rocky terrain. Alternative anchors and reinforced concrete panels allow the walls to adapt to ground conditions and provide the necessary safety during excavation. In these projects, it is essential to carry out detailed geotechnical studies to ensure both the resistance of the walls and the slope stability on rocky or unstable terrain.
Protection Projects in Landslide Risk Areas
In areas prone to landslides, such as mountainous or steep slope areas, descending walls They can be used as containment systems to prevent soil movement. These walls help stabilize slopes and protect both nearby structures and people living in affected areas. They are also used to prevent the collapse of roads, railways and other infrastructure on unstable terrain. In these cases, the slope stability It is key to ensuring that descending walls are effective in protecting against landslides and other geotechnical risks. Furthermore, the implementation of special foundations It is essential to ensure that the wall remains firm and secure in challenging ground conditions.
Benefits of Descending Walls
Efficiency in Urban Spaces
The construction of descending walls is an excellent solution for projects in urban areas with limited space. This technique allows deep excavations and the creation of underground structures without compromising nearby buildings, making it an ideal option for commercial, residential projects or infrastructure in densely populated areas. When using descending walls, the use of land is optimized without having to carry out extensive excavations, which improves the efficiency of projects and reduces construction times.
How can we help you?
In Megaprojects, we have the experience and knowledge necessary to implement descending walls in any type of urban terrain. Our team will take care of each phase of the project, from design to execution, ensuring that you make the most of the available space.le and that your project is carried out safely and efficiently. Thanks to our solutions special foundations, we can adapt the descending walls to the specific needs of your work.
Risk Minimization
One of the main benefits of drop walls is the reduction of risks associated with deep excavations. These walls act as a retaining barrier, minimizing the probability of landslides, collapses or ground movements during construction. This feature is especially valuable in projects carried out on unstable terrain or near landslide-prone areas.
How can we help you?
In Megaprojects, we specialize in slope stability and in the implementation of containment systems that guarantee safety in complicated terrain. By choosing us, you not only benefit from an effective solution for your project, but you also eliminate the risks inherent in deep excavations. Our experts in special foundations They are trained to design and execute projects that minimize any type of geotechnical risk.
Adaptability
Falling walls are extremely versatile, allowing their application in a wide variety of terrains, including rocky, wet or unstable soils. This adaptability makes them an ideal choice for projects on sites with complex geotechnical conditions, such as mountainous terrain or densely developed urban areas. In addition, they can be used with additional techniques such as the use of anchors and shotcrete to ensure the stability and durability of the structure.
Our team at Megaprojects It has the ability to adapt the descending walls to the particular conditions of your terrain. From rocky terrain to areas with unstable soils, we design tailored solutions that ensure the stability of your project. With our innovative methods and cutting-edge technologies, we provide you with a customized and efficient solution for every geotechnical challenge you face.
The descending walls They offer a series of key advantages, such as efficiency in urban spaces, minimization of risks during excavation and their adaptability to various terrains. By opting for this technique, you ensure that your project is executed safely and efficiently, making the most of the available space and minimizing possible geotechnical complications.
In Megaprojects, we are experts in the implementation of descending walls and in the creation of special foundations that adapt to the most challenging conditions. We take care of the entire process, from planning and design to final execution, ensuring that your project meets the highest safety and quality standards.
Contact us today for more details on how we can help you implement this technique on your specific project. We are here to offer you the most effective and safe solutions in civil engineering and geotechnics.
Contact information:
-
Address: Av. 4, 165, Prados del Sol, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
-
WhatsApp: Write to us at +52 55 7423 3635
-
Telephone: Dial +52 662 937 083
-
LinkedIn: Follow our page at LinkedIn to learn more about our projects and news.
Your project is in good hands with Megaproyectos. Contact us and make it happen!
Our Portfolio
Featured Projects
Discover some of the most iconic projects we have collaborated on, demonstrating our ability to face challenges and exceed expectations.
Our Clients
Successful Collaborations
.png)
.png)