Remediation of uncontrolled inflows caused by technical failures in deep excavations

Dewatering for water table control may cause undesirable effects on adjacent properties, the site or the environment. Risks include inflows and seepage that could result from the existence of confined aquifers that were deemed unimportant at the project stage. We describe three cases of excavations...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Ferrer Granell, Alejandro J., Cassiraga, Eduardo, Carrera, Jesús
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/398629
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/398629
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/105013975368
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Urban hydrogeology
Dewatering
Drainage
Excavation
Underground construction
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/11
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/9
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/6
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Descripción
Sumario:Dewatering for water table control may cause undesirable effects on adjacent properties, the site or the environment. Risks include inflows and seepage that could result from the existence of confined aquifers that were deemed unimportant at the project stage. We describe three cases of excavations with problems associated with inflows caused by such aquifers and pre-existing unsealed boreholes. In addition, in two of the cases, problems were worsened by the compartmentalization effect caused by internal foundation elements that limit horizontal flow to the extraction wells. For each case, we discuss solution methodologies. These range from pumping the deep aquifer, laying high permeability layers at the excavation bottom, and sealing the abandoned borehole, which we describe in detail. We conclude that, when there is consensus between theoretical knowledge and practical experience, creative solutions can be applied to overcome the situation in a reasonable way, even in unforeseen situations.