HIPL X Knowledge Studio – Summer Training program on Diaphragm Retaining Walls

All tall and lasting structures around the world have one thing in common, and that is a “strong base”. Heritage Infraspace Private Ltd (HIPL), as the pioneer of ground engineering solutions and having worked with leading metro construction companies in India, believes so more than anything. Especially when it comes to constructing a sturdy, durable diaphragm retaining wall, and building a strong foundation for young engineering minds.

One such instance was the Summer Training Program 2022 on Diaphragm Walls in partnership with Knowledge Studio in Ahmedabad. Knowledge studio hosted civil engineering students, industry professionals and construction entrepreneurs cum developers for 3 days of interactive sessions with HIPL’s engineers about Diaphragm wall construction and the various nuances of deep basement anchoring projects.

Read ahead to know all about this HIPL Summer Training Program 2022.

The Program Brief: A tale of sharing excellence and experience

Knowledge Studio by Neha Consultants in Ahmedabad joined hands with HIPL to hold a one-of-a-kind workshop aimed at bridging the knowledge and experience gap between students and the industry.

It was an open session held on 20th June 2022 and covered various segments of diaphragm wall construction in detail.

The program would also help popularise the field of diaphragm wall construction for deep basements in civil engineering and building construction companies.

The event was held from 20th to 22nd June 2022, which included 1 day of classroom sessions, and 2 days of active site visits with experts.

Mr. Pranil Chakraborty, the General Manager of HIPL conducted the sessions on Day 1, and discussed topics like diaphragm retaining wall, anchoring, the process, the importance of soil testing, and top-down construction.

50 people signed up for this 3 days training program which majorly consisted of civil engineering students from universities in Ahmedabad.

The audience consisted of industry professionals and associates from various building construction companies wanting to learn about the subject matter of ground engineering solutions for deep foundation projects.

For the remaining two days, team HIPL took the participants for on-site practical sessions about diaphragm wall construction and multi-basement anchoring respectively.

Mr Imran Mondal and Mr Gaurav Patel from HIPL educated the students about the practical implications of diaphragm walls, the equipment and machinery involved, and the whole construction process.

On the third day, Mr Neel Shah familiarised the attendees with multi-level anchoring for deep basement projects.

As a trusted diaphragm wall construction partner to major metro construction companies in India, HIPL keeps to the standard of safety on every project. The same was extended when students and other attendees visited HIPL’s construction site.

The Partners for the Training Program on Diaphragm Retaining Walls:

This summer program was a collaborative effort of Knowledge Studio by Neha Consultants and HIPL.

Neha Consultants is an architectural and real estate construction consultancy based out of Ahmedabad, founded by Mr. Nitesh Shah.

They have consulted and assisted major real estate developers all over the country, and have completed over 2000 projects in the past 3 decades.

Knowledge Studio by Neha Consultants is an initiative to provide students and interested individuals with an opportunity to learn and interact with industry experts, gain practical insights and expand the horizon of learning.

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Bentonite to Polymer Slurry, the Sustainable Route to Building Reinforced Concrete Diaphragm Walls

Bentonite has been a crucial construction element in building reinforced concrete diaphragm walls for deep basement structures. But over the years, civil construction companies have started using polymer in their excavation fluids and slurry.

Read on to understand the importance of both the materials in constructing concrete diaphragm walls, the differences between them, and how polymer is growing as a more sustainable option in excavation activity while bentonite remains the foolproof back plan for civil engineers.

What are Bentonite and Polymer Slurries?

Bentonite clay is formed by the alteration and weathering of volcanic ash and is abundant in the clay mineral montmorillonite, which swells when mixed with water and possesses exchangeable irons on the surface that produce thixotropic suspensions. Typically mined in Rajasthan India, it is extensively used in diaphragm wall construction as an excavation fluid. Bentonite clay (in powder form) is combined with water in a colloidal mixer where the clay particles bond with one another to form a gel-like texture.

The mixing process continues till the standard quality is achieved for the slurry.

Polymer slurry is prepared with the combination of water and hydrophilic superabsorbent polymers like polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, or carboxymethylcellulose to form a thick, viscous mix. These water-soluble polymers have been used to stabilise deep excavations for reinforced concrete diaphragm wall trenches. When compared with conventional bentonite slurries,this engineered fluid is known to offer a variety of advantages including smaller site footprint and lesser environmental impact.

How is a bentonite slurry or polymer slurry prepared?

The slurry is prepared with the aim of attaining maximum hydration of bentonite clay or polymers. Hence, it must be slowly added into the mixing water to ensure all particles are irrigated and do not get lumped. Potable fresh water should be used in the mixing process to obtain the best results. Alongside this a chemical analysis, as listed out by the Indian Standard Code of Practice for Construction of Diaphragm Wall, must be conducted to ascertain the suitability of water. If needed, chemical treatment is given to the water before its usage.

The preparation of the slurry is done either in batches or in a continuous process, depending on the type of equipment used. The components are added in a high shear mixer through a simple venturi-hopper. To assure the dispersion of all the individual particles in the mixing water, the mixing equipment must generate sufficient shear. Once prepared, it is moved to storage tanks, and from there they are supplied to the excavation point, to be filled into the cavity of the soil. This entire process, including the testing is done on-site by the civil construction company assigned to build the diaphragm wall.

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Shaligram Group X HIPL – A Modern Residential Structure in Ahmedabad

Heritage Infraspace Pvt Limited (HIPL) is known in the infrastructure industry as the best diaphragm wall construction service provider for deep basements in India. As pioneers of the deep basement diaphragm walls, HIPL has worked on several residential and commercial projects collaborating with prominent names from the real estate industry. One such residential complex project is the Super Shaligram under Shaligram Group in Gurgaon.

Here’s a deep-dive into the observations made, challenges faced, and solutions provided during the construction phase of this project.

The client – Shaligram Group

Shaligram Group is an Ahmedabad-based construction company specialising in residential and commercial property construction. Shaligram Group joined hands with Heritage Infraspace Private Limited for this particular project since they have the experience of building many modern high rise residential projects, while HIPL is the pioneer in providing the best diaphragm wall construction service in the country.

Projects awarded to HIPL for Super Shaligram

The Shaligram group wanted only the top diaphragm wall construction contractors in India to work on this project, as it is considered to be one of the marquee projects in their portfolio. This project began in August 2022 and HIPL was assigned to build an 18.5 metres deep diaphragm wall for the 3- basement project named Super Shaligram. HIPL also did 2 levels of anchoring alongside the diaphragm wall construction.

(Note: This is an ongoing project, HIPL plans to complete it by mid-November 2022)

Challenges in this project

This project was located in the Gota area of Ahmedabad, which has a lot of trees and vegetation in and around the main streets and lanes.

During the excavation for the deep basement diaphragm wall, a few previously built structures in and around the plot had to be broken down.

The plot of land chosen for construction was earlier used as a recreational ground where a lot of outdoor events were held. As these events usually set up temporary tents and stages, the top strata of the soil had become very soft.

Another major challenge was that this project was green lit when the monsoon season was in full swing. This is a problem that causes concerns for all diaphragm wall construction contractors in India.

As the excavation for panelling began, a water bore pipeline was discovered inside. And it was informed that this line cannot be removed or moved away.

There was another ongoing project happening at the next plot and additional care had to be taken so as to ensure no damage to their part of the plot occurs due to the excavation.

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