ABSTRACT
In civil engineering as well as and in environmental geotechnics underground water retaining barriers are frequently applied. Especially in densily populated areas the need for underground structures is strongly rising. This results in more application of underground water retaining barriers. During civil engineering projects water barriers such as sheet piles are necessary to be able to work under dry conditions and to prevent large quantities of extracted groundwater. For environmental purposes water retaining barriers are designed to prevent migration of (toxic) contaminants. Examples are underground barriers underneath waste disposal sites, chemical industry plants and gasoline stations.
