Proper Use of the Terms Slurry Wall and Slurry Trench (Part 1)

Confusion exists within our industry surrounding the terms used for structural and non-structural walls constructed using slurry excavation techniques.  It appears the confusion is largely with the environmental professionals using soil bentonite walls constructed using the slurry excavation technique.

Historically, the term “slurry wall” has been used for structural walls constructed using reinforced concrete as the backfill material.  When these walls are design to control groundwater flow they are also referred to as Diaphragm Walls.  Non-structural walls have historically been referred to as slurry trenches.