UCON Structures LLP was entrusted with the design and construction of a diaphragm wall as part of the foundational system for the prestigious ITC Welcome Hotel in Puri, Odisha. The 600mm thick diaphragm wall was designed to support deep excavation up to 6.5 meters, ensuring soil stability, water control, and long-term performance in a coastal zone with high groundwater levels.
The project scope included geotechnical assessment, trenching, grabbing, reinforcement cage placement, and concrete casting—executed under close coordination with ITC’s site engineers. Due to the sensitive nature of the soil and groundwater conditions, every activity required careful planning, monitoring, and quality control.
Site Challenges at Puri – ITC Welcome Hotel Project
Despite its premium location, the site posed several geotechnical and construction-related challenges:
1. High Groundwater Table in Coastal Region
The proximity to the coastline meant that the water table was very close to ground level. Trenching without slurry support could lead to collapse and instability. A slurry circulation system had to be used throughout.
2. Loose to Medium Sandy Soils
The native soil was sandy and lacked cohesion. This increased the risk of trench wall failures during excavation, requiring strict control over trenching depth and slurry levels to maintain stability.
3. Need for Precision Due to Basement Design
The diaphragm wall was designed as part of the permanent basement wall system. This required extremely accurate layout, verticality, and construction tolerances to integrate with future hotel infrastructure.
4. Fast-Paced Execution with Client Oversight
All structural reinforcement cages had to be inspected and approved by the client’s engineering team (ITC Limited) prior to concreting. This added a layer of coordination to maintain project speed while meeting approval milestones.
Key Construction Methods and Approaches
Tailored Wall Design for Coastal Ground Conditions
A 600mm diaphragm wall was constructed to provide both lateral support and water cut-off during and after basement excavation. Depth and cage reinforcement were planned based on excavation levels and hydrostatic pressure due to groundwater.
Slurry Trench Method with Grab Excavation
Hydraulic grabs were used for trenching in sequence. Bentonite slurry was circulated to stabilize the trench walls during excavation. The slurry also served to counter groundwater ingress and preserve trench shape.
Reinforcement Cage Checking and Placement
Rebar cages were fabricated as per design specifications and presented for inspection and clearance by ITC engineers. Only after approval were they lifted and carefully lowered into the trench using cranes with guide frames for alignment.
Controlled Concreting Using Tremie Method
Concrete was poured via tremie pipes, displacing slurry gradually and preventing segregation. Each panel pour was controlled for volume, pressure head, and mix consistency to achieve uniform bonding between panels.
Step-Wise Execution Sequence at Puri Site
Site Preparation and Circulation System Installation
- Slurry tanks, pipelines, and desanding units were installed.
- The ground was leveled, and trench alignment was marked.
Guide Wall Construction
- Reinforced concrete guide walls were built to control verticality during grabbing.
- These helped in maintaining exact trench width and panel positioning.
Grabbing Operations with Slurry Support
- Trench panels were excavated using hydraulic grabs.
- Simultaneous slurry pumping was done to support trench sides.
- Verticality and depth were checked throughout.
Cage Inspection and Lifting
- Cages were checked for bar arrangement and tie adequacy.
- ITC Limited’s engineers conducted checks before placement.
- Approved cages were lifted and centered into the trench.
General Concreting of Panels
- Concrete was poured using tremie pipes without interruption.
- Slurry was displaced as concrete filled the panel bottom-up.
- Each pour was monitored for quantity and fluidity to ensure proper compaction.
The successful completion of the diaphragm wall at ITC Welcome Hotel has laid a strong foundation for the premium coastal hospitality project. Designed to endure groundwater pressure and support deep excavation, the wall plays a dual role as a retaining structure and a water cut-off barrier.
This project highlights UCON Structures LLP’s expertise in executing diaphragm wall systems for high-value infrastructure with site-sensitive challenges. Their ability to manage soil behavior, control groundwater, and execute under client oversight showcases the company’s technical strength and commitment to project delivery.
For more details;
UCON PT Structural System Private Limited
No 45, 5th street, Padmanaba Nagar, Adyar, Chennai 600020.
Phone: +91-44 244 68 001/2/3
Email: info@uconpt.com
Website: www.uconpt.com
