References
Lens Canal Embankments
FRANCE, 2007
Vibwall (thin slurry wall) cut-off to reinforce the Lens Canal Embankments.
The works consisted of the construction of a thin slurry wall along a section nearly 2.4km long.
The purpose of these works, carried out for Voies Navigables de France in the communes of Loison-sous-Lens, Noyelles-sous-Lens and Harnes (62), was to:
- stop seepage into the embankments so as to protect them from internal erosion problems and reduce flow into the ground water table of the earth below.
- reinforce the embankments so as to prevent surface landslip. Several points with unusual characteristics on this long section required specific treatment:
- bypassing of potential obstacles and discharge structures using metal sheet-piling,
- restoration and connecting of discharge structures to sheet-piling,
- protection of banks using wattle-work and flat gabions under Noyelles-sous-Lens bridge.
These works were carried out adjacent to the towpaths along the Lens Canal. Access was maintained for cyclists and walkers throughout the project and the towpaths were completely restored when the works were completed. In the same way, the street furniture and trees along the canal were removed and then either put back in place or replaced on an identical basis.
Techniques
Groundwater is one of the most complex issues to be resolved in geotechnics. During the start phase of a project, the proper techniques have to be chosen for building any cut-off walls that might be required, pumping (wells, filter points, etc.) and monitoring (piezometers) resources.
Ouvrages
Voyage au coeur de l'ingénierie de pointe
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