Cut-off walls - Dams

A Mechanical Barrier to Pollution Migration

Dams are critical infrastructure assets that must remain watertight and structurally stable over decades of service. One of the most significant risks to dam integrity is water seepage through or beneath the foundation. Cut-off walls provide a proven barrier solution to control seepage, prevent piping, and enhance overall dam safety. VSL designs and constructs cut-off walls tailored to each dam’s geological context, whether for new builds or rehabilitation works.

The role of Cut-off walls in dams

Cut-off walls play a key role in dam engineering by forming a mechanical and hydraulic barrier in the foundation. They improve watertightness, stabilise the ground, and strengthen overall dam safety.

A cut-off wall reduces water flow through permeable soils or fractured rock and helps maintain hydraulic stability.

Lower hydraulic gradients within the foundation limit the development of internal erosion and protect dam integrity.

A cut-off wall reinforces existing foundations during rehabilitation works or reservoir-capacity increases where new hydraulic conditions appear.

Improved dam safety in accordance with international dam-engineering standards.

VSL selects diaphragm walls, slurry trenches, or grouted cut-off curtains according to soil conditions, seepage behaviour, and construction constraints.

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Our Design & Build Capabilities

VSL provides complete cut-off wall solutions tailored to each dam’s geological and hydraulic conditions. Our services cover investigation, design, execution, and quality control to ensure safe and durable performance.

Feasibility and Geotechnical Assessment

Design and Material Engineering

Construction and Execution

Quality Control and Validation

Why Choose VSL for Deck Construction?

Concrete dam structure retaining a reservoir in a mountainous landscape

  • Specialized experience

    In hydraulic structures and critical dam infrastructure

  • Integrated capabilities

    Combining civil, geotechnical, and structural design

  • Adaptable technologies

    Selected for variable foundation conditions and tight construction windows

  • Global presence, local know-how

    Track record on multi-stage dam safety programs

FAQs about Cut-off walls

These are some of the most common questions we receive. Got another one? Reach out to us!

Yes. VSL specializes in retrofit techniques and phased execution that minimize disruption to dam operations and reservoir levels.

Through permeability testing, trench stability monitoring, and continuous verticality control during execution.

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Looking to improve your dam’s safety and hydraulic performance with a reliable cut-off wall solution?

Contact VSL and speak with our specialists about the support we can provide for your project.