The changing nature of groundwater control for temporary works

Groundwater control for temporary works uses a range of methods to allow below-ground construction in stable and workably dry conditions. Over the past 30 years this has had to change due to increased environmental regulation of groundwater and shorter programme timescales for deeper and larger projects. This paper discusses how traditional groundwater control strategies are evolving in response to these challenges and the increasing focus on reducing carbon dioxide emissions in construction. Consideration is also given to the range of soil permeability suitable for the application of dewatering techniques, and the related issue of sources of risk and uncertainty in design and procedures for managing these.