Groundwater control (also known as seepage control) is creating barriers in soil, rock, or below-grade structures to restrict water movement. Keller provides the optimal solution to tackle each difficult groundwater control challenge.
What is groundwater control and dewatering?
Groundwater control and dewatering involve managing subsurface water to support excavation, construction, and foundation works. Dewatering systems typically lower groundwater levels, while groundwater control systems limit water inflow without significant drawdown beyond the site. These solutions are used to maintain excavation stability, protect adjacent structures, and create safe working conditions across a wide range of soil and groundwater conditions.
When is groundwater control or dewatering used?
Groundwater control and dewatering systems may be required when:
- Excavations extend below the groundwater table
- Groundwater inflow could compromise excavation stability or safety
- Construction occurs near existing structures or utilities sensitive to drawdown
- Artesian pressures or confined aquifers are present
- Environmental or regulatory constraints limit groundwater lowering
Groundwater control and dewatering are often used alongside environmental remediation or excavation support systems. While groundwater control manages water movement for stability and constructability, environmental remediation addresses contaminant treatment or containment. Keller frequently integrates these solutions to manage both groundwater behavior and environmental risk.
Groundwater control and dewatering methods
Groundwater control and dewatering methods are selected based on soil permeability, excavation depth, groundwater conditions, and site constraints. Dewatering systems remove groundwater from permeable soils using extraction methods, while groundwater control systems reduce or limit inflow through physical cutoff or seepage control. Systems may be implemented as standalone solutions or integrated with excavation support, ground improvement, or foundation works to manage risk and maintain constructability.
Why choose Keller for groundwater control and dewatering?
Keller combines groundwater control and dewatering expertise with geotechnical and construction experience to deliver reliable solutions. Our ability to integrate dewatering and groundwater control with earth retention, excavation support, and deep foundations helps manage risk, protect adjacent structures, and support stable, efficient construction.
Common uses
- Enable dry and stable excavations
- Control groundwater inflow during excavation and construction
- Protect adjacent structures and infrastructure from settlement
- Provide seepage cutoff below dams and levees
- Prevent migration of contaminants
- Seal concrete joints or cracks in below-grade structures
Related projects
Mining
Harte Gold Grout Curtain
Keller installed a rock fissure grout curtain that provided effective seepage control for a tailings dam, enhancing long-term performance at a remote mining site.
Infrastructure
South Brooklyn Marine Terminal
Institutional
South Shore University Hospital
Keller installed two jet grout bottom seals to keep a dry excavation for underground fuel storage tanks and a pump station at Northwell Health’s Bay Shore campus expansion
Sports and entertainment
Atlantic Park – Surf Park
Keller provides dewatering and earth retention solutions at a new wave park, located just two blocks from where the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay converge.
Infrastructure
West Lynn Sewer Separation Phase 3
With the increasing severity of weather events and urbanization leading to higher water flows, sewer system improvements are consistently underway to increase capacity. In West Lynn, the installation of a 54-inch force main was underway when Keller was contacted to formulate a ground improvement solution to allow for the safe installation.
