What are the functions of Diaphragm Walls?

The functions of diaphragm walls are as follows:

(i) It is designed to retain soils during the construction of underground structures.

(ii) It helps to control the movement of ground during construction.

(iii) It is intended to take up high vertical loads from above ground structures during construction (e.g. top-down approach). In addition, during the servicing of the completed structures, the diaphragm walls, internal piles and basement raft act together as a single unit to perform as piled raft.