Groundwater control
The ICE manual of geotechnical engineering: Volume II was published by The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in January 2012. It was written by Dr Martin Preene.
In Chapter 80 Groundwater control (pages 1173-1190), the manual defines groundwater control as: “...the range of temporary works techniques used to allow below-ground construction projects to be carried out in dry and stable conditions. Two principal approaches can be used: groundwater control by pumping (also known as construction dewatering), which involves pumping from an array of wells or sumps to lower groundwater levels in the vicinity of an excavation; or groundwater control by exclusion, which relies on low permeability cut-off walls around the excavation to prevent or reduce groundwater inflows."
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Dewatering.
- Groundwater.
- Groundwater control in urban areas.
- Hydrogeological Impact Appraisal HIA.
- Pumps and dewatering equipment.
- Raising awareness of dewatering regulation.
- River engineering.
- Water engineering.
[edit] External resources
- Institution of Civil Engineers, ICE manual of geotechnical engineering: Volume II by Dr Martin Preene (subscription required for full access).
Featured articles and news
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.





















