The Wellpoint System is one of the most versatile of pre-drainage methods which can pump a

few gallons per minute in fine sandy silts or many thousands of gallons per minute in coarse
sands and gravels.
A wellpoint system consists of a number of wellpoints spaced along a trench or around an excavation
site, all connected to a common header, which is attached to one or more wellpoint pumps.
Wellpoint systems are most suitable in shallow aquifers where the water level needs to be lowered
no more than 15 or 20 feet. Due to the vacuum limitation of the pump, excavations that are deeper
will require multiple stages of wellpoint systems.
When designing a wellpoint system, it is necessary to give first consideration to the physical
conditions of the site to be dewatered.
Things to consider include:

The physical layout

Adjacent areas

Soil conditions

Permeability

The amount of water to be pumped

Depth to imperviousness

Stratification

To select the proper components of the wellpoint system - the friction losses developed in the suction
side system must be considered.
On construction projects, requirements vary drastically from one job to another. Whatever your job
requirements, Griffin has the equipment available to meet your needs.

Groundwater Modeling System

Griffin utilizes a GMS (Groundwater Modeling System) to analyze the project and design the
groundwater control system. This is especially true in cases where the analytical method applications
are limited due to different reason such as underground condition and site topography.
Examples of Numerical Analysis using GMS:

Total head contour from SEEP2D for a dam structure with relief well. Case study in Fort Worth, TX.

Case study in Fort Worth, TX: 3D view of a Dam structure and downstream terrain, using GMS.

SEEP 2D
Griffin uses two dimensional seepage analysis in order to calculate the flow lines, constant head
lines and water table for specific projects like dam seepage and cutoff wall dewatering.

Cross section of Dewatering system design inside shoring walls, using SEEP2D. Case study in Palm
Desert, CA.

MODFLOW
Using MODFLOW helps analyze the 3D models for the dewatering system. The cone of depression
resulting from dewatering can be simulated and shown in 3D view. The flowrate required for
drawdown at each jobsite can be estimated for each well location.

Equipotential lines illustration for a Dewatering system inside shoring walls, using MODFLOW.

Dewatering depression cone (3D view) and radius

of influence around the jobsite from MODFLOW.

Deep well system design in combination with Cutoff walls to control the groundwater . Case study:
Polk county, Iowa.

MODFLOW Transient Model

The drawdown at any time of dewatering can be estimated using MODFLOW transient model. This
also provides the initial to steady state flow rate of dewatering which is helpful to predict the Pumps
horse power, discharge pipe size and treatment system capacity requirement at the discharge point.

Water table contour on Day 7th of dewatering, using a MODFLOW transient model. Case study in
Independence, MO.

Radius of influence from a dewatering system, using MODFLOW Steady state. Case study in NY.

Site Investigation
Site Investigation for Construction Below the Water Table is important in dewatering design. Griffin
engineers review the geotechnical reports and available boreholes in order to find out more about
the site aquifer and soil stratigraphy. This helps us gain a better understanding of the soil profile at
the jobsite. Then, using that information in the model analysis, we use soil and borehole modules
from GMS.

Soil stratigraphy, using GMS Borehole Module, based on the available borehole data. Case study:
Ammonia Plant in Louisiana.

Soil stratigraphy, using GMS Borehole Module, based on the available borehole data. Case study:
Treatment Facility in Norfolk, VA.