What is the purpose of a cutoff wall?

A cutoff wall is primarily designed to prevent the undermining of drainage structures. In construction and civil engineering, these walls act as barriers that mitigate the flow of water, helping to direct it and protect the integrity of drainage systems. The primary function of a cutoff wall is to control water movement and limit erosion around critical structures, which can weaken their foundations and lead to structural failure.

The other options do not align with the primary intent of a cutoff wall. While natural filtration is important in stormwater management systems, a cutoff wall specifically aims at preventing water flow disruptions that could undermine structures, rather than facilitating filtration. Similarly, a cutoff wall is not intended as a decorative feature in landscaping; it serves a functional purpose rather than an aesthetic one. Lastly, while supporting structural integrity is crucial during construction, a cutoff wall relates more directly to managing water and preventing erosion than to directly supporting structures during the construction phase.