Abstract: The centrifugal model tests were used to study mechanical property of cellular diaphragm wall in the clay and in the sand.The strains of the walls,the displacements of the walls and soil pressures were measured in the model tests.The results showed that soil pressure,bending moment and displacement of walls in the sand were greater than in the clay.The displacement model of cellular diaphragm wall was overall forward.The soil pressure in the inner was larger than the outer in the same section.It was reasonable to make front wall thicker than back wall due to the greater bending moment of front wall.Compared with in the sand,the maximum moment for front and back wall increased nearly three times in the clay.