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The vertical–horizontal curtain system (VH curtain) is sometimes utilized in foundation pit dewatering under complex hydrogeological conditions. However, the working mechanism of this system when the horizontal curtain is semi-permeable and cannot completely cut off the bottom aquifer remains unknown. A transparent soil physical model test was performed to reveal the water control mechanism of the VH curtain system with a semi-permeable horizontal curtain. A multi-point inert tracer with a high-speed camera was used to photograph the seepage process. The seepage mode was revealed via a model test. With the Shanghai deep tunnel project as background, a numerical simulation was performed to understand the utilization of the VH curtain. The influence of horizontal curtain position, horizontal curtain thickness, horizontal curtain hydraulic conductivity, and VH curtain combination form on the seepage path around the foundation pit and on the drawdown of water level inside and outside the pit were studied. Results provide a basis for the engineering application of the VH curtain pumping well system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]