A series of model tests were conducted in order to observe the failure surface generated around a diaphragm wall embedded in ground with high groundwater table. Images of the soil deformation around the model wall were captured during the test. The configuration of the failure surface in soil around the model wall could be obtained from analyzing the image of the soil deformation. Based on the configuration of the failure surface observed in the model test, an analytical approach was proposed to predict the uplift capacity of a diaphragm wall installed in ground. The analytical approach considers not only the wall properties such as length, thickness and surface roughness of diaphragm walls but also the soil strength properties such as the internal friction angle and the cohesion of soil. The predicted uplift capacity of a diaphragm wall shows a good agreement with the experimental one measured in the model test.