WELL FOUNDATIONS

TYPES OF CASSIONS :

q Box Caisson
q Open Caisson
q Pneumatic Caisson
 BOX CAISSONS

• Box caissons are watertight boxes that are constructed of heavy

timbers and open at the top. They are generally floated to the
appropriate location and then sunk into place with a masonry pier
within it.
• It is closed at bottom.
• The caisson is cast and cured on land and when required.
• It is launched in water and towed to the site for sinking.
 OPEN CAISSONS

• Open caissons are small cofferdams that are placed and then pumped dry and
filled with concrete. These are generally used in the formation of a pier.
• This type of caisson has the distinction of being employed for the deepest
foundation for, bridge piers, abutments and other similar structures..
 PNEUMATIC CAISSONS

• Pneumatic caissons are large watertight boxes or cylinders that are mainly used
for under water construction.
• This type of caisson is closed at top and open (during construction) at the
bottom.
• The water is excluded from the caisson chamber by means of compressed
air.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Caissons:
Advantages of Caissons:
• Economics
• Minimizes pile cap needs
• Slightly less noise and reduced vibrations
• Easily adaptable to varying site conditions
• High axial and lateral loading capacity
Disadvantages of Caissons:
• Extremely sensitive to construction procedures
• Not good for contaminated sites
• Lack of construction expertise
• Lack of Qualified Inspectors