Experimental studies on a circular open caisson

The resistance offered by the soil to the cutting edge of a caisson and soil flow around the cutting edge will vary continuously during sinking. In this study, a series of 1g model tests have been carried out to investigate the load–penetration response and the soil flow mechanism in sand around the cutting edge of a circular open caisson. Full- and half-open caisson tests have been conducted considering different tapered angles of the cutting edge. The load–penetration response is investigated using the full-open caisson tests with different (a) tapered angles of the cutting edge, (b) types of penetration and (c) depths of sinking. The soil flow mechanism is investigated using the half-open caisson tests with different (a) tapered angles of the cutting edge, (b) magnitudes of penetration and (c) depths of sinking. The soil flow mechanism is evaluated using image-based deformation measurement techniques. The results of the study presented in the form of load–penetration response and soil flow mechanism are useful in addressing the interaction between the cutting edge of the caisson and soil during the sinking operation.