Vertical Capacity of Caisson Foundations In Calcareous Sediments

Abstract

This paper addresses the performance of caisson foundations in normally consolidated calcareous silt subjected to vertical loading. Results are presented from extensive centrifuge testing of a model caisson foundation, with particular focus on (a) the bearing capacity of caisson foundations compared to existing theory; (b) a comparison between drained and undrained bearing capacity; (c) the response to tensile loading; and (d) the effect of applying preload on the observed bearing capacity.