Basics of Building Construction

Basics in Building Construction 4(2+2)

Lesson 03 : Deep Foundation

Well Foundations (Or Caissons)

• These are box like structure – circular or rectangular which are sunk from the surface of either land or water to the desired depth.
• They are much large in diameter than the pier foundations (or) drilled caissons.
• Caisson foundations are used for major foundation works such as:
  1. Bridge piers and abutments in rivers, lakes.
  2. Wharves, quay walls, docks.
  3. Break waters and other structures for shore protections.
  4. Large water front structures such as pump houses, subjected to heavy vertical and horizontal loads.
• Well foundations or caissons are hollow from inside, which may be filled with sand and are plugged at the bottom. The load is transferred through the perimeter wall, called steining.
• Well foundations are not used for buildings. These are generally adopted for bridge piers.