Caisson (engineering)

In <a href="/facts/Geotechnical_engineering/Nw55uq9R">geotechnical engineering</a>, a caisson is a <a href="/facts/Watertight/xAmUoTUG">watertight</a> <a href="/facts/Retaining_structure/BNqSyXeS">retaining structure</a>. It is used, for example, to work on the <a href="/facts/Foundation_(architecture)/ACVkQsDy">foundations</a> of a <a href="/facts/Bridge/vBJ7Hw8v">bridge</a> <a href="/facts/Pier_(architecture)/r75BDQB0">pier</a>, for the construction of a concrete <a href="/facts/Dam/BroJFhEI">dam</a>, or for the repair of <a href="/facts/Ship/418ptx1L">ships</a>.
Caissons are constructed in such a way that the water can be pumped out, keeping the work environment dry. When piers are being built using an open caisson, and it is not practical to reach suitable soil, <a href="/facts/Deep_foundation/nKuDq0EN">friction pilings</a> may be driven to form a suitable sub-foundation. These piles are connected by a foundation pad upon which the column pier is erected.
Caisson engineering has been used since at least the 19th century, with three prominent examples being the <a href="/facts/Royal_Albert_Bridge/WUTv3Wg4">Royal Albert Bridge</a> (completed in 1859), the <a href="/facts/Eads_Bridge/XVWJ0W1y">Eads Bridge</a> (completed in 1874), and the <a href="/facts/Brooklyn_Bridge/gp0U8Pwg">Brooklyn Bridge</a> (completed in 1883).

Caisson (engineering) open-in-new

Caisson (engineering)