Model Tests on Stability of Interlocking L-Shaped Caisson Quay Wall on Sand

Abstract

An interlocking L-shaped caisson (ILC) quay wall was proposed to improve the integrity of the caisson units by modifying the cross-sectional of the conventional L-shaped caisson (CLC) with two walls at its edge, shaped like a half hexagonal prism. A series of model tests were constructed to investigate the lateral stabilities of the proposed ILC quay wall by comparing with those of the CLC quay wall. Compared to the CLC quay wall, it was found that the critical bearing capacities of the ILC quay wall pinned by concrete blocks increased by 13% under strip load. The ILC quay wall demonstrates better structural integrity and load-bearing capacity. The plane strain method used in CLC quay wall design under concentrated loads overestimates the critical bearing capacity of the quay wall by approximately 47%. The lateral earth pressure on the caisson sidewall calculated using a modified Beton's method aligns closely with the average measured data. However, it underestimates the estimated value at a depth of 0.6 times the caisson height under concentrated loading.