Installation of caisson in non-uniform clay interbedded with a sand layer

Abstract

Accurately predict the resistance of caisson penetrating in stratified soil deposits is an engineering challenge for application of such foundation system. This paper performs large deformation finite element analysis to investigate the penetration behavior of caisson foundations in non-uniform clay interbedded with a sand layer. The numerical model is validated by comparing with previously testing data, in which good agreement is obtained. Parametric study is then conducted to examine potential influencing factors, including the penetration depth, the top clay layer thickness, clay properties, and the thickness of the second sand layer. It is found that the soil failure mechanism and corres..