Foundation / Large-diameter shaft
Caisson
/ˈkeɪ.sɒn/noun
From French caisson, “large box” or “chest.”
Definition
A watertight chamber or large drilled shaft sunk into the ground or water and filled with concrete to form a deep foundation pier.
Fig. 46 — Caisson: schematic studyNOT TO SCALE
Illustrative study — Caisson · AI-generatedSAMPLE IMAGE
Photo study — Caisson · AI-generated00:06
Structural & construction notes
Caissons support heavy concentrated loads such as bridge piers and tower cores. Construction must manage groundwater, base cleaning, and inspection of the bearing stratum.
Frequently Asked Questions
An educational reference. Project-specific design requires professional guidance.