A MODEL STUDY TO PROPOSE CYLINDRICAL CAISSON AS COASTAL DEFENCE STRUCTURE

In this study, lateral load tests were conducted at various cyclic load ratios of 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9. Cyclic load ratios are expressed with respect to ultimate lateral load, which is obtained from the lateral static load test. As e/D changes from 0.5 to 2.0, the reduction in the lateral load is found to be about 50%, for a given set of values of undrained strength and embedment depth ratios. The lateral cyclic loading results for all the test conditions showed an increase in trend in the ground level deflection up to about 900 cycles. From these results, it is noticed that the deflections mobilised at the load corresponding to cyclic lateral load ratio (CLR) = 0.6 are so small and these are hardly 1 to 2% of the diameter, D of the caisson. Considering, suitable load eccentricity and embedment depth, a cylindrical caisson can be proposed for coastal protection works.