Abstract: This paper presents a supporting system design method for the manually excavation caissons. The earth pressure distributions in the manually excavated caissons are analyzed and the supporting reinforced concrete thickness can be estimated. The reinforcement bar design example was provide in the paper by using an excavation project in Shenzhen. Triangular lateral earth pressure distribution can be found up to five meters below the ground. After this depth, a constant lateral earth pressure can be assumed. The reinforcement table for various caisson diameters is also provided in the paper. Further, due to the arch effect of the caisson, these parameters are conservative and could adjusted to smaller values.\=

Key words: Manually Excavated Caisson, Earth Pressures, Caisson Supporting System, Reinforcement Bars