Abstract: This paper presents the analytical results of the side friction of a deep caisson in Zhuhai soft soils under the service load conditions. The segmental side friction estimation method was proposed based on the characteristics of the side friction distributions. The buoyancy design approaches can be divided into three different methods: No uplift approach; additional dead weight approach and side friction approach. Among these methods, side friction approach is the most effective one. The project practice indicates that the side friction model proposed in this paper can effectively reduce the side and bottom thickness of the caisson, as well as the additional dead weight.

Key words: Soft Soils, Large Caissons, Side Friction Approach, Buoyancy Design