State-of-the-art review of composite caisson-pile foundation (CCPF)

• Published in: Applied ocean research 2023-07, Vol.136, p.103571, Article 103571
• Main Authors: KC, Rajan, Sharma, Keshab, Raychowdhury, Prishati, Acharya, Indra Prasad, Burnwal, Monu Lal, Misra, Jibendra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical; CCPF; Composite Caisson-Pile foundation; Experimental; Numerical; Review
• ISSN: 0141-1187; 1879-1549
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apor.2023.103571

•Basic insights into CCPFs and the studies related to bridges supported on CCPFs are provided.•Findings categorized based on the type of loading (static, cyclic, and dynamic), and methodology (experimental, analytical, and numerical) applied to the composite foundation.•Objective is to provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art of CCPFs. Caissons and piles are two primary foundation types for deep-water bridges. Caissons are suitable for long-span bridges, deep alluvial deposits, liquefiable soils, and sufficient vessel collisions, but can be problematic due to sinking issues and inadequate earthquake resistance. Pile foundations are not suitable for deep water because of their extensive length, reduced rigidity, low vessel collision resistance, and difficulties in construction. A solution to the above problem can be a combination of caisson and piles, known as a Composite Caisson-Pile Foundation (CCPF), which considers the advantages of both foundation types, increasing their strengths without their flaws. After the caisson has reached the required depth, piles may be driven into it to construct a CCPF. Existing caisson foundations can be retrofitted using this approach. However, CCPFs have not been extensively employed due to a lack of thorough study on their geotechnical and structural behavior. This article reviews studies on CCPF systems under various loading condition types (static, cyclic, and dynamic) using different research methodologies (experimental, analytical, and numerical). Overall, this article provides basic insights into CCPFs and the studies related to bridges supported on CCPFs. The outcome of this study can benefit the foundation engineering community and provide a collective idea of this newly developed, innovative foundation system.