Drilled Caissons 1

[stoneluvr]

I am looking for a quick method for calculating the lateral effect a drilled caisson has on adjacent underground structures (watermains, manholes etc.) The caisson is installed in soil so may not be entirely end bearing.

 

[havesealwilltravel]

There is a program - LPILE1 - which will give the lateral pressures.

Alternately, you can model the stiffness of the pile and provide compression only lateral springs along the length on both sides of the caisson. The stiffness of the springs should be based on subgrade modulus. Apply the loads to the top of the caisson and you should get a reasonable representation of the soil pressure.