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Quick Summary

A box caisson is a watertight structure used in underwater construction. It is typically a heavy-timber box, open at the top and closed at the bottom.12

Construction Process

  1. Construction: The box caisson is usually built on land.2
  2. Launching and Floating: Once constructed, it is launched and floated to its intended position.2
  3. Sinking: It is then sunk by filling it with material, such as masonry, within its structure. This process is often aided by preparing the foundation area beforehand through dredging.12
  4. Placement: The caisson settles onto the prepared foundation, with its upper edge remaining above the water level.2

Purpose

Box caissons serve as a permanent shell for various marine structures, including piers, seawalls, breakwaters, and jetties.2

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