Pneumatic Sinking 2.0: A World Record Caisson Project by Large Scale Innovations-PPT Presentation

PPT Presentation

Pdf Summary

The presentation describes hyperbaric sinking, a construction method in which a caisson is built at the surface and gradually lowered by excavating soil beneath it. Skirt walls form a pressurized working chamber, allowing excavation below groundwater level. The method has a long history, with projects dating back to the 19th century and applications including bridge piers, tunnels, pumping stations and subway stations.<br /><br />At the new sea lock in IJmuiden, the door chambers for the lock heads were designed and built as hyperbaric caissons. Sinking these large structures within tight limits required careful control of loads and deformation. Uneven weight, varying ground conditions and the caisson’s structural stiffness can cause tilt, bending and torsion. The project used incremental excavation, continuous monitoring of inclination and rotation, and the observational method to manage ground-failure risks.<br /><br />Traditional hyperbaric work is constrained by strict safety limits, restricted communication and limited working hours. “Hyperbaric Sinking 2.0” addresses these challenges through direct communication between workers and operators, remote-controlled excavation, flexible work strategies and continuous monitoring of position and deformation.<br /><br />Caissons can simplify construction, avoid the need for large building pits and dewatering systems, and reduce settlement, leakage, vibration and noise risks. Key considerations include providing space for water and sedimentation reservoirs, separating clay and peat particles, managing stresses during sinking, and installing skirts and filling the working chamber.

Keywords

hyperbaric sinking

caisson construction

IJmuiden sea lock

pressurized working chamber

incremental excavation

groundwater control

structural deformation

observational method

remote-controlled excavation

bridge piers