Caisson – Drilled Shaft

A caisson, sometimes called a drilled shaft, is a medium to large diameter reinforced concrete element drilled to a bearing stratum. The drilling operation often requires a temporary casing and some designs require a permanent casing to remain in place. Caissons are usually drilled to a better bearing stratum, often bedrock is targeted. Caissons can achieve high axial, tension and lateral load capacities based on their design and which bearing stratum is targeted.

Secant Wall

Secant walls are a type of Support of Excavation (SOE) system constructed using overlapping reinforced concrete drilled shafts to form a continuous structural barrier. This system is commonly employed where groundwater control is critical and where a rigid earth retention solution is required to support high surcharge loads adjacent to the excavation.

Key advantages of secant walls include excellent groundwater cutoff capabilities, superior structural rigidity, adaptability to a wide range of subsurface conditions, and minimal impact on surrounding structures. Because installation involves drilling rather than driven piles, construction generates very little vibration and ground settlement, making secant walls an ideal solution for urban and environmentally sensitive projects.

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