Connection of panels is an important aspect of the design of panel-assembly harbor caissons. PC cables are exclusively installed in the joints and the details concerning the connection such as groove shape, interval etc. should be carefully designed as simple as possible. The strength and aperture of the connecting parts were studied. The quantity of PC installed and the locations of the joints were set so that fully compressive force acts at the connection The mechanical properties of the joint under various limit states have been confirmed by loading tests.
During the application of this technique to a prototype caisson, possible measure was taken to improve panel manufacturing and assembly precision and it was confirmed that the manufacturing precision of this technique is equal to or superior to that of conventional caissons. Panel manufacturing, panel assembly, and grout injection times were also measured to evaluate the effect of this technique on reduction of construction time.
