The deformation control criterion in seismic engineering design is a new tendency in recent years; and the reason of the seismic residual deformation of large caisson quays is a complex problem in seaport engineering. The effective stress method is used in the study

in which nonlinear constitutive model of a multiple shear mechanism type is defined in strain space; and the effect of rotation of principal stress axis direction has been considered. By the method

the regularity of the seismic residual deformation of caisson quay wall top is analyzed caused by different influential factors such as the level of seismic wave

blow count of standard penetration test (SPT) and disposal extension of replaced sand under quay wall and backfill sand behind quay wall and width-height ratio

etc. Some conclusions are drawn as follows. The level of seismic wave

blow count of SPT and disposal extension of replaced sand under quay wall and width-height ratio are sensitive factors; and that a rational disposal extension in backfill sand behind quay wall exists. A series of calculation distribution figures in the paper can be applied to initially predict the seismic residual deformation of quay walls for engineering designers.