The interlocking L-shaped caisson

as a new type of caisson structure

exhibits enhanced performance under complex marine loading conditions. This structure shows significant potential for applications in marine infrastructure

including deep-water port terminals

breakwaters

and artificial islands. The feasibility of replacing the conventional L-shaped caisson (CLC) with the proposed interlocking L-shaped caisson (ILC) is investigated through indoor loading model tests. The paper investigated the effects of filling materials

foundation types

and load forms on the stability of caisson docks formed by adjacent ILCs within a hexagonal prism cavity. Compared to CLC quay wall

the ultimate bearing capacity of the ILC quay wall

when pinned by gravel or concrete blocks

increased by 15.5% and 20.1% under strip load. The ILC quay wall with concrete block interlocking reinforcement exhibits superior load-bearing performance. When the sand ground is replaced with a soft soil interlayer ground

the ultimate bearing capacity of the ILC quay wall decreases. The ultimate failure mode of the ILC quay wall shifted from overturning to overall instability failure

with the failure surface changing from arcs and straight lines to multi-segmented lines. When strip loads are replaced by concentrated loads with a smaller range of action

the integrity of the ILC quay wall deteriorates

its ultimate bearing capacity significantly decreases

and the settlement of the backfill soil surface near the caisson increases.