ABSTRACT
This paper describes the principal features of a recently developed unmanned excavation system (UES) for pneumatic (compressed air) caissons. Traditional hand-mined caissons became extremely expensive in comparison with alternative construction techniques, so mechanical excavators were developed (caisson shovels) which, although removing the need for hand mining, still required their operators to work in compressed air. The UES is a further development in which the operator is in an atmospheric capsule. It combines the benefit of mechanical excavation but without the time constraints or potential hazards of men having to work in compressed air.
