This paper proposes a steel pipe sheet pile (SPSP) reinforcement method for existing caisson foundations in water. The technique involves driving SPSPs around the caisson foundation and connecting them to it with reinforcing footing. To support the rational design of reinforcements using this method, the following factors influencing the technique's effectiveness and related mechanical behavior should be considered: (1) the conditions of the caisson/SPSP reinforcement footing connection; (2) the caisson/SPSP flexural rigidity ratio; (3) the distance between the caisson and the SPSP wall; and (4) the pile length. However, as the influence of these factors on the reinforcement effect and mechanical behavior has not yet been clarified, the current method has no standardization for the concept of the load transfer mechanism in reinforced foundation systems, and the ultimate lateral bearing capacity of existing caissons has been largely ignored in previous construction. This paper describes centrifuge model tests and three-dimensional elasto-plastic finite element total stress analysis conducted in relation to real cases in order to identify a more effective and rational reinforcement structure. The static lateral bearing capacity and seismic performance of reinforced foundations were investigated, and the following factors were considered: (1) the conditions of the caisson/SPSP reinforcement footing connection; (2) the caisson/SPSP flexural rigidity ratio; and (3) the pile length. Finally, a structural design flow is proposed based on the experimental and numerical simulation results. A chart to facilitate determination of appropriate reinforcement structures is also presented. (C) 2014 The Japanese Geotechnical Society. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.