Vibrations of Foundations

16.1 INTRODUCTION
16
Foundations that support vibrating equipment experience rigid body displacements. The cyclic
displacement of a foundation can have the six possible modes that follow (see Figure 16.1):
 translation in the vertical direction
 translation in the longitudinal direction
 translation in the lateral direction
 rotation about the vertical axis (yawing)
 rotation about the longitudinal axis (rocking)
 rotation about the lateral axis (pitching)
In this chapter, we will explore the fundamentals of foundation vibration in the various modes
supported on an elastic medium. The elastic medium that supports the foundation is considered
both homogeneous and isotropic. In general, the behavior of soils departs considerably from that
of an elastic material. Only at low strain levels is it considered a reasonable approximation of an
elastic material.

Figure 16.1 Six modes of vibration for a foundation

453
 2 Geotechnical Engineering

16.2 VIBRATION THEORY━GENERAL

In this section, we will discuss the elements of vibration theory. This knowledge is essential to
foundation designs that are subjected to cyclic loading. We will discuss free vibration of a spring-
mass system with and without damping, and extend the discussion to steady-state forced
vibration due to a sinusoidally varying force or rotating mass.

16.2.1 Free Vibration of a Spring-Mass System

Figure 16.2 shows a foundation resting on a spring. Let the spring represent the elastic properties
of the soil. The load W represents the weight of the foundation plus the weight that comes from
zs
the machinery supported by the foundation. Due to the load W, a static deflection will
develop. By definition:

W
k=
zs
(16.1)
where k = spring constant for the elastic support.
If the foundation is disturbed from its static equilibrium position, the system will oscillate.
The equation of motion of the foundation when it has been disturbed through a distance z can be
written from Newton's second law of motion as:

W
( )
g
z̈ +kz= 0
or

( mk ) z=0
z̈ +
(16.2)

Figure 16.2 Free vibration of a spring-mass system

 Vibrations of Foundations 3

where

d2 z
z̈= 2
,
g = the acceleration due to gravity, dt t and m is mass = W/g.
The preceding equation can be solved to obtain the frequency of vibration (that is, the number of
cycles per unit time) as:
ωn 1 k
f =f n =
2π
=
2π m √ (16.3)

where

f = frequency of oscillation (cps)

fn
= undamped natural frequency (cps) k
ωn
= undamped natural circular frequency (radians/s) = √ m

Under idealized situations, the vibration can continue forever.

Example 16.1: A mass is supported by a spring. The static deflection of a spring z, due to the
mass is 0.4 mm. Determine the natural frequency of vibration.

Solution: From Equation 16.1:

W
k=
zs
2
However, W = mg;g = 9 .81 m/s . Therefore:
mg
k=
zs
1 k 1 mg 1 1 g 1 9 . 81
f n=
√ =
2π m 2π √( =
)
zs m 2 π √ =
zx 2 π
√( 0.4
1000
m
=24. 9 cps
)
16.2.2 Free Vibration with Viscous Damping
In the case of undamped free vibration discussed above, the vibration would continue indefinitely
once the system had been set in motion. However, in practical cases, all vibrations undergo a
gradual decrease in amplitude over time. This characteristic of vibration is referred to as
damping. Figure 16.3 shows a foundation supported by a spring and dashpot. The dashpot
represents
 4 Geotechnical Engineering

Figure 16.3 Free vibration of a spring-mass system with viscous

damping

the damping characteristic of the soil. The dashpot coefficient is equal to c. For free vibration of
the foundation, the differential equation of motion can be given by:
m z̈ +ci +k { ż= 0 ¿ (16.4)
The preceding equation can be solved to show three possible cases of vibration that are functions
of a quantity called the damping ratio D. The damping ratio is defined as:
c
D=
cc
(16.5)
where
cc 2 √ km
= critical damping coefficient =
(16.6)

 If D > 1 , it will be an overdamped case In this case, the system will not oscillate at all.
The variation of displacement z with time will be as shown in Figure 16.4a.
 If D = l, it will be a case of critical damping (see Figure 16.4b), In this case, the sign of
z changes only once.
 If D < 1. it is an underdamped condition. Figure 16.4c shows the nature of vibration
over time for this case. For this condition, the damped natural frequency of vibration f
can be given as:
ωd
f=
2π
(16.7)
where
ωd
= damped natural circular frequency (radians/s)
ω d =¿ωn √1−¿ D2 ¿¿
(16.8)
 Vibrations of Foundations 5

D>1
Over damped system
Displacement z

(a)

Time t
Displacement z

D>1
(b) Critically damped system

Time t

Figure 16.4 Free vibration of a mass-spring-dashpot system: (a) over

damped case; (b) critically damped case; (e) underdamped case

Combining Equations 16.7, 16.8, and 16.3:

ω n √ 1−D 2
f =f m = =¿ f n √ 1−D 2 ¿
2π
(16.9)
fn fm
where and are the undamped and damped natural frequencies.
 6 Geotechnical Engineering

Example 16.2: For a machine foundation, it is given that: W = 70 kN, k = 12,500 kN/m,
and c = 250 kN-s/m. Determine:
a. whether the system is overdamped, underdamped, or critically damped
b. the damped natural frequency
Solution:
a.

W 70
cc =¿2 √ km =¿2 k
√( ) √
g
=¿2 (12,500)
9.81( )
=¿5973 kN-s/m ¿¿¿¿

c 250
D= = =¿0.419 < 1 ¿
cc 597.3 ← The system is underamped.
b. From Equation 16.9:

f m =¿f n √1−D2 =
1
2π
k
(√ )
m
(√ 1−D2 ) = 1
[√ ( ) ]
12,500
2π 70
9.81
[ √ 1−(0. 419)2 ] =¿6.05 cps ¿¿

16.2.3 Steady-State Forced Vibration with Damping

Figure 16.5 shows the case of a foundation resting on a soil that can be approximated to be an
equivalent spring and dashpot. This foundation is being subjected to a sinusoidally varying force
Q= Q 0 sin ωt .
The differential equation of motion for this system can be given by:
m z̈+kz+c ż=Q0 sin ωt (16.10)
where ω = circular frequency of vibration (rad/s).

Figure 16.5 Steady-state forced vibration with damping

 Vibrations of Foundations 7

Equation 16.10 can be solved to obtain the amplitude (i.e., maximum displacement) of
vibration Z of the foundation as:

Q0

Z=
(k)
2

(16.11)
√[ ( )]
ω2
1− 2
ωn
+ 4 D2
ω2
( )
ω 2n

where
ω n =√ k /m is the undamped natural frequency and D is the damping ratio.
Z/(Q 0 /k) ω/ω n
Equation 16.11 is plotted in a nondimensional form as versus in Figure
Z/(Q 0 /k)
16.6. Note that the maximum value of (and hence Z) occurs at:
ω =ω n √1−2 D 2
(16.12)
or
f m =¿f n √1−2D2 ¿
(16.13)
 8 Geotechnical Engineering

Z/(Q 0 /k) ω/ω n

Figure 16.6 Plot of versus

f
where m is the frequency that gives the maximum amplitude (the resonant frequency for
is the natural frequency =( 1/2π ) √ k /m . Note the slight
fn
vibration with damping) and
difference from Equation 16.9. Hence, the amplitude of vibration at resonance can be obtained
by substituting Equation 16. 12 into Equation 16.1 1, which gives:
Q0 1 Q0 1
Z res = = ¿
k √ [1−(1−2 D )] +4 D (1−2 D ) k 2 D √ 1−¿ 2 D2
2 2 2
(16. 14)

Example 16.3 : Refer to Figure 16.5.

Given:
The weight of machine and foundation = 200 kN
4
The spring constant k =18 × 10 kN/m
The damping ratio D = 0.3
Q ( kN )=Q 0 sin ωt
Q0 =60 kN
ω = 130 rad/s
Determine:
a. the amplitude of motion Z
b. the resonant frequency for vibration with damping and the amplitude of vibration at
resonance

Solution:
a. From Equation 16.3:
k 18×10 4 kN/m

From Equation 16.11:

ωn =
√ m
=

√( 200 kN
9 .81 )
Q0
=¿ 93. 96 rad/s ¿

Z=
(k)
2

Hence:
√[ ( )]
ω2
1− 2
ωn
+ 4 D2
ω2
( )
ω 2n

Continues
 Vibrations of Foundations 9

60 1
Z res = × m=¿0.58 mm ¿¿
18×104 2×0.3×√1−¿0.32

16.2.4 Rotating Mass-Type Excitation

In many cases of foundation equipment, vertical foundation vibration is produced by counter-
rotating masses as shown in Figure 16.7a. Since horizontal forces on the foundation at any
instance 2 cancel, the net vibrating force on the foundation can be determined to be equal to
2me eω me
(where = mass of each counter-rotating element, e = eccentricity, and ω =
angular
frequency of the masses). In such cases, the equation of motion with viscous damping (see
Equation 16.10) can be modified to the following form:
m z̈+kz+c ż=Q0 sin ωt
(16.15)
2 2
Q0 =¿2me eω =U ω ¿ (16.16)
 10 Geotechnical Engineering
U =2m e e
(16.
17)
2me ,
In Equation 16.15, m is the mass of the foundation, which includes Solving Equation
16.15, the amplitude of motion becomes:
 Q0 
 
Z  k  (16.18)
2
   2
2  
2

1   2   4 D  2 
  n   n 
 Vibrations of Foundations 11

ω/ ωn
Figure 16.7 (a) rotating mass-type excitation: (b) plot of Z/(U/m) against
ω/ω
n for various values of the
Figure 16.7b shows a nondimensional plot of Z/(U/m) versus
damping ratio. For this type of excitation, the angularωresonant frequency can be obtained as:
n
ω=
√1−2 D2 (16.19)

or fn
f m =¿ damped resonant frequency = ¿
√ 1−2 D 2
(16.20)

The amplitude at damped resonant frequency (similar toUEquation 16.14) can be given as:
m
Z res = ¿
2 D √ 1−¿2 D2 (16.2 1)

16.3 SHEAR MODULUS AND POISSON'S RATIO

For solving practical problems in foundation vibration, relationships for the spring constant k and
dashpot coefficient c are necessary. Those relationships presently available are functions of shear
modulus G and Poisson's ratio v of various soils. In this section, we will discuss some of the
available relationships for shear modulus of sand and clayey soils.

16.3.1 Shear Modulus G for Sand

−4
At low strain amplitudes ( ¿ 10 % ), the shear modulus of sand was correlated by Hardin and
2
Black (1968) as: 6908( 2.17 −e ) ' 0 . 5
G= (σ̄ 0 )
1+e for round-grained soil (16.22)

and
3230 ( 2. 97−e)2
G= (σ̄ '0 )0 .5
1+e for angular-grained soil (16.23)

Where
2
G = shear modulus ( kN/m )
e = void ratio
'
σ̄ 0 = average effective confining pressure ( kN/m 2 )
In the field:
 12 Geotechnical Engineering σ 'v +2 σ 'v (1−¿ sin φ )
σ¯' ≈
0 ¿
3 (16.24)

where
σ 'v = vertical effective stress at a certain point in a soil mass, and
ϕ = drained friction angle.

Example 16.4: For a dry angular-grained sand deposit－

Given:

Dry unit weight d γ =17 .5 kN/m 3

Angle of friction ϕ = 34°
s = 2.67 G
Specific gravity of soil solids
Estimate the shear modulus of the soil at a depth of 7 m from the ground surface.

Solution:
Gs γ w
γd =
1+e
Gs γ w (2.67)( 9.81)
e= −¿1= −¿1≈0.497 ¿¿
γd 17.5
At a depth of 7 m:
'
σ v=(17. 5)(7 )=122.5 kN/m 2
σ 'v +2 σ 'v (1−¿ sin φ ) −¿ sin 30 )
σ¯'0≈ =122 .5+(2 )(122 . 5)(1 =¿ 81 .71m 2 ¿ ¿ ¿
3 3
From Equation 16.23:
2
3230 ( 2. 97−e ) ' 0 .5 3230( 2. 97−0,497 )2
G= (σ̄ 0 ) = (81 .7 )0 .5 ≈¿ 199,273 kN/m 2 ¿
1+e 1+ 0 . 497

16.3.2 Shear Modulus G for Clay

The shear modulus at low strain amplitudes in day soils was proposed by Hardin and Drnevich
(1972) in this form: 2 −¿e )2 K ' 2 0 .5
G(kN /m ) =3230 (2. 97 (OCR) [ σ v (kN /m )] ¿
1+e

where
OCR = overconsolidation ratio
K = a constant, which is a function of plasticity index PI
 Vibrations of Foundations 13

The average effective stress

σ¯'0 was defined by Equation 16.24. The suggested variation of K
with plasticity index PI is given in Table 16.1.

Table 16.1 K versus

plasticity index variation
PI (%) K
0 0
20 0.18
40 0.30
60 0.41
80 0.48
≥100 0.50

16.4 VERTICAL VIBRATION OF FOUNDATIONS━ANALOG

SOLUTION
16.4.1 Constant Force Excitation
Lysmer and Richart (1966) provided an analog solution for the vertical vibration of a rigid
circular foundation. According to this solution, it was proposed that satisfactory results could be
obtained within the range of practical interest by expressing the rigid circular foundation
vibration in the following form (see Figure 16.8):

m z̈ +c z z̈+ k z z=Q0 eiωt (16.26)

 14 Geotechnical Engineering
Figure 16.8 Vertical vibration of a foundation

where
4 Gr 0
k z =¿ static spring constant for rigid circular foundation = ¿¿
1−¿ v (16.27)
2
3 . 4r 0
c z =¿ dashpot coefficient ¿ √ GP ¿ ¿
1−¿ v (16.28)
m = mass of the foundation and the machine the foundation is supporting
r0
= radius of the foundation
v = Poisson's ratio of the soil
G = shear modulus of the soil
ρ = density of the soil
If a foundation is rectangular with a length L and width B, then the equivalent radius of a circular
foundation can be given as:
BL
r0=
√ π (16.29)
f
m (frequency at maximum displacement) for constant force
The resonant frequency
excitation can be obtained by solving Equations 16.26 to 16.28 (similar to solving Equation
16.10). It becomes: 1 G 1 −¿ 0 . 36
fm=
2π ρ r0( )(√ ) ( ) √
Bz
Bz
for B z≥0. 3 ¿
(16.30)

where

B z =¿mass ratio =¿¿¿¿

(16.31)
Az
The amplitude of vibration at resonance for constant force-type excitation can be
determined
Q0
from Equation 16.14 as:
A z( resonance) = ( )
k
¿¿¿
(16.32)
4 Gr0

where
k z = 1−v . The damping ratio ( Dz ) is given by:
 0 . 425
Dz = Vibrations of Foundations 15
√Bz (16.33)

k Dz
Substituting the above relationships for z (Equation 16.27) and (Equation 16.33) into
Equation 16.32 yields: −¿v) Bz
A z( resonance) =Q0 (1 ¿¿
4Gr 0 0.85 √ B z −¿0.18
(16.34)
Q0

16.1 1 as: Az=

kz ( )
The amplitude of vibration at frequencies other than resonance can be obtained using Equation
2

√[ ω2
1− 2
ωn ( )] ( ) +4 D 2z
ω2
ω2n
(16.35)

kz Dz
The relationships for and are given by Equations 16.27 and 16.33, and:
kz
ωn =
√ m (16.36)

Example 16.5: A foundation 6 m-long and 2 m-wide is subjected to a constant force-type

vertical vibration. Given:

The total weight of the machinery and foundation block W = 670 kN

The unit weight of soil γ =18 kN/m 3

v = 0.4
G= 21,000 kN/m2
Q0 =¿7 kN ¿
Amplitude of the vibrating force
Operating frequency f = 180 cpm
Determine:
a. the resonant frequency
b. the amplitude of vibration at resonance

Solution:
a. This is a rectangular foundation, so the equivalent radius (see Equation 16.29) is:
BL (2)(6 )
r0 =
√ √
π
=
π
=¿1.95 m ¿
Continues
 16 Geotechnical Engineering

−¿v) Bz (7)( 1−0.4) 0.753

A z(resonance) =Q0(1
4Gr0 0.85 √Bz−¿0.18
¿ = [ ][ ]
(4)(2 1,000)(1.95) 0.85 √0.753−0.18
=0.00003m=0.03 mm ¿

16.4.2 Rotating Mass Excitation

If a structure is subjected to vertical vibration due to rotating mass excitation as shown in Figure
16.9 (similar to that shown in Figure 16.7a), the corresponding relationships will be as follows:

Resonant frequency:
fm= ( 21π )(√ Gρ ) ( r1 ) √ B −¿0 .09. 45 ¿
0 z

(16.37)
A :
Amplitude of vibration at resonance z
m1e Bz
A z(resonance) = ¿
m 0. 85 √ B z −¿0. 18
(16.38)
 Vibrations of Foundations 17
ml
where = total rotating mass causing excitation, and m = mass of the foundation and the
supporting machine.

Figure 16.9 Foundation vibration (vertical) by a frequency

dependent exciting force

m 1 eresonance:
Amplitude of vibration at frequencies other than ω 2
( )( )
m ωn
Az=
2

√[ ( )]
ω2
1− 2
ωn
+4 D z
2 ω2
( )
ω2n
(16.39)

B z , D z ,and ωn
Note that are defined by Equations 16.31, 16.33, and 16.36 respectively.

16.5 ROCKING VIBRATION OF FOUNDATIONS

16.5.1 Constant Force Excitation
Hall (1967) developed a mass-spring-dashpot model for the rocking vibration of a rig foundation
(Figure 16.10). According to this model:
iωt
I 0 θ̈ +¿c θ θ̇+¿k θ θ=¿ M y e ¿¿¿
(16.40)

where
 18 Geotechnical Engineering
My
= amplitude of the exciting moment
θ = rotation of the vertical axis of the foundation at any time t
I0
= mass moment of inertia about the y axis (i.e.,
2 axis perpendicular to the
W 0 r0 h
2

cross section passing through

O )=
g ( 4
+
3 ) (16.41)

Figure 16.10 Rocking vibration of a foundation

W0¿
weight of the foundation and machine
g= acceleration due to gravity
h= height of the foundation
8 Gr 03
k θ = static spring constant = ¿¿
3 ¿¿ ¿ (16.42)
0.8r 40 √G
c θ =dashpot coefficient= ¿¿
¿¿¿ (16.43)

B θ =¿inertia ratio=3¿¿¿¿¿¿
(16.44)
 Vibrations of Foundations 19
m f ,
Based on the solution of Equation 16.40, the resonant frequency the amplitude of
θ resonance ,
vibration at resonant frequency and the amplitude of vibration at a nonresonant
frequency θ are given by the following relationships: k
f m=
1
( √ )
2π I0
θ
¿¿¿
(16.45)
0. 15
D0 =¿damping ratio = ¿
√ Bθ (1+B θ ) (16.46)

My 1
θ resonance = My ¿
k θ 2 D √ 1−¿D 2
θ=
( ) θ
kθ θ (16.47)

√[ ω2
1− 2
ωn ( )] ( ) + 4 D 2θ
ω2
ω2n
(16.48)

In the case of rectangular foundations, the preceding relationships can be used by determining the
equivalent radius as: 3
BL
r0 =
√
4
3π (16.50)

The definitions of B and L are shown in Figure 16.1 1.

16.5.2 Rotating Mass Excitation

Referring to Figure 16. 12, for rocking vibration with rotating mass excitation, the relationships
f ,θ , and θ are as follows:
for m resonance
kθ
fm=
( √ ) 1
2π
'
I0
¿¿¿
(16.51)
m1 e z 1
θ resonance = ¿
Im0 e2zD √ω
' 2
θ 1−¿ D θ
2

θ=
( )( )
1
I0 ω2n
(16.52)

√[ ω2
1− 2
ωn ( )] ( ) + 4 D 2θ
ω2
ω2n
(16.53)
 20 Geotechnical Engineering

Dθ and ωn
The relationships for are given in Equations 16.46 and 16.49 respectively.

Figure 16.11 Equivalent radius of Rectangular

rigid foundation-rocking
motion

Figure 16.12 Rocking vibration due

to rotating mass excitation
Vibrations of Foundations 21
22 Geotechnical Engineering
0 . 15 0 . 15
D0 = = ¿0 . 099
√ B θ(1+Bθ ) √ 0 .748(1+0 . 748)
Continues

Example 16.6: Continued

 Vibrations of Foundations 23

'
m1 e z 1 0.0304×103
θ resonance =
I 0 2D √1−¿ D2
θ θ
¿ =
( 36.768 × 10
3 ) ¿¿
¿
¿
16.6 SLIDING VIBRATION OF FOUNDATIONS
Hall (1967) developed the mass-spring-dashpot analog for the sliding vibration of a rigid circular
r
foundation (Figure 16.13; radius = 0 ). According to this analog, the equation of motion of the
foundation can be given in the following form:
m ẍ +c x ẋ +k x x =Q0 eiωt (16.54)
 24 Geotechnical Engineering

Figure 16.13 Sliding vibration of a rigid circular foundation

where
m = mass of the foundation
32 ( 1−v ) Gr 30
k x =static spring constant = ¿
7−¿ 8 v (16.55)

c x =¿dashpot coefficient for sliding¿18.4¿¿¿¿¿¿

(16.56)

For sliding vibration: 0 .288

Dx ¿ damping ratio in sliding ¿
√ Bx
where the dimensionless mass ratio
( B x ) is given by:
−¿8v m
B x =7 ¿
32(1−v ) ρr 50
(16.58)

For rectangular foundations, the preceding relationships can be used by obtaining the equivalent
r,
radius 0 or:
BL
r0=
√ π

where B and L are the length and width of the foundation respectively.
 Vibrations of Foundations 25

Q0 fm
For the constance force excitation (i.e., .= constant), the resonant frequency may
be
given as:
f m =¿ ¿ ¿
(16.59)

and for rotating mass- type of excitation:

f m =¿ ¿ ¿
(16.60)

Similarly, for constant force excitation. the amplitudeQ0 of 1vibration at resonance is:
A x(resonance ) = ¿
k x 2 D √1−¿ D2
x x

(16.61)

and for rotating mass excitation: m1 e 1

A x(resonance ) = ¿
m 2 D √1−¿ D 2
x x

(16.62)

where
ml
= total rotating mass causing excitation, and
e = eccentricity of each rotating mass Q0
For constant force excitation, the amplitude of vibration
Ax=
( )
k x at a nonresonant frequency is:
2

√[ ω2
1− 2
ωn ( )] ( ) + 4 D 2x
ω2
ω 2n
(16.63)

For rotating mass excitation:

 m1 e ω 2

( )( )
m ωn
Ax=
2

26 Geotechnical Engineering
√[ ( )]
ω2
1− 2
ωn
+4 Dx
2 ω2
( )
ω 2n
(16.64)

Where kx
ω n=
√ m (16.65)

16.7 TORSIONAL VIBRATION OF FOUNDATIONS

Similar to the cases of vertical, rocking, and sliding modes of vibration, the equation for the
torsional vibration of a rigid circular foundation (Figure 16.14) can be written as:
iωt
J zz α̈ +cα α̇+kα α =¿T 0 e ¿ (16.66)
where
J zz =
mass moment of inertia of the foundation about the axis z - z
cα =
dashpot coefficient for torsional vibration
16
k 'a = static spring constant for torsional vibration
= Gr 30
3

α= rotation of the foundation at any time due to the application of a torque

iωt
T =T 0 e

Dα
The damping ratio for this mode of vibration 0was
. 5 determined as (Richart et al. 1970)
Dα =
1+2 B α (16.68)
J zz
Bα =
the dimensionless mass ratio for torsion at vibration ρr50
(16.69)

For constant force excitation, the resonant frequencyk[or torsional vibration is:
fm=
1
( √ )√
α
2 π J zz
1−2 D 2α

(16.70)

and for rotating mass excitation (see Figure 16.14):

1 kα
fm=
( √ )√
2 π J zz
1
1−¿ 2 D2α
¿

(16.71)
 Vibrations of Foundations 27

Figure 16.14 Torsional vibration of a rigid circular foundation

For constant force excitation , the amplitude of vibration at resonance is:

 T0 1
28 Geotechnical Engineering α( resonance ) = ¿
k α 2 D √1−¿ D2
α α (16.72)

For rotating mass-type excitation:

α( resonance ) =
m1 e ( x2 ) 1
¿
J zz 2 Dα 1−¿ D2α
√ (16.73)

where
m1
= total rotating mass causing excitation
e = eccentricity of each rotating mass (for rotating mass excitation)

For the definition of x in Equation 16.73, see Figure 16.15.

Figure 16.15 Definition of x

in Equation 16..73

For a rectangular foundation with dimensions B × L, the equivalent radius may be given
by: BL(B 2 +L2 )
r0 =
√ 6π (16.74)

Example 16.7: A radar antenna foundation is shown in the figure on page 481. For
torsional vibration of the foundation, it is given:
4
T 0 =¿24.4 × 10 N-m ¿

The mass moment of inertia of the tower about the axis z− z = 13. 56 × 106 kg-m2
The unit weight of concrete used in the foundation ¿ 23. 68 kN/m3
Continues
 Vibrations of Foundations 29

Example 16.7: Continued

Calculate:
a. the resonant frequency for torsional mode of vibration
b. the angular deflection at resonance.

Solution:
a.

=13.56 ×l0 6 +1 πr 20 23.58× 1000 r 20

)]
J zz =¿ J zz(tower )+J zz(foundation) ¿
2 [( 9.81

=13.56×106 + 1 π(7.5)2 (2.5) 23. 58× 1000 ( 7.5)2

[ (9. 81 )] ¿
2
=¿13.56 × 106 + 29.87×10 6 =¿ 43.43× 106 kg-m2
¿
J zz 43 . 43 ×106
Bα = 5
= =1. 038
ρr 0 7 .3×l000
( 9 . 81 )
(7 . 5)3

Continues
30 Geotechnical Engineering

Example 16.7: Continued

0.5 0.5
Dα = = =¿0.163 ¿
1+2B α 1+(2)(1.038 )

kα
f m=
( √ )√
1
2π J zz
1−2 D 2α

16 3 16
kα =
3
Gr 0 =( )
3
(131, 000×1000 N/m 2 )(7. 5 )3 =¿ 294,750 ×106 ¿

1 294,750×l06
f m=
( √2 π 43 . 43×l0 6 )√ 1−(2)(0 . 163)2 =12.76 cps

b.

T0 1 24.4×10 4 N-m 1
α( resonance) = = ( 6 )
k α 2 D √1−¿ D2 294,750×10 (2)(0 .163 ) √1−¿(0. 16)
α α
=¿257×10−5 rad ¿¿¿
 fm , Vibrations of Foundations 31

REVIEW EXERCISES

1. A foundation is supported by a spring as shown in Figure 16.2. Given: weight of the

foundation W = 24 kN; spring constant k = 12,000 kN/ m. Determine the natural frequency
of vibration of the system.
Answer: 11.14 cps

2. A machine foundation can be idealized to a mass-spring system as shown in Figure 16.2.

Given: weight of machine and the foundation combined = 400 kN; spring constant =
100,000 kN/m. Determine the natural frequency of the undamped free vibration of this
foundation.
Answer: 7.88 cps

3. Refer to Review Exercise 2. What would be the static deflection z, of this foundation?
Answer: 4 mm

4. A foundation weighs 800 kN. The foundation and the soil can be approximated as a mass-
spring-dashpot system as shown in Figure 16.5. Given: spring constant = 200,000 kN/m;
dashpot coefficient = 2340 kN-s/m. Determine the following:
a. Damping ratio
B. Damped natural frequency
Answer: 0.29, 7.54 cps

Q =Q sin ωt
0
5. The foundation given in Review Exercise 4 is subjected to a vertical force
Q0
in which = 25 kN and w = 100 rad/s. Determine the amplitude of the vertical vibration
of the foundation.
−2
Answer: 3. 8 ×10 mm

6. A 20 m-thick sand layer in the field is underlain by rock. The ground water table is located
at a depth of5 m measured from the ground surface. Determine the shear modulus of this
 32 Geotechnical Engineering
sand at a depth of 10 m below the ground surface. Given: void ratio = 0.6; specific gravity of
soil solids = 2.68; angle of friction of sand = 36°, Assume that the sand is round-grained.
Answer: 95,940 kPa

7. A layer of day deposit extends to a depth of 15 m below the ground surface. The ground
water table coincides with the ground surface. For the day, given: void ratio = 1.0; specific
gravity of soil solids = 2.78; plasticity index = 20%; overconsolidation ratio = 2; effective
stress friction angle ϕ = 26°. Determine the shear modulus of this day at a depth of 7.5 m.
Answer: 18,343 kPa

3
8. A concrete foundation (unit weight = 23.5 kN/m ) supporting a machine is 3.5 m × 2.5 m
in plan and is subjected to a sinusoidal vibrating force (vertical ) having an amplitude of 10
kN (not frequency dependent). The operating frequency is 2000 cpm. The weight of the
3
machine and foundation is 400 kN. The soil properties are: unit weight = 18 kN/m ; shear
2
modulus = 38,000 kN/m ; Poisson's ratio = 0.25.
Determine:
a. the resonant frequency of the foundation
b. the amplitude of vertical vibration at resonance
Answer: 672 cpm, 0.0368 mm
3
9. The concrete foundation (unit weight = 23.5 kN/m ) of a machine has the following
dimensions (see Figure 16.11): L = 3 m ; B = 4 m; height of the foundation = 1.5 m. The
foundation is subjected to a sinusoidal horizontal force from the machine having an
amplitude of 10 kN at a height of 2 m measured from the base of the foundation. The soil
2
supporting the3 foundation is sandy clay. Given: G= 30,000 kN/m ; v = 0.2; soil density ρ
= 1700 kg/m .
Determine:
a. the resonant frequency for the rocking mode of vibration of the foundation
b. the amplitude of rocking vibration at resonance
(Note: The amplitude of horizontal force is not frequency), dependent. Neglect the moment
of inertia of the machine.)
 Vibrations of Foundations 33
Answer: 827 cpm, 0.000186 radians

10. Solve Review Exercise 9 assuming that the horizontal force is frequency dependent. The
amplitude of the force at an operating speed of 800 cpm is 20 kN.
Answer: 847 cpm, 0.00042 radians

11. Refer to Review Exercise 9.

Determine:
a. the resonant frequency for the sliding mode of vibration
b. the amplitude for the sliding mode of vibration at resonance
Assume the weight of the machinery on the foundation to be 100 kN.
Answer: 605 cpm, 0.0752 111m

12. Repeat Review Exercise 11 assuming that the horizontal force is frequency dependent. The
amplitude of the horizontal force at an operating frequency of 800 cpm is 40 kN. The weight
of the machinery on the foundation is 100 kN.
Answer: 747 cpm, 0.186 m mm
3
13. A concrete foundation (unit weight = 23.5 kN/m ) supporting a machine has the
following dimensions: length = 5 m; width = 4 m; height = 2 m. The machine imparts a
T 0 eiωt T
torque T on the foundation such that .2 Given: 0 = 3000 N·m. The mass moment
3
of inertia of the foundation is 75 ×10 kg-m . The soil has the following properties; v =
3 2
0.25; unit weight = 18 kN/m ; G= 28,000 kN/m . ' ,
Determine:
a. the resonant frequency for the torsional mode of vibration
b. the angular deflection at resonance
−6
Answer: 756 cpm, 5. 9 × 10 radians
34 Geotechnical Engineering