ISSN (Online) : 2319 – 8753

ISSN (Print) : 2347 - 6710

International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology

An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization Volume 3, Special Issue 4, April 2014
Two days National Conference – VISHWATECH 2014
On 21st & 22nd February, Organized by
Department of CIVIL, CE, ETC, MECHNICAL, MECHNICAL SAND, IT Engg. Of Vishwabharati Academy’s College of engineering,
Ahmednagar, Maharastra, India

Dynamic Analysis Of Machine Foundation

Piyush K. Bhandari, Ayan Sengupta
Assistant Professor, Dept of Civil Engg, PDVVP COE,Ahmednagar, Maharashtra,India.
Assistant Professor, Dept of Civil Engg, PDVVP COE,Ahmednagar, Maharashtra,India..

Abstract— The analysis and design of machine foundation requires more attention since it involves not only the static
loads but also the dynamic loads caused by the working of the machine. The limiting amplitude and operating frequency of
a machine are the most important parameters to be considered in analysis of machine foundation. The Elastic half space
analogy method with embedment coefficients can be used for coupled modes of vibration to get the natural frequencies and
amplitudes of foundation vibrations. With effect to depth of embedment there has been increase in natural frequency but
considerable decrease in amplitude of foundation vibrations.

Keywords-Embedment, sliding, rocking, yawing, resonance.

I. INTRODUCTION

The analysis and design of machine foundation requires more attention since it involves not only the static loads but also the
dynamic loads caused by the working of the machine. The amplitude of vibration and operating frequency of a machine are
the most important parameters to be considered in analysis of machine foundation. With effect to depth of embedment there
may increase in natural frequency but considerable decrease in amplitude of vibration of foundation.

II.BACKGOUND AND PURPOSE

The machine foundations should be designed such that the dynamic forces of machines are transmitted to the soil through
the foundation in such a way that all kinds of harmful effects are eliminated. In past the calculations involved multiplying
of static loads i.e. vertical loads with an estimated dynamic factor and result was treated as increased static load. Even then
harmful deformations during operation were observed.
Hence new theoretical procedures are developed for calculating the dynamic response of foundations. Therefore suitability
of machine foundation depends not only on the forces to which they are subjected but also on their behavior when exposed
to dynamic loads.

III.MACHINE FOUNDATION TYPES

A. Block type foundation
It is provided for compressors and reciprocating machine. It consists of a pedestal resting on footing.
B. Box type foundation
Similar to block foundation, but are relatively lighter so its natural frequency increases. This foundation consists of
hollow concrete block or a box acting as a footing to support the machinery.
C. Table-type foundation
They are quite complex and consists of a system of wall columns, beams and slabs. It includes large turbine-driven
equipment such as electric generators which requires elevated supports. It allows ducts, piping and ancillary items to
be located below the equipment.

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 ISSN (Online) : 2319 – 8753
ISSN (Print) : 2347 - 6710

International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology

An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization Volume 3, Special Issue 4, April 2014
Two days National Conference – VISHWATECH 2014
On 21st & 22nd February, Organized by
Department of CIVIL, CE, ETC, MECHNICAL, MECHNICAL SAND, IT Engg. Of Vishwabharati Academy’s College of engineering,
Ahmednagar, Maharastra, India

IV. DESIGN CRITERIA

The basic goal in the design of a machine foundation is to limit its motion i.e. amplitudes. Allowable amplitudes depend on
the speed, location and function of the machine. Other limiting dynamic criteria affecting the design may include avoiding
resonance and excessive transmissibility to the supporting soil or structure.
Machine foundation should insure following criteria to insure its safe and efficient working all over its life period.
1. It should be safe against shear failure.
2. It should not settle excessively.

Figure 1: Tuning of a foundation (Amplification Versus Frequency ratio) [3]

3. There should be no resonance, i.e. the natural frequency of the machine foundation-soil system should not coincide with
the operating frequency of the machine. Frequency ratio should not be within 0.8 to 1.4
4. The amplitudes of motion at operating frequencies should not exceed the limiting amplitudes, which are generally
specified by machine manufacturers.
A. Degrees of freedom of a rigid block foundation
A typical concrete block undergoes rigid-body displacements and rotations. Under the action of unbalanced forces, the rigid
block undergoes vertical, lateral, longitudinal, rocking, pitching and yawing oscillations.

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 ISSN (Online) : 2319 – 8753
ISSN (Print) : 2347 - 6710

International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology

An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization Volume 3, Special Issue 4, April 2014
Two days National Conference – VISHWATECH 2014
On 21st & 22nd February, Organized by
Department of CIVIL, CE, ETC, MECHNICAL, MECHNICAL SAND, IT Engg. Of Vishwabharati Academy’s College of engineering,
Ahmednagar, Maharastra, India

Figure 2: Six vibration modes of a block foundation [3]

Translation along the Z axis and rotation about the Z axis occur independently of any other motion. However, translation
about the X axis (or Y axis) and rotation about the Y axis (or X axis) are coupled motions.
B. Soil profile and dynamic soil properties
Satisfactory design of a machine foundation needs information of soil profile, depth of different layers, physical properties
of soil and ground water level. Dynamic shear modulus of a soil is generally determined from laboratory or field tests.
The soil properties needed in analysis of foundation are:
1. Dynamic moduli, Young’s modulus E and Shear modulus
2. Poisson’s ratio μ.
3. Dynamic elastic constants such as coefficient of elastic uniform compression Cu, coefficient of elastic uniform shear Cτ,
coefficient of elastic non-uniform compression Cφ and coefficient of elastic non-uniform shear Cψ.
4. Damping ratio ξ.
V. METHOD OF ANALYSIS

The problem of a rigid block foundation resting on the ground surface therefore be represented in a reasonable manner by a
spring-mass-dashpot system. The equivalent soil spring represents the elastic resistance of the soil below the base of the
foundation. The dashpot represents the energy loss or the damping effect. For coupled modes of vibration, as for combined
rocking and sliding, two degree-of-freedom model is used.
The methods considered for vibration analysis of surface mounted machine foundations are:
A. Linear elastic spring method [5]
B. Elastic half-space analogs method [3]
A. Linear Elastic Spring method (Barkan, 1962)
It is also referred as IS code method. In this method soil is assumed to be replaced as elastic springs. The effect of damping
and participating soil mass is neglected. Since the zone of resonance is avoided in designing machine foundations, the
effect of damping on amplitudes computed at operating frequency is also small.
B. Elastic Half Space Analog Method
The elastic half space theory can be used to get the values of equivalent soil springs and damping then make use of theory
of vibrations to determine the response of the foundation. This approach is apparently more rational, but relatively more
complicated. The equivalent soil spring and damping values depend upon the; soil type and its properties, geometry and
layout of the foundation and nature of the foundation vibrations occasioned by unbalanced dynamic loads.

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 ISSN (Online) : 2319 – 8753
ISSN (Print) : 2347 - 6710

International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology

An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization Volume 3, Special Issue 4, April 2014
Two days National Conference – VISHWATECH 2014
On 21st & 22nd February, Organized by
Department of CIVIL, CE, ETC, MECHNICAL, MECHNICAL SAND, IT Engg. Of Vishwabharati Academy’s College of engineering,
Ahmednagar, Maharastra, India

C. Arya, Neill and Pincus method

The method proposed by author Arya, Neill and Pincus [4] from extension of work of Whiteman (1972) is used for dynamic
analysis of embedded machine foundation using elastic half analogy method and embedment coefficients. The embedment
of the foundation results in an increased contact between the soil and the vertical faces of the foundation.
The elastic half-space method for calculating the response of surface foundations was developed by Richart (1970). For
embedded foundation Arya, Neill and Pincus method has been considered where embedment coefficients are used to get
displacement and frequencies values for coupled modes of vibration
The solution is based upon the following assumptions:
1) The footing is rigid.
2) The footing is cylindrical.
3) The base of the footing rests on the surface of a semi-infinite elastic half-space.
4) The soil reactions at the base are independent of the depth of embedment.

Table I: Embedment coefficients for spring constants

Mode of vibration Embedment coefficient
Vertical ηz = 1 + 0.6(1-μ) ( h/ ro)

Horizontal ηx = 1 + 0.55(2-μ) (h/ ro)

Rocking η φ = 1 + 1.2(1-μ) (h/ ro) + 0.2(2-μ) (h/ ro)3

twisting None available

Table II: Effect of depth of Embedment on damping ratio

Mode of vibration Damping ratio embedment factor (α)
Vertical αz = 1+ 1.9(1-μ ) × (h / ro)
ηz
Horizontal α x = 1+ 1.9(2-μ ) × (h / ro)
ηx
Rocking α φ = 1+ 0.7(1-μ)×(h/ro) + 0.6(2-μ)× (h/ro)3
ηφ
The values of equivalent spring and damping for the embedded foundation for the vertical, sliding, rocking and torsional
modes are given in the Tables 1 and 2[4]. The vibratory response of the foundation are calculated using the appropriate
equations as for the elastic half-space analog for the surface foundations and multiplying the spring stiffness and damping
values with the corresponding values embedment coefficient (factor) for the embedded foundations.
For a given foundation having circular base the values are calculated which can be further converted for rectangular footing
by using suitable equivalent footing radius as conversion factor. The natural frequency and resultant amplitude in individual
vibration mode as as well as coupled vibration are calculated to get resultant amplitude in vertical and horizontal direction.
D. Problem Statement
A reciprocating machine of size 4.0 m x 3.0 m x 3.5 m high mounted on foundation on sandy soil having φ =35˚and γsat=
15kN/m3. Its vibrating speed is 250 rpm generates maximum vertical unbalanced force 2.5 KN, torque about Z-axis 4.0
KN-m and maximum horizontal unbalanced force 2.0 KN at a height of 0.2 m above the top of the block. Block resonance
test on soil gave Coefficient of elastic uniform compression, Cu= 3.62×104 KN/m3, Dynamic shear modulus, G =1.10×104
KN/m2, Poisson’s ratio, μ = 0.35, Young’s modulus of elasticity, E = 2.98×104 KN/m2. The natural frequencies and
amplitude for surface and embedded foundation need to be computed and reviewed to get effect of embedment on
displacement and frequency values.
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 ISSN (Online) : 2319 – 8753
ISSN (Print) : 2347 - 6710

International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology

An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization Volume 3, Special Issue 4, April 2014
Two days National Conference – VISHWATECH 2014
On 21st & 22nd February, Organized by
Department of CIVIL, CE, ETC, MECHNICAL, MECHNICAL SAND, IT Engg. Of Vishwabharati Academy’s College of engineering,
Ahmednagar, Maharastra, India

E. Results & Discussion:

I) Vibration analysis of surface machine foundation:
Table III: Comparison of results by two approaches for surface foundation
Mode of Vibration Linear elastic weightless spring Elastic half space analog
method method
(ωz) 65rad/sec 35.8rad/sec
(Az) 6.87× 10-6m. 27.3×10-6m.
(ωψ) 56.2 rad/sec 46.7 rad/sec
(Aψ) 7.56×10-6m. 12.45×10-6m.
Coupled vibration
(ωn1,2) 33.28 rad/sec & 88.79 rad/sec 19.48 rad/sec & 56.12 rad/sec
Sliding(Ax) 59.42×10-6m. 70.63×10-6m.
-6
Rocking(Aφ) 17.66×10 m. 35.27×10-6m.
-6
TotalVertical Direction,Aver 42.12×10 m. 97.84×10-6m.
-6
Horizontal Direction,AHor. 90.32×10 m. 132.35×10-6m.
II) Vibration analysis of embedded machine foundation: With variation in depth of embedment, the vibration analysis of
machine foundation is performed using Arya, Neill and Pincus method i.e. by using Lysmer and Richart model along with
embedment coefficients to study effect of embedment.
The depth of embedment is varied in increasing order with difference of 0.5m. The depths taken are 0.5m, 1.0m, 1.5m,
2.0m, 2.5m, 3.0m and 3.5m i.e. total embedment.
1. Considering the plot of total displacement response in vertical direction (Aver.) to embedment (h).

Table IV: Total displacement response in vertical direction (Aver.) for various values of embedment (h)
Sr. No h Total displacement response in vertical direction, Aver.
(in meters) (in microns.)
1 0(surface) 97.84
2 0.5 132.85
3 1.0 379.80
4 1.5 315.78
5 2.0 86.87
6 2.5 51.35
7 3.0 34..79
8 3.5 25.65

Graph 1: Total displacement response in vertical direction (Aver.) Versus embedment (h)
2. Considering the plot of total displacement response in Horizontal direction (AHorz.) to embedment (h).
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ISSN (Print) : 2347 - 6710

International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology

An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization Volume 3, Special Issue 4, April 2014
Two days National Conference – VISHWATECH 2014
On 21st & 22nd February, Organized by
Department of CIVIL, CE, ETC, MECHNICAL, MECHNICAL SAND, IT Engg. Of Vishwabharati Academy’s College of engineering,
Ahmednagar, Maharastra, India

Table V: Total displacement response in Horizontal direction (AHorz.) for various values of embedment (h)
Sr.No. h Total displacement response in Horizontal direction,
(in meters) AHorz. (in microns.)
1 0(surface) 132.35
2 0.5 197.93
3 1.0 360.58
4 1.5 299.64
5 2.0 130.98
6 2.5 72.11
7 3.0 45.53
8 3.5 22.96

Graph 2: Total displacement response in Horizontal direction (AHorz.) Versus embedment

3. Considering the plot of vibration in uncoupled rocking direction (Aφ) to embedment (h).
Table VI: Vibrations in uncoupled rocking direction (Aφ) for various values of embedment (h)
Sr. No. h Individual vibration in Rocking direction, Aφ. (in
(in meters) microns.)
1 0(surface) 35.2
2 0.5 95.20
3 1.0 111.8
4 1.5 30.31
5 2.0 15.16
6 2.5 9.06
7 3.0 5.91
8 3.5 4.08

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 ISSN (Online) : 2319 – 8753
ISSN (Print) : 2347 - 6710

International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology

An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization Volume 3, Special Issue 4, April 2014
Two days National Conference – VISHWATECH 2014
On 21st & 22nd February, Organized by
Department of CIVIL, CE, ETC, MECHNICAL, MECHNICAL SAND, IT Engg. Of Vishwabharati Academy’s College of engineering,
Ahmednagar, Maharastra, India

Graph 3: Vibrations in uncoupled rocking direction (Aϕ) Versus embedment (h)

F. Discussions on work
1. The I.S. code method commonly known as Barkan’s method is widely used in machine foundation design for finding out
the maximum amplitude as well as frequency in various modes of vibration. But it is associated with various limitations
and drawbacks.[8]
2. In present work comparison in made between IS code method with Elastic half space analog method for surface block
foundation handling reciprocating machine with maximum operating speed 250 rpm. The comparison has clearly
revealed that former method gives less value of amplitude but higher value of frequency that the later method.
The difference in values in mainly due the calculation method and laboratory procedure used to determine value of shear
modulus G used in the formulae. For IS code method Block resonance test is used to calculate value of soil constants and
same values are also used for elastic half space method, whereas wave propagation test must be used for later method. [5]
3. By using Arya, Neill and Pincus method the embedment coefficients are multiplied to spring constant and damping ratio
to get effect of embedment on values of frequency and amplitude using Lysmer and Richart models[4],[6]
4. The successive graphs plotted clearly indicate variation in values due to increasing depth of embedment. The results are
as follows.
(a) With increase in depth (i.e. embedment, h) there is decrease in value of Total vibration response of foundation in
vertical direction (Aver.) (Graph 1). This indicates that foundation should be embedded as deep as possible to take benefit
of adjoining confining soil to carry energy waves to reduce the total vibration response. But initially at depth of h equal to
0.5m, 1.0m and 1.5m, it shows sudden increase in amplitude of vertical vibration. It is mainly because vertical vibration
is due to combined effect of vertical and rocking response, as seen it in the formula. If natural frequency of foundation in
rocking response (ωφ) is considered, it is observed that at depths of 0.5m, 1.0m and 1.5m the natural frequency of
foundation (ωφ) is very close to operating frequency of machine (ω). This creates possibility of resonance and this cause
increase in amplitude. From Figure 1. Amplification versus frequency ratio ‘r’, it is observed that as ωφ approaches to ω
value of ‘r’ frequency ratio becomes nearly equal to 1 then there is possibility of resonance i.e. increase in amplitude of
vibration exceeding permissible value of 150 microns. This is undesirable for foundation.
This condition is arising because of embedment of foundation. For surface foundation the foundation is free to oscillate
in vertical, horizontal and rocking mode. But after introduction to embedment the surrounding soil restricts free
oscillation in rocking mode due to confinement. This has cause decrease in natural frequency for rocking vibration and it
becomes nearly equal to operating frequency of machine. This is going to cause resonance in foundation vibration which
will affect life of foundation. Hence either foundation should be embedded deep in soil or its base area should be
increased to avoid value of frequency ratio becoming equal to 1.
(b) With increase in depth (i.e. embedment, h) there is decrease in value of Total vibration response of foundation in
Horizontal direction (AHorz.). (Graph 2) and also same is for rocking vibration, there is decrease in amplitude with

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ISSN (Print) : 2347 - 6710

International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology

An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization Volume 3, Special Issue 4, April 2014
Two days National Conference – VISHWATECH 2014
On 21st & 22nd February, Organized by
Department of CIVIL, CE, ETC, MECHNICAL, MECHNICAL SAND, IT Engg. Of Vishwabharati Academy’s College of engineering,
Ahmednagar, Maharastra, India

increase in embedment. The reason is due to possibility of resonance in early stage of embedment. Hence foundation
need to embedded deep in ground.
(d) With increase in depth (i.e. embedment, h) there is increase in value of natural frequency in foundation vertical
direction (ωz.), horizontal direction (ωx.) and in rocking direction (ωφ.). The increase in value of natural frequency clearly
indicates that as the depth of embedment goes on increasing from surface foundation to deep in ground the effect is it will
help to reduce the displacement response in all modes of vibration.

VI. CONCLUSION

The paper includes machine foundation types and its behavior under dynamic loading in general and response of embedded
machine foundation in particular. The analysis problem has been studied about a reciprocating machine installed on block
foundation placed on ground surface as well as when it is embedded in ground at different depths by Elastic half space
analog method and embedment coefficients. The values of frequencies and amplitudes in different modes of vibrations are
compared to study effects of embedment of foundation on its performance.
Following are the conclusions drawn which confirm the observations and discussions.
1. The values of amplitudes uncoupled vibrations in sliding as well as in rocking modes are less as compared to coupled
vibrations.
2. In case of embedment of foundation for shallow depth resonance has been occurred for ‘present dimensions of
foundation’, this concludes that as natural frequency approaches to operating frequency, frequency ratio becomes nearly
equal to one and it is condition of resonance i.e. amplitude rises suddenly and may reach infinity. This affects service life
of foundation.
3. At greater depth of embedment the total vertical and horizontal vibration response goes on decreasing.
4. The natural frequency of foundation is seen to be increasing with increase in depth of embedment of foundation.
5. Therefore the increase in depth of embedment causes increase in values of spring constants or natural frequencies and
reduces amplitudes of vibration which is beneficial for machine foundation.
6. For practical purposes the dimensions of base area are important and also the shape of foundation.
7.
REFERENCES

1. Barkan, D.D. (1962): “Dynamics of Bases and Foundations” McGraw-Hill Co. Inc., New York.
2. Srinivasulu, P. and Vaidyanathan, C.V.(1976): “Handbook of Machine Foundation” , McGraw-Hill Co. Inc., New Delhi.
3. Prakash. S. and PuriV. K. (2006): “Foundations for Vibrating Machines”, Journal of Structural Engineering, SERC, Madras, April-May 2006.
4. Suresh Arya, Michael O’Neill, and George Pincus (1979): “Design of Structures and Foundations for vibrating machines”, Golf publishing Company,
London.
5. Dr. Swami Saran (1999), “Soil Dynamics and machine Foundations”, Galgoyia Publications pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.
6. Richart, F.E., Hall, J.R., and Woods, R.O. (1970), “Vibration of Soil and Foundations”, Englewood Cliffs, Prentice- Hall.
7. IS 2974(Part I) (1982), “Code of practice for Design and construction of machine foundation, Part I Foundation for Reciprocating Machines (Second
revision)”, New Delhi.

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