ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF BLOCK TYPE MACHINE

FOUNDATION

By Sukanta Adhikari

ABSTRACT
The paper discusses Barkan method of dynamic analysis of block foundation subjected to vibratory
motion induced by the machine on the foundation covering basic necessary parameter and equations for
obtaining frequency and amplitude in different mode of vibration.

INTRODUCTION

In the design of machine foundation both static and dynamic loads needs to be considered to
avoid undesirable effect of vibration thereby ensuring smooth running of machine. Dynamic
forces of the machine get transmitted to the soil through the foundation in such a way that by
correct selection of foundation mass and sizes all kinds of harmful effects of vibration are
eliminated. In the past machine foundation design was based on simple approach by
multiplying static load by an estimated value of “dynamic factor”, the result being treated as
increased static load without correct knowledge of actual safety factor. However the
importance of design of machine foundation was realized by the designer and hence more
rational design methodology was adopted covering all important aspects of structural
dynamics, soil dynamics and material properties.

Block type machine foundation is in form of a solid block with high degree of flexural and
torsional stiffness. The mass of the foundation is usually greater than the machine it supports.
The block foundation is modelled as a rigid body. The inertial properties of the block
foundation includes the machine with respect to the centre of gravity, the mass m and the
mass moment of inertia ,while the dynamic response of a rigid block foundation depends
only on the dynamic load, foundation’s mass, dimensions, and soil characteristics.

Machine foundation plays one of the most important role in the industrial Plants. In
industrial facilities like Power Plant complex, Steel Plant, oil and gas sector, ferlilizer Plant,
etc different types of machines serves different functions for producing output suitable for
specific sector and hence the design of such type of important equipment foundations needs
special attention (avoiding excessive vibration or settlement) to ensure smooth functioning of
the machines.
CHECKLIST REQUIRED FOR MACHINE FOUNDATION DESIGN

• Outline drawing of machine assembly showing base dimension of machine and the
supporting arrangement.

• Information on overall purpose and critical measure of machine.

• Static weight of machine at the supporting points.

• Machine speed.

• Magnitude and direction of unbalance forces both vertically and horizontally at the
supporting points.

• Soil data which dictates the water table and soil type for fixing foundation depth.

• Permissible limits of amplitudes as per manufacturer specification.

GENERAL REQUIREMENT FOR DEISGN OF MACHINE FOUNDATION

• No resonance should occur and hence the natural frequency of foundation system should
not coincide with the operating frequency of the machine. Wherever possible it is advisable
to maintain the natural frequency of the foundation soil-system higher than the highest
disturbing frequency and preferably the frequency ratios shall not be normally less than 0.4.In
circumstances where it is not possible, the natural frequency of the foundation-soil system
shall be kept lower than the lowest disturbing frequency. The frequency ratios in such cases
shall not be lower than 1.50.

• The amplitudes of motion at operating frequencies should not exceed the limiting
amplitudes, provided by machine manufacturers. If the amplitude of foundation vibration is
large, the foundation may lose its stability and undergo a non uniform settlement and
sometime foundation vibrations often cause dangerous vibrations of machine connections.

• Static settlement must be uniform and an eccentricity of 5% of base dimension along which
the centre of gravity gets displaced may be allowed.

• The level of the ground water table plays a significant role in the design of machine
foundation. When the water level is near the bottom plane of foundation, it is advisable to
clear the water level by a depth equal to or greater than one third of foundation width since
ground water transmit vibration to a greater distance without damping.

• Building foundation in the vicinity of machine foundation shall be constructed at a level

higher than the foundation level of machine foundation and preferably a slope of 1:3 is
maintained. If the distance between the two foundations is very less, the foundation level of
both the foundation should be maintained at same level.
TYPES OF MACHINES

Different types of machines are:

1. Rotating machinery: This category of machines produces sinusoidally varying forces. Gas
turbines, steam turbines, turbo-pumps and compressors; fans; motors; and centrifuges etc
falls under this category.

2. Reciprocating machinery: This category of machines produces biharmonic loads. Steam

engines, internal combustion engines, piston type compressor and pumps etc falls under this
category.

3. Impact or impulsive machinery: This category of machines involves impulsive forces.

Hammers and some metal-forming presses etc falls under this category.

4 .Impulsive and rotating machinery: This category of machines involves simultaneous action
of impulsive and rotatory forces. Rotatory rock crusher, all kind of hammer mills falls under
this category.

TYPES OF LOADING ON MACHINE FOUNDATION

The loads on machine foundations may be both static and dynamic.

- Static loads are principally a function of the weights of the machine and all its auxiliary
equipment.

- Dynamic loads, which occur during the operation of the machine, result from forces
generated by unbalance, inertia of moving parts, or both, and by the flow of fluid and gases
for some machines. The magnitude of these dynamic loads primarily depends upon the
machine’s operating speed and the type, size, weight, and arrangement of moving parts
within the casing.

METHOD OF ANALYSIS

Generally the following method is used for dynamic analysis of block type machine
foundation:-

1) Barkan method or linear elastic spring method.

2) Richart method or elastic half space method.

3) The impedance function method.

 Out of the of above three methods for the dynamic analysis of block type machine
foundation-Barkan method or linear elastic spring method is the most commonly used in
design offices because the method is simple in both understanding and implementation and
hence popular. Barkan method utilizes the concept that the displacement of a loaded
foundation resting on the surfaces of the soil can be determined by simulating the soil with a
set of independent linear elastic springs that can produce equivalent reactive forces to the
displacement developed.

ASSUMPTIONS

a) The foundation block is considered to be infinitely rigid compared to the soil.

b) The soil underlying the foundation is considered to be weightless.

c) The soil supporting the foundation can be simulated by linear elastic springs.

d) Damping in soil beneath a foundation may be ignored.

e) The foundation is considered to be resting on the surface of soil and there is no side
resistance offered by the soil to the sliding of foundation.

f) Barkan assumed the block foundation having infinite stiffness in comparison to the soil and
ignores any internal deformation of the concrete block itself.

DEGREES OF FREEDOM OF A RIGID BLOCK FOUNDATION

A rigid block foundation supporting a vibrating machine can experience up to six modes of
vibration as shown in figure 1.Three modes are translatory (the vertical, lateral and
longitudinal modes) and three modes are rotational (twisting or yawing, rocking and pitching
modes).The vertical and twisting modes are usually independent which means that the modes
associated with this two motions are decoupled and represented by two separate “single
degree of freedom system”. Whereas the modes associated with rocking and horizontal
sliding along Y axis are coupled and hence represented by “two degree of freedom systems”.
 Fig. 1: Modes of vibration of block foundation

Dynamic analysis is carried out in two folds:

Free Vibration analysis

A free system vibrates under forces inherient to the system. The natural frequency of the
system is obtained from this type of analysis and such frequency is a function of stiffness and
mass distribution of the foundation.

Forced vibration analysis.

Forced vibration is vibration caused by external force being impressed on the foundation and
this type of analysis yields the amplitude value.

ELASTIC PROPERTIES OF SOIL FOR FOUNDATION DESIGN

Elastic property of soil plays a major role in the design of machine foundation. Hence careful
dynamic investigations in to the dynamics of the soil are essential. Soil is commonly assumed
to have elastic properties and consequently its vibration resistance is regarded as being
proportional to the displacement characterized by the bedding coefficients namely coefficient
of elastic uniform compression (Cu), coefficient of elastic non uniform compression (CΦ),
coefficient of elastic uniform shear (CƬ) and coefficient of elastic non uniform shear
(Cψ).These bedding coefficients were introduced by Barkan for simulating soil stiffness in
various modes of vibration for block foundation resting directly on soil.
1) Coefficient of elastic uniform compression (Cu)

To determine the bearing capacity of soil, load tests are used during which a concentrated
load is transferred to the soil through rigid bearing plates.The settlement curve is obtained by
plotting the relationship between total settlements observed after each additional load. The
first branch of the curve is straight and later with increasing load it assumes a curved shape.
The straight section follows the linear relationship,

Pz = Cpx Ztotal

Where,

Pz =Specific pressure on the soil

Cp= Coefficient of proportionality, also called modulas of sub grade reaction

Ztotal = total settlement of the bearing plate.

By plotting the elastic settlement corresponding to individual load increment in a coordinate

system, the resulting linear relationship between pressure and elastic settlement is,

Pz =Cz x Z

Where,

Cz =Coefficient of elastic uniform compression and is used in analysing vertical vibration

mode.

Z represents the magnitude of the elastic settlement

 Fig 2: APPLICATION OF Cu FOR VERTICAL TRANSLATION

Table 1: Recommended Values of Cu as per Barkan.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Soil group Permissible load coefficient of elastic uniform

on soil (Kg/cm2) compression (Cu) in Kg/cm3

___________________________________________________________________

Weak soils up to 1.5 up to 3

Medium soils 1.5-3.5 3-5

Strong soils 3.5-5 5-10

Rocks >5 >10

___________________________________________________________________

Weak soils include clays and silty clays with sand, in a plastic state; clayey and silty sand.

Medium soils involve clays and silty clays with sand, close to plastic limit.
Strong soils involves clays and silty clays with sand, of hard consistency; gravels and
gravelly sands; loess and loessial soils.

The coefficient of uniform compression depends on the quality of soil, the size of vibrating
mass, the base area of the foundation. Accurate values of Cu can be obtained by dynamic soil
investigation.

2) Coefficient of elastic non uniform compression (CΦ)

Incase the elastic part of the settlement is not uniform over the base then the ratio of
intensity of the pressure at certain location from the centre of the block to the elastic part of
settlement is called coefficient of elastic non uniform compression and is used in analysing
rocking vibration mode.

CΦ= q/l x Φ

q=Intensity of pressure

l=distance from the centre of the base of the block

Φ=angle of rotation of block

lxΦ=elastic deformation.

3) Coefficient of elastic uniform shear (CT)

Consider a block foundation subjected to a horizontal force, the foundation will slide along
the direction of the applied force. The displacement will depend on the magnitude of force.
However when the force drop to zero there will be residual displacement of the
foundation.The sliding which the foundation experiences is in line with the condition when
compression is applied to the soil. Hence the same principal can be extended to obtain a
relationship between sliding of the foundation and the average shearing sliding force develop
along the foundation base contact area and the ratio of the two yields coefficient of elastic
uniform shear (CT) which is used in analysing sliding vibration mode as in Barkan method
side resistance from the soil is ignored.

Tav= CƬ xSe’

Tav=Average shearing stress in soil.

Se’=Elastic part of the total horizontal sliding of the foundation base.

 Fig 3: APPLICATION OF CT IN HORIZONTAL SLIDING

4) Coefficient of elastic non uniform shear (Cψ)

When the block foundation is acted upon by a moment along the vertical direction then the
foundation will rotate along the axis.The angle of rotation is directly proportional to the
external moment, which is given by

Mz= Cψ xJzxψ

Where,

Mz =external moment producing rotation of the base of foundation around a vertical axis to
angle ψ

Jz=polar moment of inertia of the contact area of the foundation.

Cψ =Coefficient of elastic non uniform shear and is used in analysing yawing vibration mode.

Interrelationship between Cu, CΦ, CT & Cψ

a) CΦ= 2 Cu

b) CT=0.5 Cu

c) Cψ =0.75 Cu
 METHOD OF ANALYSIS OF BLOCK FOUNDATIONS

Assuming the centre of gravity of foundation and machine and the centriod of foundation
base area are located on a vertical line which lies in the main central plane of foundation, then
the vertical translation and yawing are uncoupled and the sliding and rocking mode in each of
two vertical planes passing through the common centre of gravity of machine and foundation
are coupled separately. Hence vertical translation and its torsional mode of vibration are
representated by two single degree of freedom and the sliding and rocking mode of vibration
are representated by two degree of freedom. Figure 4 shows a block foundation subjected to
action of vertical translation Pz (t) and simultaneous sliding Px (t) and rocking motion My (t).

Fig. 4: Combined modes of vibration in vertical, sliding and rocking.

The equations of motion of the foundation ignoring damping can be representated by the
following equation.

a) Equation of motion for vertical mode of vibration can be written as,

mz..+ CuAz=Pz (t)

where,

m=mass of the machine and foundation

z=vertical displacement along vertical direction.

CuA=Stiffness of elastic spring in vertical direction.

Pz (t)=Oscillating force the foundation is subjected in vertical direction which is a function of
time.

z..=acceleration of the mass.

b) Equation of motion for horizontal mode of vibration can be written as,

mx..+ CT Axo=Px (t)

where,

m=mass of the machine and foundation

CT A=Stiffness of elastic spring in horizontal shear.

Px (t) =Oscillating force the foundation is subjected in horizontal direction which is a

function of time.

x..=acceleration of the mass.

xo=horizontal displacement as shown in figure 4.

c) Equation of motion for rocking mode of vibration can be written as,

MmΦ..- CƬ ALx+( CΦI+WL+ CT AL2)Φ= My (t)

where,

Mm=Mass moment of inertia of machine and foundation with respect to axis of rotation. Mass
moments of inertia is the resistance of a mass to rotation and is equal to its mass times the
radius of gyration squared.

CT A= Stiffness of elastic spring against rotation (about the Y axis)

My (t) =Moment the foundation is subjected which is a function of time.

L=height from centre of gravity to the centre of elasticity of base support.

Φ=angle of rotation

I=Moment of inertia of the foundation area in contact with the soil with respect to the axis of
rotation.
 . CASES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR DYNAMIC ANALSYSIS OF BLOCK
FOUNDATIONS

1) Yawing vibration of block.

The equation of motion for yawing/torsional mode on vibration is given by,

Mmmψ+CψJzψ=Mzsinωt.= Mz (t)

Where,

Mmm=mass moment of inertia of machine and foundation about the axis of rotation. (Z axis)

Jz=Polar moment of inertia of foundation contact area.

Ψ=angle of rotation.

Fig. 5: a) Showing torsional mode of vibration.

b) Plan showing creation of non uniform shear below foundation bottom.

The natural frequency in torsional mode of vibration is given by,

ωψ=√ (CψJz/ Mmm)

Δψ=Mz/ Mmm(ωψ2-ωn2)
The horizontal displacement Δhψ due to torsion is given by,

Δhψ=t Δψ

Where,

t = distance of the point on the foundation from axis of motion (Z axis) measured
horizontally.

2) Vertical translation.

The natural frequency (ωz )for the uncoupled vertical translation considering mass of
machine (m) and stiffness of soil as elastic spring (Kz ) is given by,

ωz=√(Cz Kz/m)

The Vertical amplitude can be obtained by applying the exciting force PzSinωnt as follows,

Δ=Pz/m (ωz2-ωn2)

3) Sliding mode of vibration

In certain case where rocking can be neglected, then the block foundation will be subjected to
pure sliding.

The natural frequency (ωnx )for the pure sliding is given by,

ωnx=√ (Cψ A/m)

The maximum amplitude can be obtained by applying the exciting force PxSinωnt as follows,

Δnx=Px/m (ωz2-ωn2)

4) Rocking mode of vibration

Considering only rocking mode of vibration which is a ideal case,

The natural frequency (ωnΦ )for the pure sliding is given by,

ωnΦ=√((CΦI- WL)/ Mmo)

WL in practice is much less than CΦI

And hence,

ωnΦ=√ (CΦI/ Mmo)

The maximum amplitude can be obtained by applying the exciting forceMySinωnt as follows,

ΔΦ= (My/ Mmo (ωnΦ2-ωn2))

Fig. 6: Modes of vibration in pure rocking.

5) Coupled rocking and sliding motion (xz plane)

The natural frequency ωn1 and ωn2 in coupled mode of vibration, ie, combine sliding in X
direction and rocking about Y axis can be expressed in the following form,

ωn4-((ωθy2+ωx2)/ɣ) ωn2+ ωθy2 ωx2/ ɣ=0

where ωθy and ωx represent the limiting frequencies of the foundation when the resistance of
the soil to shear is much larger in comparison to the resistance offered by rotational vibration
given by,
 ω2θy= CΦI-WL/Mmo

where Mmo= mm+mL2

ɣ =Mm/ Mmo, and 1>ɣ>0

Mmo =mass moment of inertia about a parallel axis through the centre of
elasticity of the base support.

and ω2x= CƬ A/m

The natural frequencies ωn1 and ωn2 are determined by solving the root of quadratic equation
and expressed as,

ω2n1=1/2ɣ[ω2θy+ ω2x+√ ( ω2θy+ ω2x)2-4ɣ ω2θy ω2x ] and

ω2n2=1/2ɣ[ω2θy+ ω2x-√( ω2θy+ ω2x)2-4ɣ ω2θy ω2x]

The horizontal amplitude Δx and and rotational amplitude Δθ under the combined action of
Posinωt and Mzsinωt can be expressed as,

Δx= ( (CƬ AL2+ CΦI-WL- Mmω2) Po+(CƬ AL) Mz)/Δ(ω2)

and Δθ= ((CƬ AL) Fz+(CƬ A-mω2) Mz)/ Δ(ω2)

where, Δ(ω2) = mMm(ωn12- ω2) (ωn22- ω2)

PERMISSIBLE AMPLITUDES

•Limitations of Vibration Amplitude to Avoid Damage to Machinery — Permissible

amplitudes are generally specified by the manufacturer. Where no specific limit has been
stated by the manufacturer, it may be taken that foundation satisfying the following amplitude
criteria shall provide a satisfactory base for machinery.

a) Limitations of Vibration Amplitude to Avoid Damage to Machinery — Chart 1 gives the

range of working of machine foundation.

Chart 1: General Machinery Vibration Severity Chart (Baxter and Bernhard 1967).
(Reference ACI 351.3R)

b) Limitation of Vibration Amplitude to Avoid discomfort of persons —In cases where there
are particular reasons to avoid discomfort to personnel, a low permissible amplitude
corresponding to operating frequency of machine as shown in chart 2.
 Chart 2: Reiher-Meister C h a r t ( Richart, H a l l , a n d Woods 1970).
(Reference ACI 351.3R)

c) Limitations of Amplitude to Avoid Settlement — For most soil types, foundations for low
speed machines designed to limiting amplitude of 200 microns will not suffer undue
settlement due to dynamic loads.

Limitations of Barkan method.

The major limitations of Barkan’s method are as follows:

• Barkan’s model does not consider damping into account. It has been observed from field
instrumentation data that damping plays a significant role in the overall response of the
foundation especially when the operating frequency of the machine
is low.

• It does not account for the embedment effect of the surrounding soil which could play a
significant role on the magnitude of soil stiffness and damping.

• A certain mass of the soil participates in the vibration along with the foundation.Barkan
method does not take into account the virtual mass of soil which vibrates in same phase with
the machine and the foundation which may lead to an error in calculation of natural
frequency by not more than 10%.
• Barkan suggested spring value (usually the coefficient of uniform elastic compression) of
the soil to be obtained from dynamic plate load test and may only give correct values for a
shallow depth below the surface while this may not be valid
for layered soil and also when the contact area of the foundation is large.

Miscelleneous

a) Circular frequency.

The circular frequency ω the rate of oscillation in terms of radians per unit time,2π radian
being equal to one cycle of oscillation.The frequency of oscillation per unit time is given by,

f = ω/2π

b)Period of vibration.

The time required for the motion to begin repeating itself is called period of vibration given
by,

T=1/f=2π/ω

c)Periodic Motion

The motion which repeats itself in all its particulars at regular intervals of time is called the
periodic motion.

d ) Aperiodic Motion

The motion which does not repeat itself at regular intervals of time is called aperiodic motion.
e) Damping

Damping is associated with energy dissipation and is the internal resistance offered by a
foundation system to the vibration of machine.

f ) Amplitude of Motion

The distance that a body moves from its position of rest when subjected to vibration.

g) Frequency

Frequency is the number of cycles that occur in one time period, usually one
second.Conventionally frequency was expressed in cycles per second (CPS). CPS was
changed to Hertz, honoring the man who developed the frequency theory. In modern trend
Hertz (cycles per second) is the standard measurement of frequency. However machine speed
is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), but the frequencies generated by them are
measured in Hertz.
h) Operation Frequency

The rotating speed of the main drive in cycles per second or the frequency of the periodic
force acting on the system.

i ) Resonance

When the frequency of the forced vibration (operating frequency of the machine) equals the
natural frequency of the foundation soil system the condition of resonance is reached.

j) Mass Moments of Inertia.

The resistance of a mass to rotation and equal to its mass times the radius of gyration
squared.

Fig 7: Mass Moments of Inertia of rectangular prism

Ix = m(b2+L2)/12

Iy = m(a2+b2)/12

Iz = m(a2+L2)/12
References.

1) Barkan, D.D. (1962). “Dynamics of Bases and Foundations”, McGraw-Hill Book

Company, New
York, U.S.A.

2) Major, A. (1980). “Dynamics in Civil Engineering-Analysis and Design, Vols. I–IV”,

Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary.

3) Prakash, S. and Puri, V.K. (1988). “Foundations for Machines: Analysis and Design”, John
Wiley & Sons, New York, U.S.A.

4) Arya, S. C., O’Neil, M. W., and Pincus, G., Design of Structures and Foundations for
Vibrating Machines, Gulf Publishing, Houston, TX

5) Indrajit Chowdhury & Shambhu P. Dasgupta (2009), Dynamics of Structure and

Foundation – A Unified Approach, CRC Press/Balkema

6) Srinivasulu P & Vaidyanathan, Handbook of machine foundation, Tata McGraw-Hill

Publishing company Limited.

7) Swami Saran (2006), Soil dynamics and machine foundation-Galgotia publications pvt.
Ltd.

8) F.E Richart, J.R Hall, R.D Wood (1970), Vibrations of soils and foundations.

9) Fang, Hsai-Yang, Foundation Engineering Handbook- Kluwer Academic Publishers

10) BIS (1992). “IS 2974 (Part 1): 1992—Indian Standard Design and Construction of
Machine Foundations—Code of Practice, Part 1: Design and construction of machine
foundation for reciprocating machines (Second Revision)”, Bureau of Indian Standards, New
Delhi.

11) BIS (1992),”IS 5249:1992-Indian standard for determination of dynamic properties of

soil-Method of test

12) DIN: 4024 (Part - 2), 1991: Machine foundations – Rigid foundation for machinery
subject to

13) ACI 351.3R (04): Foundations for Dynamic Equipment