Machine Foundation

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 Machine foundations are special types of foundations required for machines, machine
tools and heavy equipment's which have wide range of speeds, loads and operating
conditions. These foundations are designed considering the shocks and vibrations (dynamic
forces) resulting from operation of machines.

 Machine foundations are of following types;

(a) Block Type Machine Foundation: This type of foundation consists of a pedestal resting on
a footing have has large mass and a small natural frequency. Following figure shows block
type machine foundation.
(b) Box or Caisson Type Machine Foundation: Box type foundation consists of a
hollow concrete block as shown in figure below. The mass of this foundation is less
than block type machine foundation as it is hollow. The natural frequency of the box
type machine foundation is increased.

(c) Wall Type Machine Foundation: This type of machine foundation consists of a pair of
walls with a slab resting on top. This type of foundation is constructed of homogeneous
materials. It is used for small machines and the machine is rested on the top slab.
(d) Framed Type Machine Foundation: This type of machine foundation consists of vertical
columns with horizontal frame at their tops. It is used for larger machines. The machines are
rested on the top of frames. The vertical and horizontal members of this foundation can be
constructed by different materials.

(e) Non-Rigid or Flexible type of Machine Foundation Following figure shows the

non-rigid or flexible foundation
 Dynamic Properties Of Soil:

 The major soil properties that are required to analyze the behavior of a structure
subjected to dynamic loads are:
(a) Dynamic Young’s modulus (E)
(b) Dynamic shear modulus (G)
(c) Poisson’s ratio (m)
(d) Damping usually in terms of damping ratio (x)
(e) Liquefaction parameters like cyclic shearing stress ratio and cyclic
deformation

• Values of E and G are dependent on confining pressure and strain level.

• It has been observed that in general Poisson’s ratio (m) varies from 0.25 and 0.35
for cohesionless soils and from about 0.35 and 0.45 for cohesive soils.
• Damping ratio of the medium may be obtained by performing dynamic tests.
 Design Criteria For Machine Foundation.

• The machine foundation should be isolated from other foundations.

• It should be able to carry the superimposed loads without causing shear or crushing failure.

• No resonance should occur between the natural frequency of the foundation–soil system and
pulsating load.

• The amplitude of vibrations does not exceed the safe value.

• Limitations of amplitude of vibration

1. to avoid damage to machinery
2. to avoid damage to neighboring structures
3. to avoid discomfort to person
4. to avoid soil settlement
 Vibration Limit in machine foundation design:

(a) For Rotary machine:

(b) For Reciprocating machine:

 Prevention Of Vibration In Soil:

• The occurrence of resonance and the consequent effect on increase of vibration

amplitudes is one of the most common sources of trouble in machine foundations
which necessitates vibration isolation in soil.

• The possible methods of vibration isolation in existing machine foundations are:

1. counter-balancing the unbalanced exciting loads.
2. chemical stabilization of soil.
3. use of structural measures
4. isolation by trench barriers
5. isolation in buildings
6. providing vibration dampers