PAUWS ANALOGY OF FOUNDATION SOIL SYSTEM

Pauw (1953) gave an analytical approach with the help of which approximate values
of both spring constant K and the apparent mass may be determined. He assumed a
rectangular footing of size a x b, acted on by a uniformly distributed load. He further
assumed that the vertical component of the pressure from the footing is assumed to decrease
with depth and to be uniformly distributed over a rectangular area bounded by planes sloping
out-ward from footing at angle tan(/2) with the vertical [Fig. ].
The effective zone, upto a height z, is found to be volume of this prism.
The modulus of elasticity E at a depth z in the effective zone is given by
Ez = (h + z)
where

=rate of increase of E z with depth

h= height of an equilateral soil surcharge

For a cohesive soil, however, E z remains constant = E and may not vary with
the depth. The equivalent soil surcharge is a height such that
E0
h=
where E0= modulus of elasticity of soil at the base of the foundation (i.e. at z
= 0). For cohesionless sand Eo = 0 at the unconfined surface, and hence h = 0.
If, however, there is surcharge on the surface, such as the weight of the foundation,
Where for a partially cohesive soil, h is given by
q E0
+
h=
Table below
gives the values of E o and 0 for various soils
Soil Type

E0(Kg/cm2)

(kg/cm2/m)

Dense sand
Dense sand

0
0

700-1500
400-58

Loose sand

70-140
0

(kg/cm2/m)*10e6
7-11.45
4-5.7
8
0.7-1.4

Loose silty

Dense silty sand

caly

21
14-28

0.58-1.15
58-115
230-460
11.5-23

2.3-4.6
0.115-0.23

The values of K is determined by curves in which it is given by

K= b^2
K=b^2 0.7854

The apparent mass of soil can be determined from equation

b3
m (app)= g c m
After having determined the equivalent spring stiffness K ,the natural frequency of
vibration can be determined by
f n=

1
k /(m ( app ) +mv)
2

Az=

Fo

k ( 1 2 ) +(

2 c 2
)
cc

The amplitude assumes that the foundation rests on the surface.Im actual practice foundation is below the surface and hence the amplitude is given by
above eqn hence the by which the eqn should be multiplied is given by

B=1-0.6

z
b'

where z=depth of foundation below surface, b=avg of a and b

The exciting force F0 is the sum of the centrifugal force f1 due to the rotation of eccentric weight and the dynamic force f2 due to the eceleration of the
reciprocating parts. Ransom suggests following formulae for the limiting amplitude

Azp=

9.54
,
f

for f less than 1800rpm

or=

17600
f

, for f greater than 1800rpm

As a rough guide the ratio of weight of machine and its foundation is to be kept between 2.5 to 3 which is mostly a matter of experience.