ADVANCED FOUNDATION

ENGINEERING (CE – 703)

MACHINE FOUNDATIONS

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 FUNDAMENTALS OF SOIL DYNAMICS

The primary source of dynamic loading of soil is machinery of different

kinds, which cause dynamic forces and vibrations of the foundations for
the machinery.

Characteristics of Soil Under Dynamic Loading

Vibrations caused by dynamic loading impart energy to the soil particles.

The soil grains slip into and fill up corresponding void spaces (densification
of soil), pore water tends to escape, the modulus of elasticity tends to
change, and so does its bearing capacity.

The shock tends to reduce the internal friction and adhesion considerably.

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 FUNDAMENTALS OF SOIL DYNAMICS

Characteristics of Soil Under Dynamic Loading

Loose granular soils may be densified by vibration, while it will have

relatively smaller effect on cohesive soils.

 Saturated fine sand or silt may undergo a phenomenon of ‘liquefaction’

as they tend to become ‘quick’ under the action of dynamic forces under
certain conditions.

Thus it may be understood that the engineering properties and behaviour

of a soil will be significantly affected by the application of dynamic
loading.

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 Natural Frequency of Foundation-Soil system
The frequency of a system undergoing free vibration damping is
known as the natural frequency of the system.

When this idea is to be applied to a machine foundation-soil system,

it should be realized that, unlike in the case of the Mass-spring-dashpot
model in which the spring was assumed to be weightless, the soil
which is analogous to the spring has weight.

The response curve of a machine foundation-soil system does not

match exactly the response curve of the Mass-spring-Dashpot model.
(A response curve is merely the plot between the frequency versus
amplitude of motion).

This is because of the interaction of flexibility, inertia, and damping

present in the system (Whitman- 1966).

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The natural frequency of the system is once again defined as:

………………( 1 )

The definition of resonant frequency of the system has to be based

on the equation for fn, taking cognisance of Eq. 1.

While Mf is easily evaluated, determination of an appropriate value

for Ms in this equation.

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Tolerance Limits:

Tolerance limits for amplitudes are generally specified by the

manufacturers of machinery.

The permissible amplitude of a machine foundation is governed by

the relative importance of the machine and the sensitivity of the
neighbouring structure to vibration.
When the permissible amplitudes are not given by the manufacturer,
the values suggested by Richart (1970) may be adopted for preliminary
Design (Fig.1). The envelope described by the shaded line in this figure
indicates the limit for “safety”; it need not be a limit for satisfactory
operation of machines, as it can be furnished only by the
manufacturers of the machinery.

Barkan (1962) proposed the following values from his observation on

the performance of machines ( Table1)

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Fig. 1 Allowable limits for vertical amplitudes (after Richart et al., 1970)

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 Table. 1 Permissible amplitudes (after Barkan,1962)

 For foundations of sensitive equipment such as calibration test

stands and precision machines, the design criteria should be
established either by the manufacturer or by the user himself.

 Permissible bearing pressures for soil should be evaluated by

adequate sub-soil exploration and testing in accordance with IS:
1892 and IS: 1904 or other relevant standards.

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 Methods of Analysis

The following are the two broad approach to analyse a machine

foundation system undergoing vibrations:
(a) Mass-spring-dashpot model
(b) Elastic half-space theory in which the soil on which the
machine foundation rests is considered to be as an elastic half-
space.
The objective of the design procedure is the determination of a
foundation soil system which supports the machine
satisfactorily.
The supported machine may itself be the source of dynamic loads
or it may require isolation from external sources of excitation.
The soil parameters required in the first approach are the ‘spring
constant’ and the ‘damping ratio’.
Those required in the second are the ‘shear modulus’ and the
‘Poisson’s ratio’ of the soil.

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 Wave Propagation through Soil

 It should also be noted that the propagation of waves may be

greatly influenced by dissipative properties of soil which
govern the absorption of wave energy.
 There are two basic types of elastic wave: ‘body waves’ which
travel through the interior of the soil mass and ‘surface waves’
which travel at or near the surface of the material.

 Body waves are further subdivided into two modes:

‘Dilatational’, ‘compression’ or ‘P-wave’ and ‘shear’or ‘S-
wave.
 Surface waves are subdivided into four modes-‘Rayleigh’ or
‘R-wave’, ‘Compression bar’ wave, ‘Hydrodynamic’ or ‘H-
wave’, and ‘coupled’ or ‘C-wave’.

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 Dilatational or P-Wave
This wave induces motion of the soil particles in the direction of the
propagation of the wave.

Shear or S-Wave
This wave induces the motion of the soil particles in a direction
perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.

Rayleigh or R-Wave
This wave is propagated at or near the surface and induces motion
of the soil particle in the shape of a vertical ellipse.

Compression Bar Wave

This wave is propagated in thin bars or columns of soil materials which
induces motion of the soil particle in the direction of propagation of the
wave (bar axis).

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DYNAMIC SOIL PROPERTIES
Field Tests : Generally measure the velocity of wave propagation through the soil
or on the response of Soil-Structure system under dynamic interaction.

 Block Vibration (Vertical) Test.

 Cyclic Plate Load Test.
 Standard Penetration Test.
 Seismic Refraction Survey.
 Seismic Cross-Hole Survey.
 Seismic Down-Hole Survey.
 Seismic Up-Hole Survey.

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DYNAMIC SOIL PROPERTIES

BLOCK VIBRATION TEST (IS 5249 : 1992)

Test Pit:
A test pit of suitable size depending upon size of block should be made.
The size of the pit may be 3 m x 6 m and a depth preferably equal to
proposed depth of foundations. The test should be conducted above the
ground water table. In case of rock, the test may be performed on the
surface of rock bed itself. The bottom of the pit should be level and
horizontal.
Test Block:
A plain cement concrete block of M-15 concrete should be constructed in
the test pit (Fig.1). The size of the block should be selected depending
upon the sub-soil conditions. In ordinary soils it may be 1m x 1m x 1.5m
and in dense soils it may be 0.75 m x 0.75 m x 1 m. In boulder deposits
the height may be increased suitably. In case of rock, the test may be
performed on the surface of rock bed itself. The bottom of the pit should
be level and horizontal.

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DYNAMIC SOIL PROPERTIES: BLOCK VIBRATION TEST (IS 5249 : 1992)
Test Set-up:
Vibration exciter should be fixed on the concrete block and suitable connection between power supply,
speed control unit, should be made as shown in Fig.4. Any suitable electronic instrumentation may be
used to measure the frequency and amplitude of vibrations.

FIG. 3. Set-up for Block Vibration Test.

FIG. 4. Block Diagram of Testing Equipment for Block Vibration Test.

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DYNAMIC SOIL PROPERTIES: BLOCK VIBRATION TEST (IS 5249 : 1992)
A. Forced Vibration (vertical)Test:

The vibration pick-ups should be fixed at the top of the block as

shown in Fig.3, it senses vertical motion of the block.
The vibration exciter should be mounted on the block, it generates
purely vertical sinusoidal vibrations and line of action of vibrating force
passes through the centre of gravity of the block.
The exciter is operated at a constant frequency.
The signal of the vibration pick-ups are fed into suitable electronic
circulatory to measure frequency and amplitude of vibration.
 The frequency of the exciter is increased in steps of small values, (l-
4 cycles/sec) up to maximum frequency of the exciter and the signals
measured.
The same procedure should be repeated if necessary for different
excitation levels.
The dynamic force should never exceed 20 percent of the total mass
of the block and exciter assembly.
 Any suitable electronic instrumentation may be used to measure the
frequency and amplitude of vibrations.
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 DYNAMIC SOIL PROPERTIES: BLOCK VIBRATION TEST (IS 5249 : 1992)
A. Forced Vibration (vertical)Test:

Amplitude versus frequency curve shall be plotted or each excitation

level to obtain the natural frequency of the soil and the foundation
block tested. A typical plot is shown in Fig. 5.

FIG. 5. Typical Amplitude Versus Frequency Curve.

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DYNAMIC SOIL PROPERTIES: BLOCK VIBRATION TEST (IS 5249 : 1992)
Determination of Coefficient of Elastic Uniform Compression:

The coefficient of elastic uniform compression (Cu) of soil is given by

the following equation:

4π 2 f n2 M
Cu =
A
where, f n = Natural frequency
M = Mass of block , exciter and motor
A = Contact area of the block with soil.

From the value of CU obtained for the test block of contact area A the value of CU,
for the foundation having contact area A1 may be obtained from the equation:
A
Cu1 = Cu
A1

This relation is valid for base area up to 10 sq.m of the foundations. For actual
foundation areas larger than 10 sq.m, the value of Cu, obtained for 10 sq.m may be
used.

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DYNAMIC SOIL PROPERTIES: BLOCK VIBRATION TEST (IS 5249 : 1992)
Determination of Damping Coefficient :
In case of vertical vibration test, the value of damping coefficient ξ of soil is
given by the following equation:

FIG. 6. Determination of Damping from Block Vibration Test.

f 2 − f1
ξ =
2 f nz
Where,
Xm
f 2 , f1 = Two frequencies at which the amplitue is equal to
2
Xm = Maximum amplitue
f nz = Frequency at which amplitue is maximum
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DYNAMIC SOIL PROPERTIES: BLOCK VIBRATION TEST (IS 5249 : 1992)
B. Free Vibration (vertical) Test:
The block shall be excited into free vertical vibrations by the impact of sledge
hammer or any suitable device, as near to the centre of the top face of the
block as possible. The vibrations shall be recorded on a pen recorder or
suitable device to measure the frequency and amplitude of vibration. The test
may be repeated three or four times.
The damping coefficient may be obtained from free vibration tests using the
following equation:
1 X
ξ = log e m
2π X m +1
Where,
X m , X m +1 = As explained in Fig . 7.

Wd = Damped Natural Frequency of the System.

FIG. 7. Determination of Damping from Free Vibration Test.
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 DYNAMIC SOIL PROPERTIES:
CYCLIC PLATE LOAD TEST
Equipment:
Suitable arrangement for providing reaction of adequate magnitude
depending upon size of plate employed should be used.

The load mechanism should have facility to apply and remove the
loads quickly. A hydraulic jack or any other suitable equipment may be
used.

Test Procedure:
•The equipment for the test shall be assembled according to the details
given in IS 1888.
•The plate shall be located at a depth equal to the depth of the proposed
foundation in a pit excavated as given in IS 1888.

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 DYNAMIC SOIL PROPERTIES:
CYCLIC PLATE LOAD TEST

After arrangement of set-up, loads are applied in increments.

Each increment of loads are maintained till further no settlement occur or

the rate of settlement becomes negligible.

The applied removed quickly and the plate allowed to rebound.

When no further rebound occur or the rate of rebound becomes negligible,

then the next increment of load is applied.

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 DYNAMIC SOIL PROPERTIES:
CYCLIC PLATE LOAD TEST

The cycles of loading, unloading and reloading are continued till the estimated
ultimate load has been reached, the final values of dial gauge readings being noted
each time.
The magnitude of the load increment should be such that the ultimate load is
reached in five to six increments.
The initial loading and unloading cycles up to the safe bearing capacity of the soil
should be with smaller increments in load.

FIG. 8. Load Settlement Curve for Cyclic Plate Load Test.

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 DYNAMIC SOIL PROPERTIES: CYCLIC PLATE LOAD TEST
Determination of Elastic Uniform Compression from Cyclic Plate Load Test:
From the data obtained during cyclic plate load test, the elastic rebound of the
plate corresponding to each intensity of loading shall be obtained as shown in
Fig. 9.
The load intensity versus elastic rebound shall be plotted as shown in Fig. 10.

The value of Cu, shall be calculated from the equation given below:

FIG. 9. Load Settlement Curve for Cyclic Plate Load Test.

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 DYNAMIC SOIL PROPERTIES: CYCLIC PLATE LOAD TEST
Determination of Elastic Uniform Compression from Cyclic Plate Load Test:

P
Cu =
Se
Where,
P = Corresponding to load intensity kgf / cm 2
Se = Elastic rebound corresponding to P in cm.

FIG.10. Method for obtaining Cu

from Cyclic Plate Load Test Data.

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 DYNAMIC SOIL PROPERTIES:
The Coefficient of Elastic Uniform Shear and Elastic Non-Uniform Shear:
Compression Cu, the coefficient of elastic uniform shear, Cτ, the .coefficient of
elastic non-uniform compression Cφ and the coefficient of elastic non-uniform
shear Cψ are related to each other by the relations given below:

Cu = 1.5 to 2 Cτ
Cφ = 3.46 Cτ
Cψ = 1.5 Cτ

NOTE - The relation between Cu, Cτ, Cφ and Cψ depends upon elastic
properties of medium, the soil, the size and shape of contact area and
flexibility of rigidity of the foundation.

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 DYNAMIC SOIL PROPERTIES:
Hammer Test
The values of travel time of compression waves and the corresponding
distance along each selected line at a location are plotted as shown in Fig. 11.

 A straight line is fitted through these points. The value of average velocity is
obtained as:

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FIG.11. Method for obtaining Cu from Cyclic Plate Load Test Data.

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Determination of Elastic Modulus and Shear Modulus of Soil

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Depending upon the nature of medium involved, and if the distance between
pick-ups is sufficiently large, both the arrival of compression and shear
waves may be distinguishable from the records.

In such a case both E and G can be determined independently:

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GUIDANCE FOR CHOOSING DESIGN PARAMETFRES FROM IN-SITU
TESTS:
The value of the dynamic shear modulus G is affected by a number of
parameters out of which confining pressure, shear strain amplitude and
relative density are most important.

It is observed that changes in density from medium to dense state have
relatively insignificant effect compared to effect of confining pressure and
shear strain amplitude.

Since the order of strain level and confining pressure associated with
different in-situ tests are different, tests may be expected to show a large
variation, as the strain associated with, say hammer test is very small and
that with cyclic plate load test is very large.

A rational approach is therefore, needed to arrive at a suitable design

value.

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GUIDANCE FOR CHOOSING DESIGN PARAMETFRES FROM IN-SITU
TESTS:

In the range of strains associated with properly design machine

foundations, the effect of variation in strain on shear modulus is small and
the values of G for design purposes may be determined from the in-situ
test values using the relation given below:

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RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHEAR MODULUS, YOUNG’S MODULUS,
COEFFICIENT OF ELASTIC UNIFORM COMPRESSION, ETC :
Values of shear modulus G and Young’s modulus E are related to each
other by the relation given below:

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