A Concise Presentation By

Nabin Prasad Joshi

On
A Brief Introduction of
Machine Foundation

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 Content of Presentation

• Introduction and need of machine foundation

• Types of machines
• Types of machine foundation
• Design criteria of machine foundation

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 Introduction
• Foundations are subjected to static as well as dynamic load or
combination of both.
• Static loads produce no vibration but dynamic load produce
vibration to foundation -soil system.
• Dynamic loads are produced from vibratory motion of
machines, vehicular movement, earthquakes, mine
explosions, etc.
• A foundation provided below the superstructure of a vibrating
and/or rotating machine for installation is known as machine
foundation.

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 Introduction
• Machine foundations require a special consideration because
they transmit dynamic loads to soil in addition to static loads
due to weight of foundation, machine and accessories.
• The dynamic load due to operation of the machine is
generally small compared to the static weight of machine and
the supporting foundation.
• In a machine foundation the dynamic load is applied
repetitively over a very long period of time but its magnitude
is small and therefore the soil behavior is essentially elastic.
• The amplitude of vibration of a machine at its operating
frequency is the most important parameter to be determined
in designing a machine foundation, in addition to the natural
frequency of a machine foundation soil system
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 Types of Machines
Machines

Low speed High speed Impact Type

machines machines Machines

•Compressors •Produce impact

•Turbo generators
• reciprocating engines loading
•Rotary compressors
•Produce unbalanced force •Forge hammer
•Speed 3000 to 10000 rpm
•Speed less than 600 rpm •Speed 60 to 150
blows per minute

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 Types of Machine Foundation
Machine Foundation

Block Box or caisson Wall type

Foundation foundation foundation

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 Types of Machine Foundation

1. Block Foundation
– Consist of pedestal resting on footing
– If two or more machines of similar type are to be
installed in a shop, these can profitably be mounted on
one continuous mat.
– Large mass and smaller natural frequency
– Usually provided for compressor and reciprocating
engines

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 Types of Machine Foundation

2. Box or Caisson Foundation

– If a relatively lighter foundation is desired, a box or a
caisson type foundation may be provided.
– Weight of foundation is reduced and its natural frequency
increases.
– Consists of a hollow concrete block that supports the
machine on its top.

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 Types of Machine Foundation

3. Wall Type Foundation

– Consists of system of wall-columns and beam-
slabs
– Each element is relatively flexible
– Steam turbines are provided with wall type
foundation.

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 Design Criteria of Machine Foundation
• It should be safe from a bearing capacity failure under static
and dynamic loads
• The settlement must be less than the prescribed one
• The dynamic amplitudes of the machine-foundation-soil
system must be within the prescribed limits under service
condition
• 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

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 Design Criteria of Machine Foundation
• Preferably, the centre of gravity of the machine should lie in
the same vertical line as the centre of gravity of the
foundation system
• The water table should be at least at a depth of one fourth
the width of foundation below foundation level

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THANK

YOU

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