Dynamic pore water pressure in saturated soil due to turbine engine’s vibration

Abstract

The turbine engine that is operating will generate vibrations that are transmitted by the foundation into the soil layer. This causes the pore water pressure in the soil to increase, which causes the shear strength of the soil to decrease and can reduce the carrying capacity of the soil as a foundation resting place, which results in a reduced bearing capacity of the foundation as well. The pore water pressure in the soil consists of static pore water pressure and excess pore water pressure. Static pore water pressure is hydrostatic pressure that depend on Ground Water Level (GWL), while excess pore water pressure is the pore water pressure that occurs due to changes in undrained soil stress. Therefore, a study was conducted on the effect of gas turbine engine vibration on pore water pressure in sand and clay soils with a depth of 8,5 m (fine to coarse sand), 10,5 m (silty clay), and 12,5 m (medium to coarse sand). From the research results, the value of the pore water pressure ratio for each layer of soil was 0,32, 0,02, and 0,49, which can reduce the bearing capacity of the pile, especially in sandy soils and if the value is greater than one, it can be concluded that the soil has the potential for liquefaction.