Abstract
In this study the dynamic response of a machine-foundation-soil system was investigated experimentally and theoretically. The objective of this work is to analyze the effects of the water table fluctuations in the soil on the response of the foundation and machine subjected to dynamic loads at frequencies ranging from 30 to 50 Hz. A physical model test was developed to simulate a machine-foundation-soil system, with measurements of the machine vibrations and the shear wave velocity of the soil. It is found that the water level produced significant changes in the shear wave velocity of the soil and, thus, in the natural frequencies of the system. For a fully saturated soil the vibration levels increased due to a working condition near resonance. The results showed a good agreement between the experimental vibration measurements and the predictions based on the theory used in foundation design, when considering the appropriate soil parameters. It is concluded that proper estimation of soil parameters is of high importance in the design process of machine foundations.
Highlights
The foundations of machines such as motors, compressors, fans, and others, play an important role in industry
The results of this study indicate that as the water table rises from case 1 to 3 there is a decrease in the shear wave velocity of the soil, which correlates with a decrease in the horizontal and vertical natural frequency of the system
The experimental results indicate that the water table fluctuations produced changes in the shear wave velocity of the soil and, in its natural frequency, which decreased in 35% and 21% in the horizontal and vertical direction, respectively
Summary
The foundations of machines such as motors, compressors, fans, and others, play an important role in industry. Several studies have focused their attention on the vibrations generated by the system and their effects on the foundations. For the dynamic design of the machine foundation, it is necessary to consider the machine features (weight, size, dynamic forces), as well as the features of the soil (stress state, density, dynamic properties). In this aspect, it is essential to analyze the machine, foundation andsoil as a complete system, considering theirinteraction. Reported cases have shown the importance of an appropriate study of the soil properties beneath the machine foundation, and the effects of pore pressures on the soil-structure interaction [1–3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
