A REVIEW OF THE BEHAVIOUR AND DESIGN OF MACHINE FOUNDATIONS

Abstract

A machine foundation differs from any other type of foundation, because of the dynamic nature of loads. Till about 1930, a machine foundation was designed based upon emperical methods. These methods didnot take into account the properties of the underlying soil. In the years to follow, attempts have been made to understand the problem scientifically. Characteristics of the underlying soil strata affect the resonance of the system with the machine. The available literature on the subject islicattered and no systematic investigation, covering the present trend is available. The present investigation of the behaviour and design of machine foundation is intended to make a systematic study of available literature and is believed to lead to a better understanding of the problems connected. The various approaches to the design of machine fogndations are critically reviewed, compared with each other and their limitations discussed. A simple emprical equation for determination of resonant frequency of the system is developed. Suggestions for further research have also been made.