EFFECT OF RUBBER PADS IN MACHINE FOUNDATIONS

Abstract

Many times manufacturers of machine foundations recommending use of rubber pads as springs below the machine base as a measure of reducing vibrations without analysing its consequences. In this present investigation the effect of rubber pads as springs under machine base plate for a block foundation subjected to horizontal and vertical force has been studied. Horizontal resonance tests and vertical resonance tests were conducted on a block type foundation without rubber pad and with rubber pad at three. different eccentricity setting of oscillator. The footings was resting on the surface of a medium sandy soil. For vertical force such a machine foundation soil system forms• a two degreeof freedom system. Results of model block foundation subjected to vertical and horizontal forces have been analysed. Theoretical confirmation for vertical block vibration tests with and without rubber pads have also done. It is concluded from the investigation that the use of rubber pads as vibration absorbers is not advantageous