Reference Project: Twarqi Steel Mill

Machine Foundation
Based on their operating frequency, machine may be divided in to three categories and
respective foundation type can be used as shown in table.
Type of Machines
Low to medium
frequency
Medium to high
frequency
Very High
frequency

Typical Operating Typical Machines Include

Frequency
0-500 rpm
Large Reciprocating engines
Compressors & blowers
300-1000 rpm

Medium sized reciprocating

Engines for e.g. (Diesel &

Gas Engines
Greater than 1000 High speed internal
rpm
Combustion Engine
Electric Motors
Turbo Generator sets

Foundation Type
used
Block type with
large contact area
with soil
Block type or
suitable elastic
pads
Massive Block
foundation used
Framed type
foundation

Characteristics of Block Type Foundation:

A block foundation has a large mass and,

therefore, a smaller natural frequency.
If a relatively lighter foundation is desired,
a box or a caisson type foundation may be
provided.
The mass of the foundation is reduced and
its natural frequency increases.

Design Analysis:
Code & References Used for RC design & Dynamic Analysis.

ACI 318-05: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete.

Text Book and Reference Manuals
o Handbook of machine foundation by P.Srinivasulu and C.V Vaidyanathan.
o Foundation Analysis and Design by J. E Bowles.

Software Used for Analysis:

Following are the list of computer analysis used for structural analysis or cross checking the
manual design by using in-house spreadsheets.

STAAD.Pro
SAFE
ETABS
In-house Spreadsheets.

Loads Used to Design:

Static Load
o Mainly includes the dead load of the structure can be calculated by using
o

structural dimension and unit weight

Dead load of machine provided by the Vendor.

Dynamic Load
o Dynamic load of the machinery can be taken as % of its dead weight
conservatively.

Dynamic Analysis:

Dynamic analysis of the foundation is done by refereeing Handbook of machine

foundation by P.Srinivasulu and C.V Vaidyanathan.

For this particular foundation the Vendor Supplied Vibrational Characteristics are used.
Following Checks is done for ensuring the safe behavior of foundation against dynamic
response.
o Check for Eccentricity.
o Calculation of Natural Frequencies of Foundation for various mode.
Vertical Translation
Sliding and rocking
Twisting

All these checks are done by using the design aid procedure describe in the above mentioned
reference Hand Book.
Stability Checks:
Stability of the foundation is ensure by conducting the following stability checks.

Bearing Capacity check (Manually & by using SAFE software)

Sliding check for Horizontal force. (Earthquake)

From the practical point of view, the following requirements should be fulfilled:
1. The groundwater table should be as low as possible and groundwater level deeper by at least
one-fourth of the width of foundation below the base plane. This limits the vibration
propagation, groundwater being a good conductor of vibration waves.

2. Machine foundations should be separated from adjacent building components by means of

expansion joints.
3. Any steam or hot air pipes, embedded in the foundation must be properly isolated.
4. The foundation must be protected from machine oil by means of acid-resisting coating or
suitable chemical treatment.
5. Machine foundations should be taken to a level lower than the level of the foundations of
adjoining buildings.