Sixth Indian Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference 6IYGEC2017

10-11 March 2017, NIT Trichy, India

DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF PILE SUPPORTED MACHINE

FOUNDATION
1
Yati R. Tank, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, CGPIT, UTU, Bardoli - 394 601.
Email: yati.tank@utu.ac.in
2
Akhilesh R. Tank, Deputy Manager, Infinite Civil Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad - 380 060. Email:
akhilesh_tank@yahoo.co.in

ABSTRACT: With the development of new technologies in the industries, the vibration problems from the
industrial assets such as, mechanical workshops, gas, steam, hydro and geothermal power plants i.e.
producing dynamic loads have been drawing attention of structural and geotechnical engineers. In early era,
due importance was not given to the design of machine foundation. Conventional methods were developed for
strength design of foundation by multiplying static loads with an estimated dynamic factor. Even with these
so called excessive loads harmful effects were observed during operating mechanism. And the vibration may
create problem of resonance in structure and there by damage the structure. In the present paper, the pile
supported block type reciprocating machine foundation has been analyzed by applying the Harmonic
sinusoidal excitation with the various combination of pile configuration parameters as, ratio of length to
diameter of pile (L/D) and spacing between two adjacent piles for medium soil condition with the constant
value of shear wave velocity ratio, pile cap thickness to check the dynamic behavior of the same and to
compare their performance from frequency as well as amplitude point of view to arrive at best suitable
foundation by SAP: 2000 Vs. 16 Software Approach.

KEY WORDS: dynamic analysis, pile, amplitude check, L/D ratio, frequency check

1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Dynamic behavior of machine foundation is highly depending on its supporting systems whether it is
supported on soil, piles, springs or elastic pads. Hence, dynamic behavior of these supporting systems must be
understood first for study overall behavior of machine foundation.
And decision of using any of above supporting system below machine foundation should be taken cautiously
and not without understanding of how it would behave under the load induced from the machine.
In many cases due to poor soil condition machine foundations are loaded on piles and obviously other than
static loads they are also subjected to vibrations and dynamic loading.
There are certain situations listed below which necessitates application of piles below machine foundation,
• If the total pressure on the soil is larger than the bearing capacity of soil, considering the Dynamic action
of the foundation on the soil.
• If it is necessary to increases the natural frequency of foundation.
• If it is necessary to decrease the amplitude of forced vibrations.
• If it is necessary to reduce necessary to residual dynamic settlement of foundation.
Many researchers and authors have presented their views for analysis and design of machine foundations.
Bharathi C. M. et al. reviewed the codes/standards on machine foundations that are available for practicing in
different parts of the world.

Fig. 1 Pile Supported Machine Foundation

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 Sixth Indian Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference 6IYGEC2017
10-11 March 2017, NIT Trichy, India

The codes/standards considered for this study includes ACI 351 3R 04 (America), CP 2012 (British), DIN
4024 (German), SAES Q 007 (Saudi Aramco) and IS 2974 (Indian). The author concluded that the procedure
for the design of machine foundation supported on piles is not available in detail. Some of the considered
codes/standards suggest that the dynamic analysis procedure of piles can be adopted for the analysis and
design of pile foundations supporting machines. This is due to fact that the design of pile foundations
supporting the machines depends on several non-dimensional and interaction parameters. Bhatia K. G.
highlighted various issues related to mathematical modeling and interpretations of results are discussed at
length. Bharathi M. et. al. described the behavior of reciprocating machines resting on piles. A reciprocating
machine resting on a pile group was selected such that the soil, pile and machine parameters resemble actual
field conditions and it was analyzed for the dynamic conditions. MATLAB programs were developed for
different modes of vibration and the system was analyzed for different soil, pile and machine parameters and
the variation in the natural frequency and amplitude of the system was studied. Saul W. E. et al. introduced
the use of pile for machine foundation construction and concluded that, the use of piling in machine
foundation construction would add flexibility for the designer, help solve special problems, and possibly
reduce costs.

1.2 Objective of the study

In the present study, an attempt has been made to model a simple machine foundation (without pile and pile
cap) in SAP: 2000 Vs. 16 along with the different models comprising of various pile configuration parameters
as, pile diameter, ratio of length to diameter of pile (L/D) and spacing between two adjacent piles at constant
pile cap thickness and medium soil condition to check the dynamic behavior of the same and the results are
compared based on their performance from frequency as well as amplitude point of view to arrive at best
suitable foundation and general conclusion will be made.

2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
The dynamic analysis of block foundation supporting Gas Compressor has been performed here. The
preliminary data of the machine and its foundation has been collected from ICS (Infinite Civil Solutions Pvt.
Ltd.), Ahmadabad. The operating frequency of gas compressor is quite low as 328 rpm.

Table 1 Block Foundation Data

Specification of Machine Foundation Related Data
Machine running speed (normal operation) 328 rpm
Total length of foundation 6.80 m
Total width of foundation 7.41 m
Total depth of foundation 0.80 m
Depth of foundation below G.L.(Df) 0.65 m
Depth of pedestal above G.L.(Sp) 0.15 m
Length of skid(Ls) 6.5 m
Width of skid(Ws) 7.11 m
Total weight of motor 434 KN
Total weight of compressor 124 KN
Total weight of cooler 140 KN
Dimensions of Compressor (W1) 6.5 m X 3.0 m
Dimensions of Cooler (W2) 6.5 m X 1.5 m
Dimensions of Motor (W3) 1.95 m X 2.6 m
Permissible amplitude of machine foundation 63.50 microns
Grade of concrete M30
Poisson’s ratio of concrete 0.17
Length of Pile 20 m
Dynamic modulus of elasticity of concrete 31.9 KN/ mm2

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 Sixth Indian Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference 6IYGEC2017
10-11 March 2017, NIT Trichy, India

3 DYNAMIC SOIL AND PILE PARAMETER

Many researchers have given their theories to calculate the dynamic pile properties and group effect of piles.
From the available theory, three methods are listed and one method is used to calculate dynamic pile stiffness
and damping coefficient of pile.

Novak Plain Strain Approach (1974)

Method Suggested by Chowdhury and Dasgupta (2006)

Method suggested by Novak and Han considering non reflective boundary zone around pile (1992)
Among all these methods, Novak Plain Strain Approach has been selected to carry out soil structure
interaction to find dynamic pile stiffness and damping coefficient of pile.

3.1 Calculation of dynamic stiffness and damping coefficient of pile

A program prepared in Microsoft Excel Sheet has been used to calculate dynamic pile stiffness and damping
coefficients based on Novak’s Plain Strain Approach. For that, one should require the value of Shear Wave
Velocity Ratio (Vs/Vc), mass density of Soil, dynamic Shear Modulus of soil, Poisson‘s Ratio (µ), and ratio
of mass density of soil to mass density of pile (ρ/ρp).

The calculated value of mass density of soil is 1.936 KN.sec2/m4, dynamic shear modulus of soil is 15000
KN/m2, and mass density of pile is 2.44 KN.sec2/m4.So, to calculate dynamic stiffness and damping
coefficient of pile, the calculated value of Shear Wave Velocity Ratio(Vs/Vc) is 0.025.

The results of dynamic pile stiffness and damping coefficient of pile have been shown in graphical view.
From Figure 2, it has been observed that as the ratio of length of pile to diameter of pile (L/D) and slenderness
ratio decreases, the horizontal stiffness increases. It can also be said that as the diameter of pile increases, the
horizontal stiffness of pile increases. From Figure 3, it has been observed that as the ratio of length of pile to
diameter of pile (L/D) and slenderness ratio decreases, the horizontal damping coefficient of pile increases. It
can also be said that as the diameter of pile increases, the horizontal damping coefficient of pile increases.

120000
Coefficient (KN.sec/mt)

100000 Kxx 1000

Horizontal Damping

909.68 Cxx
Horizontal Stiffness (KN/

96009 or 800
80000 82293 Kyy or
600 668.33
68578 Cyy
60000 400 464.12
54862 297.04
40000 41147 200 167.08
mt)

0
20000
0 28.57 33.34 40 50 66.67

28.57 33.34 40 50 66.67 Ratio of length of pile to diameter of pile

Ratio of length of pile to diameter of pile (L/D) (L/D)

Fig. 2 Horizontal Stiffness (Kxx, Kyy) vs. L/D Ratio Fig. 3 Horizontal Damping Coefficient (Cxx, Cyy) vs. L/D
Ratio

4 DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF PILE SUPPORTED MACHINE FOUNDATION IN SAP: 2000 VS. 16

4.1 Modeling in SAP: 2000 Vs. 16
A model of machine foundation has been simulated by solid elements in SAP 2000 V. 16. As from the
literature studied, a system of machine foundation may involve modeling of machine, foundation and soil-
pile parameters, the machine components have been modeled with rigid links by draw 2 joint link command
connecting center of gravity of machine components and their supports. And soil pile interaction model has
been simulated in SAP 2000 V. 16 by modeling each pile as a spring dashpot having stiffness and dynamic
pile stiffness and damping. Figure 4 shows solid model of foundation is prepared in SAP 2000 V. 16 software.

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 Sixth Indian Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference 6IYGEC2017
10-11 March 2017, NIT Trichy, India

Fig. 4 Solid Model Prepared in SAP: 2000 Vs. 16

4.2 Parametric Study of Pile Supported Machine Foundation

Table 2 Description of parameters and total model of pile supported machine foundation with 0.25 m pile cap thickness
No. of Diameter of Pile Number of Piles Spacing between Spacing between Piles
Models D (m) Piles in X- Direction in Y- Direction
Spx(m) Spy (m)
1 - - - -
2 0.3 36 0.9 0.9
3 0.4 25 1.3 1.3
4 0.5 20 1.3 1.3
5 0.6 16 1.6 1.6
6 0.7 12 1.6 1.8

A parametric study has been carried out to study the effect of soil and pile parameters such as, pile diameter,
L/D ratio, number of piles, spacing between two adjacent piles in X and Y directions on the dynamic behavior
of machine foundation supported on piles.

4.3 Results and Discussions

The results of amplitude check (forced vibration)
ibration) have been discussed in graphical format as in Fig
Figure 5.
Here, the values are selected at the different nodess of model at important places.

25 Without Pile and

Displacement (micron)

Pile Cap
20
0.3 mt. Dia Pile
15
10 0.4 mt. Dia Pile

5 0.5 mt. Dia Pile

0
0.6 mt. Dia Pile

0.7 mt. Dia Pile

Node Number

Fig. 5 Vertical Displacement vs.. Node Number for Different Model

From the Figure 5,, it has been observed that as the ratio of length of pile to diameter of pile (L/D) decreases
or as the diameter of pile increases, the vertical displacement of vibration increases. So it can be said that, as
the number of pile decreases from 36 to 12, the vertical displacement of vibration increases. Also, a simple
model i.e. a model without provisionn of pile and pile cap exhibits the maximum displacement and it is beyond
the safe limit.

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 Sixth Indian Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference 6IYGEC2017
10-11 March 2017, NIT Trichy, India

1.8 Without Pile and

Frequency Ration
1.6 Pile Cap (L/D = 0)
1.4 (L/D)= 66.67
1.2
1 (L/D)= 50
0.8
0.6
0.4 (L/D)= 40
0.2
0 (L/D)= 33.34

(L/D)= 28.58

Mode Number
Fig. 6 Frequency Ratio Vs. Mode Number for Different Models
The results of resonance check (free vibration) have been discussed in graphical view as in Figure 6 i.e., it has
been observed that as the ratio of length of pile to diameter of pile (L/D) decreases or as the diameter of pile
increases, the frequency of vibration (due to applied harmonic sinusoidal excitation, machine dead weight,
time history and dead weight of foundation) decreases and frequency ratio increases.

5 CONCLUDING REMARKS & DISCUSSIONS

Detailed conclusions as results of the study have been discussed. The variations of the results are shown in
terms of percentage. Also, these variations are related to only studied cases. Hence, these percentage changes
could be varying from case to case.
Ratio of length of pile to diameter of pile (L/D) is very important parameter which affects dynamic
behavior of pile. L/D ratio has been increased from 28.57 to 66.67 to study the variation in
horizontal, vertical, rocking and torsional stiffness and damping of pile. L/D ratio is increased by
reducing diameter of pile from 0.7 m to 0.3 m.
The results of resonance check shows that as the diameter of pile increases from 0.3 m to 0.7 m (pile cap
thickness constant), the frequency of vibration decreases i.e. the frequency ratio increases. It is
because, as the number of pile decreases, it will increase the span between supports and there will be
less further reduction in pile group interaction. The results of amplitude check show that as the
diameter of pile increases from 0.3 m to 0.7 m (pile cap thickness constant), the amplitude of
vibration increase. It is because, as the number of pile decreases, it will increase the span between
supports and there will be less further reduction in pile group interaction.
From the parametric study, it can be generalized concluded that for medium type of soil with pile length
20 m, a block type of pile supported machine foundation having the ratio of length of pile to diameter
of pile (L/D) equal to 40, i.e. 0.5 m diameter proves to be most economical configuration other than
0.3, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.7 m pile diameter. Here, 0.3 and 0.4 m diameter pile proves to be safe. But it is not
economical because the number of piles used in such block type of pile supported machine
foundation configuration is 36 and 25 respectively which is more than 20.
Again, it can be seen that, 0.6 and 0.7 m diameter pile proves to be unsafe. As, in such case the frequency
ratio becomes more than 0.8 and resonance condition occurs.

6 FUTURE SCOPE OF WORK

The study related to dynamic behavior of pile and machine foundation in this study is based on analytical
approach and the results need to be validated by experimental results.
In this study, effect of pile diameter on the dynamic behaviour of machine foundation is studied. But, the
pile cap thickness, soil medium is kept constant.
Effect of water table on the dynamic behavior of machine foundation can be studied in future.

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10-11 March 2017, NIT Trichy, India

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