Design and Construction of an apparatus for Evaluation of Dynamic Response of Machine Foundation and Equivalent Dynamic Properties of Subsoil Bed

Machine foundations induce a wide range of dynamic shear strains in foundation bed. Dynamic properties of soils including the damping ratio and the dynamic stiffness intensely depend on the level of generated dynamic shear strain. Therefore, considering the appropriate dynamic properties of a foundation bed corresponding to the generated dynamic shear strain is crucial to having a better evaluation of the dynamic response of a machine foundation. This paper presents the design and construction of an apparatus namely “Foundation Model Response Test (FMRT)”. This apparatus provides the tests to investigate the dynamic properties of machine foundation and underlying bed in a wide range of dynamic shear strains employing a various range of dynamic excitation forces and static weight (dead weight). The FMRT apparatus could be used in the field to evaluate the dynamic response of the undisturbed bed and on the prepared bed in the laboratory test pit. Two types of steady-state and free vibration tests could be conducted by employing the FMRT apparatus. Steady-state vibration tests induce larger shear strain in bed, whereas free vibration tests induce smaller shear strain. Correlation of the results of these two types of tests, dynamic responses, and dynamic properties of foundation bed in a wide range of dynamic shear strain would be achieved. The accuracy and validity of all FMRT tests are possible to monitor precisely and any unwanted noises and modes of vibration are possible to be controlled by evaluating the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of all sensors data when conducting tests. Several steady-state and free vibration tests were conducted to illustrate the performance of the designed apparatus. Moreover, the method of calculation, controlling unwanted vibration, and correlation of free and steady-state example tests were submitted. FMRT tests are inexpensive, repeatable, non-destructive and reliable tests that ensure the dynamic response of machine foundation possible accurately.