Title:
Elevated Foundations for Rotating Machines for High Speed Balancing Facilities
Author(s):
Pericles C. Stivaros and Pablo A. Bruno
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
348
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
106-124
Keywords:
machine foundations, dynamic loads, vibration, resonance, pile foundations
DOI:
10.14359/51732682
Date:
3/1/2021
Abstract:
This paper presents a case study involving the structural analysis and design of an elevated foundation
plinth to support multiple pieces of rotating machines with different operating weights and speeds. The equipment is
used to operate a high-speed balancing testing facility for turbines and rotors that are located within an adjacent
testing chamber. This project comprised of several layout and design challenges, including vibration and resonance
concerns, effects of multiple operating frequencies, plinth shape, and pile foundation effects. Major concern was to
maintain the high precision and strict tolerance limitations required by the high-speed balancing operations. Elevated
machine foundations integral with other structures possess many natural frequencies, both locally and globally. The
traditional design rules-of-thumb are not adequate for analyzing and designing elevated machine foundations. A
computer-based finite element analysis method is required to identify the multiple natural frequencies of a
complicated foundation structure. The strength design of a machine foundation can become very challenging when
trying to implement code requirements that are mostly applicable to building elements and not to massive concrete
foundations. This study recognizes the need for the development of a design standard to include special design
requirements for mass concrete machine foundations.