STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS

Lecture 9: Foundations of
Reciprocating Machines

Dr. J. Mahachi, Pr.Eng, Pr.CPM, FSAICE

University of Johannesburg

School of Civil Engineering & Built Environment

Email: [email protected]
Cell: 082 904 9569
 Course Outline
• SDOF Free vibration, with no damping
• SDOF Free vibration with damping
• SDOF Forced vibration
– Harmonic Loading
– Periodic Loading
– Impulse or Pulse Loading (Blast Loading)
– Transient loading (Earthquake loading)
• MDOF
• Vibration of Continuous Structures
• Foundations of Reciprocating Machines
 Heavy Machines
Examples of Heavy Machines:
• Reciprocating Engines
• Large rotating machines with unbalanced masses
• Vibrating screens in mining industries
 Dynamic Properties of Foundation Material
• Elastic properties assumed for vibration analysis
• Dynamic Tests
𝐸 = 2 1 + 𝑣 − 𝜌. 𝛽 2
𝑣 = 0.3 − 0.5
𝜌 = 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦
𝛽 = 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑤𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦
(𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑠)
 Coefficient for Soil Deformation
𝐶𝑍 is the modulus of subgrade reaction or coefficient of uniform compression
B
𝐸
𝐶𝑍 = ×𝛽
1−𝑣 2 𝐴 D

1
3 −1 2
1+𝛼2 +𝛼 1+𝛼2 +1 2 1+𝛼2 2− 1+𝛼3
β = 𝜋 𝛼 𝑙𝑛 + 𝛼𝑙𝑛 −
1+𝛼2 −𝛼 1+𝛼2 −1 3 𝛼

𝐵
• 𝛼= ≥ 1.0 ; 𝐴 = 𝐵𝐷 B is the long dimension
𝐷
 Values of 𝛽

𝐵 1.0 1.5 2.0 3.0 5.0 10 100

𝐷

𝛽 1.06 1.07 1.09 1.13 1.22 1.41 2.71

 Coefficient for Soil Deformation
𝐶𝜙 −Coefficient of non-uniform compression (Relevant to
rotational deformation about any horizontal axis 𝑥 𝑜𝑟 𝑦
𝐶𝑥 −Coefficient of uniform shear in 𝑥 −direction
𝐶𝑦 −Coefficient of uniform shear in 𝑦 −direction
z
y
B

x
 Coefficient for Soil Deformation
• 𝐶𝜙 = 2.0𝐶𝑧
• 𝐶𝑥 = 0.5𝐶𝑧
• 𝐶𝑦 = 0.5𝐶𝑧
Note:
• Stiff clay and gravel suitable materials for machine foundations
• Rock – better greater stiffness. Stiffness properties of rock not
affected by settlement and do not change with time
• Cracks and fissures in rock affect stiffness ⇒ Rock should be well
grouted
 Determination of Mass Moment of Inertia
• Subdivide the foundation into brick-like blocks, and obtain the
centre of gravity of the foundation by taking first moments of
the brick volumes about the origin.
• Let 𝑥𝑏 , 𝑦𝑏 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑧𝑏 be the coordinates of the c.g of the
foundation.
𝑛
𝑖 𝑎𝑏𝑐 𝑥
• 𝑥𝑏 = 𝑛 ; where 𝑎, b and c are dimensions of each block,
𝑖=1 𝑎𝑏𝑐
𝑛 = no of blocks, 𝑥 = c.g or each block
Determination of Mass Moment of Inertia
• Mass moment of block (𝑎𝑏𝑐) about
𝑦 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠
𝑎2 +𝐶 2 2
• ∆𝜃𝑦 = 𝜌𝑎𝑏𝑐 + 𝑥𝑏 − 𝑥 +
12
Example: Mass Moment of Inertia
Foundation Block
 Example: Mass Moment of Inertia (cont…)
(i). Determine coordinates of c.g of foundation block

𝑥𝑏 = 0 (By symmetry)

2.5×5.5×1.5 ×2.75+ 4×5.5×1.5 ×2.75+ 4×1.5×2 ×6.25

𝑦𝑏 = = 3.39𝑚
20.62+33.0+12.0

20.62 × 2.25 + 33.0 × 0.75 + 12.0 × 1.0

𝑧𝑏 = = 1.267𝑚
65.62

Density of concrete 𝜌 = 2400 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3

 Example: Mass Moment of Inertia (cont…)
(ii). Determine mass moment of inertia 𝜽𝒚𝒃 , 𝜽𝒛𝒃

Note: 𝜃𝑥𝑏 is not calculated since pitching mode of vibration about this 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
not critical, although required in full design calculations

2. 52 + 1.52 2
𝜃𝑦𝑏 = 2400 ∙ 20.62 + 1.267 − 2.25
12
42 +1.52
+33.0 + 1.267 − 0.75 2
12
42 +22
+12.0 + 1.267 − 1.0 2 }
12
∴ 𝜃𝑦𝑏 = 274.57 × 103 𝑘𝑔𝑚2
 Example: Mass Moment of Inertia (cont…)
𝑆𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑦;
2.52 +5.52 2
𝜃𝑧𝑏 = 2400 20.62 3.39 − 2.75
12
42 + 5.52
+33.0 + 3.39 − 2.75 2
12
42 + 1.52
+12.0 3.39 − 6. 2
12
∴ 𝜃𝑧𝑏 = 787 × 103 𝑘𝑔𝑚2

Mass of foundation Block, 𝑀𝑏

𝑀𝑏 = 2400 × 65.62 = 157 488𝑘𝑔

 Example: Mass Moment of Inertia (cont…)
(iii). Masses and inertias of engine and alternator are provided by
manufacturer
• 𝑀𝑒 = 45 000𝑘𝑔
• 𝜃𝑦𝑒 = 40 × 103 𝑘𝑔𝑚2
• 𝜃𝑧𝑒 = 120 × 103 𝑘𝑔𝑚2
• 𝑀𝑎 = 20 000𝑘𝑔
• 𝜃𝑦𝑎 = 15 × 103 𝑘𝑔𝑚2
• 𝜃𝑧𝑎 = 10 × 103 𝑘𝑔𝑚2
 Example: Mass Moment of Inertia (cont…)
(iv). Centre of gravity of complete system
𝑋=0

157 488 × 3.39 + 45000 × 2.2 + 20000 × 6.2

𝑌=
157488 + 45000 + 2000
∴ 𝑌 = 3.40𝑚

157 488 × 1.267 + 45000 × 4.2 + 20000 × 3.6

𝑍=
222 488
∴ 𝑍 = 2.07𝑚

∴ (𝑋 ; 𝑌 ; 𝑍 ) = 0; 3.40; 2.07 𝑚
 Example: Mass Moment of Inertia (cont…)
Mass moment of inertia of complete system about a line through c.g. of complete
system and parallel to Y axis is

𝜃𝑦 = 274.57 × 103 + 157 488 × 2.07 − 1.267 2

+40 × 103 + 45 000 2.07 − 4.2 2

+15 × 103 + 20 000 2.07 − 3.6 2

∴ 𝜃𝑦 = 682.1 × 103 𝑘𝑔𝑚2

𝑆𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑦;
𝜃𝑧 = 1139.5 × 103 𝑘𝑔𝑚2
Example: Mass Moment of Inertia (cont…)
Mass moment of inertia about the
centroid of the bearing surface, 𝜃𝑌
• 𝜃𝑌 = 682.1 × 103 + 222 488 ×
2.072
• ∴ 𝜃𝑌 = 1635.4 × 103 𝑘𝑔𝑚2
𝜃𝑌 682.1
• 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 𝛾 = = = 0.417
𝜃𝑌 1635.4
• [A similar calculation, if required
can be done for 𝜃𝑋 ]
 Design of Foundation Block
1. Assumption: 𝑥 and 𝑦 coordinate of centre of gravity (c.g.) of machinery
and foundation block coincide with c.g of base area of foundation.
BSI 1974 (Code of Practise for Foundations of Machinery) stipulates that:
a. Discrepancy in dimension should not exceed 5% (section 3.5.2(2)).
b. If possible c.g. of machine and foundation system should be below top of
foundation block.
2. Design of foundation blocks:
Dimensions should be derived from vibration calculations and take into account the
following
a. Dimensions of foundation by empirical rules.
b. Bearing pressure due to dead +imposed load.
 Design of Foundation Block
c. Natural frequencies of system for:
• Vertical;
• Longitudinal;
• Lateral;
• Rocking;
• Yawing; and
• Pitching motions
d. Relationship between excitation frequency and natural frequency of foundation
system
e. Amplitudes of a vibrations in various modes
f. Influence of underlying substrata and effect of ground water
g. Effect of transmission of heat from machines to foundation block
 Vertical Vibration Natural Frequency (𝑓𝑧 )
• Design is based on Barkan’s simple theory (error less than 10%)
• Natural frequency 𝑓𝑧 is calculated from:
1 𝐶𝑧 𝐴
𝑓𝑧 =
2𝜋 𝑚
where;
𝑚 = Total mass of block and machinery
𝐴 = Area of base
 Yawing Vibration 𝑓𝜃𝑧
• This is the case where the dynamic loading of machinery possesses
components about the vertical axis, and natural frequency
calculated from
1 𝐶𝜑 𝐼𝑧
𝑓𝜃𝑧 =
2𝜋 𝜃𝑧
where
𝐼𝑧 = Polar second moment of area of base contact area
∴ 𝐶𝜑 𝐼𝑧 = Rotational stiffness
𝜃𝑧 = Mass moment of inertia about vertical axis.
Rocking and Lateral Mode
 Rocking and Lateral Mode
Rocking about 𝑦 − axis is coupled with horizontal motion in the 𝑥 − direction.

Ignoring damping in the system;

𝑚𝑢 + 𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑢𝑜 = 𝑃𝑥 𝑡 (1)
𝜃𝑌 𝜙 + 𝐶𝜙 𝐼𝑦 𝜙 = 𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑢𝑜 𝑆 + 𝑚𝑔𝑆𝜙 + 𝑀𝑦 𝑡 (2)

𝑢𝑜 = 𝑢 − 𝑆𝜙
𝐼𝑦 = 2nd moment of area of base contact about y axis.

∴ 𝑚𝑢 + 𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑢 − 𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑆𝜙 = 𝑃𝑥 𝑡 (3)
𝜃𝑌 𝜙 − 𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑆𝑢 + 𝐶𝜙 𝐼𝑦 − 𝑚𝑔𝑆 + 𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑆 2 𝜙 = 𝑀𝑦 𝑡 (4)
 Rocking and Lateral Mode (cont…)
• Equations (3) & (4) are 2 dof without damping.
• Natural frequencies obtained by considering free vibrations
∴ 𝑃𝑥 𝑡 = 𝑀𝑦 𝑡 = 0
• Solve to get two limiting frequencies 𝜔𝑥 and 𝜔𝜙 as
𝐶𝑥 𝐴
𝜔𝑥 = (Rotation prevented) (5)
𝑚
𝐶𝜙 𝐼𝑦 −𝑚𝑔𝑆
𝜔𝜙 = (Lateral movt prevented) (6)
𝜃𝑌
𝜃𝑌 = is the mass moment of inertia of block and machinery about y axis
at contact surface
 Rocking and Lateral Mode (cont…)
Let
𝜃𝑌
𝛾= where 𝜃𝑌 = 𝜃𝑌 + 𝑚𝑆 2
𝜃𝑌

and substitute into Equations (3) and (4) with

𝑃𝑥 𝑡 = 𝑀𝑦 𝑡 = 0

This yields the following differential equation:

𝑢 + 𝜔𝑥2 𝑢 − 𝜔𝑥2 𝑆𝜙 = 0 (7)

1−𝛾 1 2
𝑆𝜙 − 𝜔𝑥2 𝑢+ 𝜔𝜙 + 𝜔𝑥2 1 − 𝛾 𝑆𝜙 = 0 (8)
𝛾 𝛾
 Rocking and Lateral Mode (cont…)

Equations (7) and (8) can be solved by assuming

𝑢 = 𝑈 sin 𝜔𝑡
𝜙 = Φ sin 𝜔𝑡

2 2
𝜔𝑥2 + 𝜔𝜙 𝜔𝑥2 𝜔𝜙
∴ 𝜔4 − 𝜔2 + =0
𝛾 𝛾
 Rocking and Lateral Mode (cont…)

• Equation has 2 solutions 𝜔12 and 𝜔22 ; whose frequencies will

be on either side of the two limiting frequencies.
• Ratio of amplitudes is then given by

𝑈 𝜔𝑥2 𝑆
𝑃= = 2
Φ 𝜔𝑥 − 𝜔 2
Rocking and Lateral Mode (cont…)
 Foundation Example (Cont…)
Determine the natural frequencies of the engine - generator system
with foundation.
Assume E (soil) = 4000 𝑀𝑁/𝑚2
𝑣 = 0.3
𝐵 = 7.0 𝑚 ; 𝐷 = 4 𝑚 ; 𝐴 = 28 𝑚2
∴ 𝐵 𝐷 = 1.75 ⇒ 𝛽 = 1.08
𝐸 4000
𝐶𝑧 = ∙𝛽 = × 1.08
1−𝑣 2 𝐴 1−0.32 × 28

∴ 𝐶𝑧 = 897 𝑀𝑁/𝑚3
 Foundation Example (Cont…)

𝐶𝑥 = 0.5𝐶𝑧 = 0.5 × 897 = 448 𝑀𝑁/𝑚3

𝐶𝜙 = 2.0𝐶𝑧 = 2.0 × 897 = 1794 𝑀𝑁/𝑚3
𝐶𝜑 = 0.75𝐶𝑧 = 0.75 × 897 = 673 𝑀𝑁/𝑚3
 Foundation Example (Cont…)
1. Vertical natural frequency 𝒇𝒛

1 𝐶𝑧 ∙𝐴 1 897×106 ×28
𝑓𝑧 = = = 53.5 Hz
2𝜋 𝑚 2𝜋 222 488
 Foundation Example (Cont…)
2. Yawing natural frequency 𝒇𝜽𝒛

1 𝐶𝜑 ∙ 𝐼𝑧 1 673 × 106 × 28 ∙ 42 + 72 /12

𝑓𝜃𝑧 = =
2𝜋 𝜃𝑧 2𝜋 1.1395 × 106
∴ 𝑓𝜃𝑧 = 47.6 Hz

6 × 28
𝐶𝑥 𝐴 448 × 10
𝜔𝑥2 = = = 5.638 × 104
𝑚 222 488
6 43
2
𝐶𝜙 𝐼𝑦 − 𝑚𝑔𝑆 1794 × 10 × 7 × 12 − 222 488 × 9.81 × 2.07
𝜔𝜙 = =
𝜃𝑌 1635.4 × 103
∴ 𝜔𝜙 = 4.095 × 104
 Foundation Example (Cont…)
Note: 𝑚𝑔𝑆 is small compared to𝐶𝜙 𝐼𝑦 and BSI ignores this component.
2 1794×106 ×7×43 12
∴ 𝜔𝜙 = = 4.095 × 104
1635.4×103
𝜃𝑌
But γ = = 0.417 (see previous example)
𝜃𝑌
2
𝜔𝑥2 +𝜔𝜙 2
𝜔𝑥2 𝜔𝜙
∴ 𝜔4 − 𝜔2 + =0
𝛾 𝛾
⇒ 𝜔4 − 23.34 × 104 𝜔2 + 55.36 × 108 = 0
∴ 𝜔12 = 2.68 × 104 < 𝜔𝑥2
2
𝜔22 = 20.66 × 104 > 𝜔𝜙
 Foundation Example (Cont…)

The natural frequencies are therefore

𝑓1 = 26.0 Hz
𝑓2 = 72.3 Hz
 Amplitudes of Forced Vibrations (cont…)
1. Vertical Vibrations
One dof subject to vertical force𝑃𝑧 sin Ω𝑡

The Equation of motion is given by

𝑚𝑤 + 𝐶𝑧 𝐴𝑊 = 𝑃𝑧 sin Ω𝑡

Solution is 𝑤 = 𝑤𝑝 sin Ω𝑡

(𝑃𝑧 /𝑚)
⇒ 𝑤𝑝 = 2
𝜔𝑧 − Ω2
 Amplitudes of Forced Vibrations (cont…)
2. Rocking and Lateral Mode

Consider a transverse periodic force 𝑃𝑥 sin Ω𝑡 through the c.g. of the system and
𝑀𝑦 𝑡 = 0

∴ 𝑚𝑢 + 𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑢 − 𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑆𝜙 = 𝑃𝑥 sin Ω𝑡
(1)
𝜃𝑌 𝜙 − 𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑆𝑢 + 𝐶𝜙 𝐼𝑦 − 𝑚𝑔𝑆 + 𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑆 2 𝜙 = 0

Solution of the above equations, assume

𝑢 = 𝑢𝑝 sin Ω𝑡
(2)
𝜙 = 𝜙𝑝 sin Ω𝑡
 Amplitudes of Forced Vibrations (cont…)
Equations (2) into (1) gives

𝐶𝑥 𝐴 − Ω2 𝑚 𝑢𝑝 − 𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑆𝜙𝑝 = 𝑃𝑥
−𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑆𝑢𝑝 + 𝐶𝜙 𝐼𝑦 − 𝑚𝑔𝑆 + 𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑆 2 − Ω2 𝜃𝑌 𝜙𝑝 = 0 (3)

Solve for 𝑢𝑝 ;
𝐶𝜙 𝐼𝑦 − 𝑚𝑔𝑆 + 𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑆 2 − Ω2 𝜃𝑌 𝑃𝑥
𝑢𝑝 =
∆ Ω2
 Amplitudes of Forced Vibrations (cont…)
where;

∆ Ω2 = 𝐶𝜙 𝐼𝑦 − 𝑚𝑔𝑆 + 𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑆 2 − Ω2 𝜃𝑌 𝐶𝑥 𝐴 − Ω2 𝑚 − 𝐶𝑥2 𝐴2 𝑆 2
2
𝜔𝑥2 +𝜔𝜙 2
𝜔𝑥2 𝜔𝜙
= 𝑚𝜃𝑌 Ω4 − Ω2 +
𝛾 𝛾

∴ ∆(Ω2 ) = 𝑚𝜃𝑌 𝜔12 − Ω2 𝜔22 − Ω2 (5)

 Amplitudes of Forced Vibrations (cont…)

From Equation (3); solve for 𝜙𝑝

𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑆𝑃𝑥
𝜙𝑝 =
∆ Ω2
 Amplitudes of Forced Vibrations (cont…)
Similarly for an oscillating moment 𝑀𝑦 sin Ω𝑡; the amplitudes
are:
𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑆𝑀𝑦
𝑢𝑚 =
∆ Ω2
(𝐶𝑥 𝐴−Ω2 𝑚)𝑀𝑦
𝜙𝑚 =
∆ Ω2
 Amplitudes of Forced Vibrations (cont…)
Amplitudes at top and base of block are therefore determined
as:
𝑢𝑡 = 𝑢 + ℎ − 𝑆 𝜙
𝑢𝑏 = 𝑢 + ℎ𝑆

where ℎ = Overall height of block

 Foundation Example (Cont…)
It is now required to calculate vibration amplitudes if the foundation
system is subject to the following loads
• Operating speed of engine = 480 𝑟𝑝𝑚
480
• ∴ Ω = 2𝜋 × = 50.3 𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠
60
• Primary vertical force at engine speed 𝑃𝑧 = 25 𝑘𝑁 @ 50.3 𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠
• Primary lateral force at engine speed 𝑃𝑥 = 32 𝑘𝑁 @ 50.3 𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠
• Torque 𝑀𝑦 = 185 𝑘𝑁𝑚 @ 125.7 𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠
• Remaining engine forces are adequately balanced.
 Foundation Example (Cont…)
1. Vertical Amplitude 𝒘𝒑

(𝑃𝑧 /𝑚) 25 000/222 488 −6

𝑤𝑝 = 2 2
= 2 2
= 1.02 × 10 𝑚
𝜔𝑧 − Ω 2𝜋 × 53.5 − 50.3
 Foundation Example (Cont…)
2. Rocking and lateral Mode

a). Amplitudes from lateral force 𝑷𝒙

∆ Ω2 = 𝑚𝜃𝑌 𝜔12 − Ω2 𝜔22 − Ω2 = 222 488 × 622.1 × 103 26800 − 50.32 206 600 − 50.32

∴ ∆ Ω2 = 6.855 × 1020

𝐶𝜙 𝐼𝑦 −𝑚𝑔𝑆+𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑆 2 −Ω2 𝜃𝑌 𝑃𝑥 66.98×109 −0.04×109 +53.75×109 −50.32 ×622.1×103 ×32×103

𝑢𝑝 = =
∆ Ω2 6.855×1020

∴ 𝑢𝑝 = 5.56 × 10−6 𝑚
 Foundation Example (Cont…)

𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑆𝑃𝑥 448×106 ×28×2.07×32×103

𝜙𝑝 = =
∆ Ω2 685.5×1018
−6
∴ 𝜙𝑝 = 0.15 × 10 rad
 Foundation Example (Cont…)
(b). Amplitudes from harmonic torque 𝑴𝒚

∆ Ω2 = 222 488 × 622.1 × 103 26 800 − 125.72 206 600 − 125.72

= 290.5 × 1018

𝐶𝑥 𝐴𝑆𝑀𝑦 448 × 106 × 28 × 2.07 × 185 × 103 −6 𝑚

𝑢𝑚 = = = 16.54 × 10
∆ Ω2 290.5 × 1018
𝐶𝑥 𝐴 − Ω2 𝑚 448 × 106 × 28 − 125.72 × 222 488 × 185 × 103
𝜙𝑚 = 2
𝑀𝑦 =
∆ Ω 290.5 × 1018
∴ 𝜙𝑚 = 5.75 × 10−6 𝑟𝑎𝑑
 Foundation Example (Cont…)
Maximum displacements
𝑢 = 𝑢𝑝 + 𝑢𝑚 = 22.1 × 10−6 𝑚
𝜙 = 𝜙𝑝 + 𝜙𝑚 = 5.9 × 106 𝑟𝑎𝑑

Maximum horizontal displacements at top and bottom

𝑢𝑡 = 22.1 + 3 − 2.07 × 5.9 × 10−6 = 27.6 × 10−6 𝑚
𝑢𝑏 = 22.1 + 2.07 × 5.9 × 10−6 = 34.3 × 10−6 𝑚
 Design Criteria
1. Resonant frequencies
If operating frequencies → 𝜔1 or 𝜔2 , ∆ Ω2 → 0
⟹ Resonance ∴ infinite amplitude (although reduced by
damping)
BSI Recommendation is that:
Ω Ω
< 0.5 𝑜𝑟 > 2.0
𝜔 𝜔

Preferable (Stiff foundation)

Design
Criteria Graph
 Design Criteria (cont…)
Foundation Design Example Check:
• 𝑓𝑧 = 53.5𝐻𝑧 ⟹ 𝜔𝑧 = 2𝜋 × 53.5 = 336.1 𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠
• Ω = 50.3 rad/s
Ω 50.3
• = = 0.15 < 0.5 ∴ O.K
𝜔𝑧 336.1
• Checks for other vibrations can be made in a similar way.
 Design Criteria (cont…)
2. Amplitude limitations
Curves are defined in BS to provide limitations for:
• Avoiding damage to buildings;
• Avoiding serious discomfort to persons; and
• Ensuring reasonable comfort to persons.
𝑢𝑡 : Comfort for personnel working /attending to machinery
𝑢𝑏 : Horizontal vibration at base which will lead to damage to
enclosing building (Limit is 0.2 mm for Ω ≤ 20𝐻𝑧)