GIW Technical Series
SOLID FOUNDATIONS
When installing a GIW pump in the field, the supporting foundation is critical to the success of the
project. In order to insure long life and proper function of the pumping system, this structure must
be solid and level, and capable of supporting the full weight and operating forces of the assembly
without measurable deflection between points within the assembly sub-base footprint.
GIW evaluates pump designs using the Slysel program to define the customer’s operating
conditions in terms of power, head and flow. This provides a means to estimate the forces and loads
that could be generated during normal system operation. A series of calculations can then be used
with an engineering factor of safety to combine those forces, the mass of the pump assembly and
the related components to determine foundation loading guidelines.
The concrete foundation actually performs a number of functions. It must support the weight of the
entire pump assembly, maintain the alignment of all the system components, and absorb the loads,
forces and vibrations that are developed under normal operating conditions. The concrete material
used must be top quality and conform to local building codes as well as the contractor’s strength
requirements. Reinforcing bars and mesh should be used as required. The mounting surface of the
concrete foundation must be flat and level beneath the footprint of the sub-base, or the pump could
be installed out of square. This could create problems aligning the piping, place extra loads on the
couplings and bearings, and alter the operating levels of lubricants or hydraulic fluids in the system.
It is recommended that the top surface of the slab be held flat and level to FF50 / FL50 according to
American Concrete Institute (#117) and the Canadian Standards Association (#A23.1) which is
approximately 1/8” per 10 foot (1mm per 1 m). This will reduce the need for excessive shims.
Additional information on anchor bolts may be found in MSJC Code Section 2.1.4.
The structural steel sub-base assembly is designed to locate all the system components and must be
mounted properly on the concrete foundation to maintain correct alignment. As the attached sketch
illustrates, a common “bubble level” or other leveling system can be used on the machined surfaces
of the steel sub-base. It is recommended that the top surface be held flat and level within 1/4”
(6mm) per 10 foot (3 m). Anchor bolts set in the foundation locations must be located within 1/16”
(1.5mm) of the true position shown on the drawing. During assembly, customer supplied shims
should be used at each bolt location and every 30 inches (0.76 meter) along the base structure to
level the assembly. Shims must be in firm contact with both the concrete and the steel sub-base
before tightening anchor bolts to prevent distortion of the assembly. Anchor bolts must be tightened
to the torque values specified by the bolt supplier. The sub-bases should be grouted into place at the
site to insure a rigid connection to the foundation and to provide additional support to the system
structure. This also aids in absorbing vibrations by providing additional mass to the system. Grout
poured into internal areas of the base structure and within the forms around the perimeter should be
vibrated to remove trapped air. Suppliers, the Hydraulic Institute, ASME, ANSI, API and other
standards outline mounting and grouting procedures and materials in detail.
Finally, the motor and other drive components must be shimmed and aligned with the pump.
GIW is committed to providing our customers with the highest quality, longest lasting pumps in the
industry .... the Solid Foundation of your entire pumping system.
BC ~ Rel Jul 03 ~ Rev Feb05
Page 2
Solid Foundations
Level in both directions using
machined areas of base
Pump sub-base structure
Fill all areas with Grout
Anchor bolts installed
Mounting surface flat and tightened according
and level to FF50/FL50 to supplier instruction
Shims at bolts and
every 30” (0.76 m)
along interface
Concrete foundation
dimensions and structure
are determined by codes
and Contractor
Anchor bolts to be set within
true position 1.5mm
1/16”
Check along length, width and diagonal for flatness and level
