Figure 2.1.1a Block Foundation
Figure 2.1.1b Embedded Block Foundation
Block machine foundation is a versatile and robust engineering structure designed to support heavy machinery and equipment. It can be constructed either on the surface (Figure 2.1.1a) or embedded into the soil (Figure 2.1.1b), making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. When built on the surface, the foundation consists of a solid, flat platform made from reinforced concrete or steel, providing a stable base for the machine to rest upon. This surface-mounted design allows for easier maintenance and accessibility to the machinery. Alternatively, the foundation can be embedded into the soil to provide additional stability and support for particularly heavy or vibrating machinery. In this configuration, the foundation's structure extends into the ground, distributing the load over a larger area and reducing the risk of settlement or tilting. The block machine foundation is engineered to withstand dynamic forces, vibrations, and impacts generated by the operating machinery, ensuring its long-term stability and minimizing the transmission of vibrations to the surrounding structures. This flexibility in construction options makes it a reliable choice for various industrial settings, from manufacturing plants to power generation facilities, where machinery demands sturdy and well-designed support systems.
Observations
The effect of the footing embedment into the soil will be studied in the upcoming sections.
Notice the relationship between the center if gravity of the machine, the center of gravity and the block, and the overall center of gravity of the combined system.