Behavioral Interference of Vibrating Machines Foundations Constructed on Sandy Soils (RESEARCH NOTE)

In this study, dynamic bearing capacity of adjacent shallow strip foundations located on sandy soil was examined using a numerical finite difference modeling, FLAC. The behavioral interference of shallow strip foundations under different conditions was investigated. The effect of soil strength parameters, geometric characteristics of shallow foundations and cyclic loads at different distance ratios on the bearing capacity of foundations were evaluated. The results indicated the noticeable effect of behavioral interference on the performance of shallow foundations under cyclic loading. As the distance ratio between the foundations increases, the interference effect increased and then decreased. The greatest influence of behavioral interference on the dynamic bearing capacity of foundations was obtained at distance ratio of 2. The interference effect canceled out at the distance ratio of larger than 5. Furthermore, the effect of behavioral interference on the bearing capacity of shallow foundations increased with increasing internal friction angle, soil elasticity modulus, and foundation depth. An increase in the foundation width and loading frequency led to lower interference coefficient. In general, the results demonstrate the necessity of considering the interference effect in the assessment of the bearing capacity of shallow foundations under cyclic loading such as vibrating machines foundation.