Predicting Soil and Structure Vibrations from Impact Machines

Abstract

A method for predicting the complete time-domain vibration records of soil and structures prior to installation of foundations for impact machines is described in detail. A paper provides support for the validity of accepted assumptions about the use of impacts directly on the soil for estimating the impulse response functions, and the effect of load zone dimensions on soil vibrations. The procedures for experimental testing on a site and computing the predicted complete vibration records are developed. Resulting patterns of computed and measured vibrations are shown for block-type foundation and a foundation under a vibroisolated block for impact machine. Furthermore, the method enables us to consider the heterogeneity and variety of soil and structure properties. In particular, it is useful under nonuniform and complicated soil conditions for determination and verification of safe distances from machine foundations to objects sensitive to vibrations.