Development of design charts to predict the dynamic response of pile supported machine foundations

This paper proposes design charts for estimating imperative input parameters for continuum approach analysis of the nonlinear dynamic response of piles. Experimental and analytical studies using continuum approach have been conducted on single and 2 × 2 grouped piles under coupled and vertical modes of vibration, for different dynamic forces and pile depth. As these design charts are derived from model piles, the charts have been validated for prototype pile foundations using scaling law. The experimental responses of model piles are scaled up and these responses exhibit good agreement with analytical results. This study also extends to estimation of the errors in computing frequency–amplitude responses with an increase in pile length. It is found that, with an increase in pile length, the errors also increase. The effectiveness of the proposed design charts is also checked with data based on different field setups given in existing literature, and these charts are found to be valid. Thus, the developed design charts can be beneficial in estimating the input parameters for continuum approach analysis for determining the nonlinear responses of pile supported machine foundations.