Dynamic response of latex modified concrete machine foundations

Abstract

New materials in concrete constructions have been widely used to improve various properties such as impact resistance, strength and durability. Polymer modified concrete is one of the new materials which has been developed for potential application in the construction industry. This Paper describes the use of polymer latex for foundation blocks subjected to dynamic loads. Experiments were conducted using ordinary concrete and latex modified concrete footings of three different thicknesses, for three static loads at four excitation levels. Experimental results have revealed that the amplitude of resonance is reduced considerably in the latex modified concrete footings. It was also observed that the damping factor of the latex footing–soil system is considerably larger than that for ordinary concrete footings. Hence the use of latex in concrete foundations for machines may lead to more economical designs.