A simplified model for the analysis of machine foundations on a nonsaturated, elastic and linear soil layer

A simplified semi-analytical method, which considers advantages of analytical and numerical approaches, is developed to compute the response of a rigid strip and circular machine foundations––subjected to a harmonic excitation––resting on a layer of soil deposit with a noncompliant rock or rock-like material at the base. The method is based on variational principles and minimization of energy using Hamiltonʹs principle. Nondimensional equations are developed for both type of footing resting on a soil layer. Dynamic response characteristics are plotted by using nondimensional parameters for both types of footing.