Elevated Support for Compressor
Elevated Support for Compressor
(OP)
Hey all - I have searched the threads and did find a good one (thread256-237000: Multiple Compressors on Common Foundation) that discusses compressor foundations. However, my question is regarding an elevated support for 4 process blowers. The compressors are about 76 kips each and the plan (another engineers' design) is to place them on an elevated 12" concrete floor slab. There will also be an additional 6" pad on tope of the floor slab (approx dimensions of 6" pad 22.5'x12') The floor slab is supported by concrete beams and columns that are also supporting the building. i.e. the support system is not isolated from the building.
I have three immediate concerns - 1. the the support is not substantial enough to absorb and dampen the vibration 2. it is not independent of the building framing and 3. adequate anchorage of the compressor may not be possible.
Thoughts/recommendations on this issue are greatly appreciated.
I have three immediate concerns - 1. the the support is not substantial enough to absorb and dampen the vibration 2. it is not independent of the building framing and 3. adequate anchorage of the compressor may not be possible.
Thoughts/recommendations on this issue are greatly appreciated.






RE: Elevated Support for Compressor
RE: Elevated Support for Compressor
RE: Elevated Support for Compressor
RE: Elevated Support for Compressor
RE: Elevated Support for Compressor
RE: Elevated Support for Compressor
Where do you suggest installing the dampers?
RE: Elevated Support for Compressor
Mechanical equipment usually comes on skid, on which the dampers and the compressor are attached to. Also, you may design the anchorage to accept damping material of some sort (nut-square washer-damping material-concrete). The former is preferred over the latter.
Talk/write to the designer, he has an obligation to answer those questions, and the right to defend his design.
RE: Elevated Support for Compressor
The anchorage should not be a problem unless there is some huge unbalanced force. It that is the case, then you have that problem and a few more...
A dynamic analysis is required. Perhaps some seismic dampers might work? Looks like a FUN design problem (really).
RE: Elevated Support for Compressor
How do I calculate the natural frequency of the concrete support?
While I can't talk to the designer, I am not trying to criticize - I'm trying to make what they have work. There are a lot of ways to go about this so I'm trying to give them the benefit of the doubt.
RE: Elevated Support for Compressor
Otherwise, without such devices, you will need the help from a person knows how to model the structure, and perform dynamic analysis on it.