Foundations of wind power plants - challenges in designing and execution of construction work

Abstract

The paper is focused on foundations of wind turbines and challenges in design, execution and long-term maintenance. Some typical solutions are listed: footings (round plates) on natural soil, footings on modified soil (DSM, stone columns, CMC) and deep foundations (piles). The author juxtaposed basic problems that appear in design phase: data acquisition for various kinds of foundations, appropriate calculation model and possibility of on-site verification and possible changes. Problems appearing during execution of works are illustrated with examples of service roads arrangement, earth works (excavations) and soil improvement or piling. The author emphasized the role of quality control including: monitoring of soil conditions and groundwater level at execution stage and impact of earth works – re-profiling of ground level. In final remarks, some recommendations are given for current control of quality (ground parameters, soil improvement, piling) and long-time maintenance – possible problems in foundations related to: time, cyclic loading and changes in the soil related to previous earthworks.