Engineering Foundation Characterisation of Wind Farm Site Using Integrated Data Approach - Clyde Perspective

Wind Farm development across the UK has been on the rise for the past decade with potential for more works in many years to come as drive towards renewable and clean energy demands continue to grow. The challenges faced in poor ground conditions such as clay gouge underlying site infrastructure such as turbine foundation, access track, hardstands, control building etc can be key to providing a sustainable design option across the site. This study covers an integral approach using multiple site investigation datasets to inform design in both shallow and deep foundation solutions. The study revealed incorporation of multiple ground investigation data at a Wind Farm site with different juxtaposing local geology formations and the use of an informed decision to implement a shallow foundation option even in weaker ground conditions. Integrated data such as resistivity, seismic, borehole and trial pit logs, geotechnical laboratory results and in-situ testing were used to characterise Wind Farm sites in providing a more cost-effective and sustainable foundation solution. It is also important to note that data correlations generated from this study could well be extended into other sites where similar ground conditions exit.