ASCE 7-10 Risk Category for Wind Turbines?

[StructureMan44]

Can wind turbines placed in a rural setting be considered risk category I per ASCE 7-10? The loss of a turbine does not pose a major threat to human life and they do not contain hazardous material in any substantial quantity.

 

[Lomarandil]

From a life safety perspective, I'm on board with you.

I'd also consider whether the utility is relying on the renewable energy generated to meet any sort of legal quota, and what their replacement lead time is for the nacelle... two other types of risk that may drive the decision even if risk category I is allowable.

 

[JStephen]

Does ASCE 7 even apply to wind turbines? I would assume the wind design for them would be rather extensive, and either in some other document or proprietary.

 

[StructureMan44]

Its not just for wind; the risk factor also applies to snow and seismic.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

I worked for an electric utility. For new electric generating stations, I assigned risk category IV for base-load units. Other units, which would include wind turbines, were risk category III.

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net

 

[thaidavid40]

Wind turbines are outside of the design requirements of ASCE 7. The manufacturer will provide you the maximum and minimum reactions and moments, fundamental period, and soil stiffness required for the foundation, so that the entire unit will operate outside of the critical fundamental frequency range. Depending on the tower height, the foundation may be an octagonal mat, drilled piers, or driven piles.
Dave

Thaidavid

 

[JStephen]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_61400

I note that according to the Wikipedia article, that fatigue due to turbulence is one of the major design considerations.
Note that in general, ASCE 7 doesn't cover moving machinery.