Wind Turbine Foundation 2

[zaqqaz]

Hello All,

I am involved in the geotech investigations for foundations for Wind Turbines. These foundation are subjected to large dynamic loads. I appreciate any comment on the following:

1 - In Bowles (4th and 5th edition) I found that driven piles are not suitable for foundations subjected to dynamic loads and bored piles are a better option. However I did not see any such comment elsewhere. Any opinion or experience? I have seen designs with driven piles though not sure about the performance.

2 - If grade raise is needed is compacted granular ok or not? My fear is that the compacted layer get saturated (the native soil is impermeable) and due to dynamic loads changes in the dynamic properties of the granular pad occur or liquefaction occur.

Any experience or reference for the above are highly appreciated.

Regards

 

[rowingengineer]

1. This is a site by site call, but driven pile have been used before and will be used again.

2. low grade concrete would noramlly be used for this not gravel.


Arguing with an engineer is like wrestling with a pig in mud. After a while you realize that they like it

 

[jheidt2543]

You may want to take a look at the following:

"Drilled Pier Foundations" by Woodward, Gardner and Greer, McGraw-Hill, 1972

Also, the paper "Analysis and Design of Laterally Loaded Piles and Caisson in a Layered Soil System" by Naik and Peyrot, ASCE

Both have very good examples.

 

[chicopee]

A little late but I came across this article on the webb titled "Master's Thesis-Design of Wind Turbine Foundation Slab" authored by Pekka Maunu.

 

[BigInch]

Interesting picture included in the thesis,

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"Pumping accounts for 20% of the world’s energy used by electric motors and 25-50% of the total electrical energy usage in certain industrial facilities."-DOE statistic (Note: Make that 99% for pipeline companies)

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.live.com/