Scout Moor Windfarm - Geotechnical Services
Project Introduction
In September 2005, Scott Wilson was
commissioned as Lead Design Consultant for Phase 1: Conceptual
Design and the subsequent Phase 2: Detailed Design and Construction
on the Scout Moor Wind Farm project.
Project Background
The project, to be constructed north of
Rochdale, will form part of the growing network of renewable energy
resources in the UK and will have a potential output capacity of 65
MW to be supplied directly to the National Grid. The project forms
a component of the government’s initiative to increase wind energy
to 10% of the UK’s energy supply by 2010. The estimated overall
cost of the scheme is £47m. This will include 26 wind turbines,
12km of access track, cable runs and associated structures, two
metmasts and a sub-station.
Project Scope
The scope of works included the design of
access roadways, turbine and crane pad foundation design, design
information for mechanical and electrical consultant; advice on the
construction programming and input to the tender package. A major
intrusive ground investigation was designed by the geotechnical
team and carried out in part by Ground Solutions Group. The
£250,000 investigation was designed to confirm the extent of key
risk items and to facilitate the design of engineering solutions.
Construction commenced during Summer 2006, under the supervision of
Scott Wilson.
Value Adding Project
Achievements
The key geotechnical issue for the turbines
was the extensive un-recorded shallow coal workings in the area.
Investigation including trial pits and coring at each location,
aerial photographic interpretation, desk studies and
geomorphological mapping of adits, shafts and seams throughout the
site. The adopted solution was drill and gout for the high and
medium risk locations.
The investigation information was also used to establish foundation
solutions for the substantial turbine loads.
Other geotechnical issues included:
- Aggressive ground properties in acidic peat.
- Suitability for re-using arisings elsewhere in the
works.
