Cracking of foundations

Wind Turbines – UK

This project involved the construction of about 50No wind turbines as part of a wind farm development in Scotland.  Shortly after the wind farm became operational significant cracking was noted in several of the reinforced concrete turbine bases.

The employer launched a claim against the design and build contractor, who engaged WJM&P as the engineering expert to determine the cause of cracking and the likely scope of remedial works required.  We carried out a detailed inspection of the turbine bases to better understand the significance and pattern of the cracking.  We also prepared a finite element computer model of the reinforced concrete bases to determine the areas of high stress and fatigue performance.  Based on the output from the computer model we identified several shortcomings in the reinforcement design.  In light of these defects, we prepared a remedial scheme to deal with the shortcomings and allow the continued use of turbines.

The employer’s claim was settled with the design and build contractor at mediation, in which we acted as the civil and structural engineering expert witness.