Hometown Energy Wind Turbines
Various Locations | Energy
Overview
ISG worked with Hometown Energy to assess and prepare 12 sites for the construction of wind turbines, which pose various site-specific structural challenges.
Opportunity
As the need for alternative energy sources expands, the desire for additional wind energy capacity continues to grow, and Hometown Energy had plans to implement wind turbines at 12 sites in Minnesota.
Solution
ISG completed work on foundation design, site planning, and stormwater permitting for 12 turbine sites across Minnesota as a part of the Hometown Power Initiative. ISG’s structural engineers provided cost-effective and timely service in the design of the foundations for these facilities. Designs for the turbines required a deep understanding of different foundation types. Among the most common in the wind energy field are spread (shallow) foundations, drilled piers (deep foundation), and helical piers (deep foundation), and the type of foundation used is based on the geotechnical characteristics of the soil at the location of the tower. As this varies across a site, each tower was individually reviewed and designed to determine the most efficient design. Quality construction practices were equally important to the success of the project, as providing construction inspection services ensured that the turbines were built to specifications. Throughout the design process, ISG encouraged open dialogue between stakeholders to maximize the value of services.