Use of Geosynthetics in Wind Farm Access Roads

This article describes how the location of a renewable energy project can be based on many technical and political issues. Sites are often selected because of available wind forces, power distribution, and land leasing issues. These sites are not normally selected because of ground support condition for access roads. The article discusses how soft subgrades have to be dealt with. This article will review the types of geotextiles and geogrids used on various subgrades and water conditions for high-demand, short-term gravel access roads to renewable wind energy projects throughout Europe and North America using a series of case histories. The article shows how geosynthetics are being used on a regular basis to stabilize renewable energy access roads throughout the world. For each wind turbine, approximately 50 concrete trucks, steel reinforcement, the tower, the blades, and the turbine must access the turbine site over the course of a one- to two-month time period. The traffic loads considered for design is an axle load of 89 kN, a tire pressure of 690 kPa, and 100–500 axle passes. After this short-term of heavy loads the road must perform as a low-volume maintenance vehicle access for the next 25–50 year design life. The use of geosynthetic materials successfully reduces maintenance concerns during construction and enhances longevity of the roads throughout the life of the project.

• Record URL:
  http://geosyntheticsmagazine.com/2013/04/01/use-of-geosynthetics-in-wind-farm-access-roads/
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/08824983
• Authors:
  • Gale, Stephan M
  • Kurtz, Mark
  • Chuck, Fred
  • Janse, Dick
• Publication Date: 2013-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos; References;
• Pagination: pp 16-23
• Serial:
  • Geosynthetics
  • Volume: 31
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Industrial Fabrics Association International
  • ISSN: 08824983
  • Serial URL: http://geosyntheticsmagazine.com/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Case studies; Geosynthetics; Low volume roads; Renewable energy sources; Service life; Traffic loads; Wind power generation
• Geographic Terms: Europe; North America
• Subject Areas: Energy; Geotechnology; Highways; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01480154
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 30 2013 11:34AM