Smartly designed. Strongly executed.
Engineering does not stop when the drawings are issued. At WindBASE, we stay involved during construction to help ensure that the engineering intent is translated correctly into the actual structure. That is an important part of how we work: our involvement will continue through the construction phase, with quality assurance and the interests of the overall project in mind.
During manufacturing and construction, we can independently inspect and verify critical components and structural works against specified design, quality and durability requirements. For steel structures, our role focuses on inspection and QA/QC rather than structural design.
We know where to look
Our construction support is focused on the aspects that matter most. Because our engineers understand the structural behaviour behind a foundation design, we focus attention on critical details during execution. Rather than treating every detail equally, we bring engineering judgement to site and concentrate on what matters for the performance of the structure.
For a wind farm with multiple foundations, this can mean visiting construction at selected stages, checking the work on site and discussing observations directly with the contractor and project team.
The exact scope depends on the project and our role. Depending on the project, this can include steel fabrication and welding, bolted and flange connections, protective coating systems, reinforcement and concrete works, embedded parts and the interfaces between turbine towers and foundations. Our involvement can range from document review and inspection planning to factory inspections, Factory Acceptance Tests, site verification and assessment of non-conformities.
Designed by WindBASE? We stay involved.
When we have designed the foundation ourselves, our involvement does not end with the delivery of calculations and drawings. We consider our involvement during construction as an integral part of our design scope.
We support construction to help safeguard the original design intent and address questions that emerge during execution. The WindBASE strategy explicitly positions this continued involvement through the construction phase as part of our approach.
And there is another benefit: what we see on site feeds back into our engineering.
Practical experience, lessons learned and opportunities for improvement are continuously shared and incorporated into further product development.
Independent verification
We can also take a reviewing role when the design has been made by another party.
In that case, our role changes from safeguarding our own design intent to independently reviewing whether engineering and execution align with the agreed technical basis. In all cases our focus will be on the issues that really matter, taking a practical approach and doing what is best for the project.
Our role can include
- Document review and inspection planning
- Factory inspections and Factory Acceptance Tests
- Construction support during critical project stages
- Site inspections and verification
- Review of reinforcement, concrete works and critical structural details
- Inspection and QA/QC of steel fabrication, welding and connections
- Assessment of protective coating systems
- Assessment of non-conformities and proposed corrective measures
- Technical discussions with contractors, suppliers and project teams
- Review of designs produced by third parties
- Feedback from construction into future design optimisation
Specialist knowledge where it matters
Our multidisciplinary team includes a FROSIO Coating Inspector, an International Welding Engineer (IWE), concrete maintenance specialists and concrete technology advisors. Combined with our structural engineering expertise, this enables us to look beyond individual inspection points and understand what findings mean for the reliability, durability and performance of the structure as a whole.
Smart engineering. Strong execution.
WindBASE has specialised in onshore wind turbine foundations since 1983. Today, our role can extend from early technical advice and design to reviewing and supporting projects during construction.
Because the smartest solution is only valuable when it works in practice.
Need specialist engineering support during construction?
Talk to our engineers about the role WindBASE can play in your project.