This is a foundation solution for renewable energy sources such as wind turbine
towers, solar collector panels, hydropower and towers for transmission lines. In all cases
the focus is to provide the most cost effective, safe, and environmentally friendly solution.
For that reason, micropile solutions can be considered as an alternative to mass concrete
foundations. Micropile foundation systems are constructible in different ground conditions
without the need for changing the equipment or the method of installation.
It is particularly desirable to have a deep foundation with a smaller footprint for wind
turbine towers. To resist the imposed overturning moments, the concept of using posttensioned
micropiles (PTMP) in compression and/or tension with groutable void forms
(GVFs), relies on the activation of the soil mass under the foundation (Figure 1). This
allows for reducing the size and depth of the now pre-tested foundation, which results in
savings in reinforcing steel and concrete.
Subjects: post tensioned micropiles, PTMP, groutable void forms, GVF, micropile foundation systems
Author: Horst Aschenbroich, Dipl. Ing.
Publisher: ISM, DFI, ADSC