Even though wind is generally
seen as low carbon energy
source, it has its emissions.
“We aim to systematically
lower the emissions to make wind as
green as possible,” states Antti Rousku,
Business Director for Peikko’s wind
energy applications.
A perfect example of this is the
gravity foundation, which excels in a
variety of geotechnical conditions. The
loads are transferred from the tower to
the ground through an anchor cage and
its most visible feature – the wide and
shallow base over a large area of soil.
“But this requires large volumes of
concrete and reinforcing steel,” Rousku
points out.
If the material amounts can be
reduced, the foundation will be easier
and faster to build.
“And the price, and CO2 emissions,
will be lower.”
MAKING THE FOUNDATION
MORE EFFICIENT, STEP BY STEP
The first designs and projects were
completed between 2011 and 2013, but
the respected gravity foundation has
enjoyed several development phases ever
since.
“In 2014, 3D modeling automatization
was added to reduce the design,
modeling, and production time for faster
deliveries. The experience gained earlier
allowed us to significantly improve the
design,” says Rousku.
This generation was well received on
the Finnish and Swedish markets with 700
foundations delivered.
With the 5th generation in 2018,
there was one of the most visible
improvements.
“The shape of the slope changed
from convex to straight. This helped us to
reduce the amount of steel and concrete.
As a result, the CO2 emissions of the
foundation were lowered substantially.”
The 5th and 6th generation designs
utilized Peikko’s long PSB® Reinforcements
to reduce the reinforcement density in
the center part of the foundation. This
made the foundation easier and faster to
construct. It also made the fitting of the
cable ducts through the foundation more
straightforward.
“Simultaneously, we improved the PSB®
shape to enhance its fatigue properties.”
UNVEILING GRAVITY7
The new Gravity7 has all the benefits of the
earlier generations with some new extras
added. For example, now the design is
automatized and optimized with a full 3D
FEM model.
“Now we can calculate the whole
foundation more precisely as a single
model and automatically optimize the
reinforcements.”
Non-linear FE soil simulation is another
novelty.
“Thanks to that, we can use the actual
soil properties to achieve even smaller
foundations and use less materials,” points
out Rousku.
Gravity7 is the perfect choice for any
project looking for the latest foundation
technology. ●
We can use the actual soil
properties to achieve even smaller
foundations and use less materials.
Gravity7 is the perfect choice for any project looking for the latest foundation technology.
PEIKKO CONNECTIONS 1/2021 17