In the context of global climate change and the transition to clean energy, renewable energy infrastructure such as solar, wind, and geothermal has grown exponentially. However, one of the least discussed yet fundamental aspects for the durability, safety, and success of these projects is geotechnical assessment. In this article, we will delve into the importance of geotechnical studies for renewable energy infrastructure, the methods employed, and how they help mitigate both financial and operational risks.
What is a geotechnical assessment and why is it important?
Geotechnical engineering deals with the behavior of soils and rocks under load conditions. A geotechnical assessment involves analyzing the mechanical and physical properties of the ground to design suitable foundations that support infrastructure safely and efficiently.
For renewable energy installations, which are often located in remote or difficult-to-access areas (e.g., mountains, deserts, or coastal regions), the quality of the ground is vital to ensure the stability of structures such as wind turbines, solar panels, and geothermal platforms.
Geotechnical assessments help determine:
The load-bearing capacity of the soil.
Possible differential settlements.
The stability of slopes in inclined terrains.
The behavior of seismic forces and other natural risk factors.
The interactions between the groundwater level and the foundations, especially in saturated soils or near bodies of water.
Geotechnical Challenges in Renewable Energy
Wind turbines, which are tall and located in coastal or offshore areas, impose demanding loads on the ground. Geotechnical assessments such as soil resistance and liquefaction susceptibility are key. Additionally, foundations must withstand strong winds and earthquakes.
In solar plants, challenges include preventing differential settlements and controlling erosion in expansive soils. Uniform load distribution and corrosion protection are also crucial. In geothermal projects, stability is required in deep drilling, and thermomechanical analyses are necessary to anticipate displacements due to temperature changes. New technologies like CPT (Cone Penetration Test) and numerical simulations enhance these assessments.
Despite their significant importance, geotechnical assessments face an ongoing challenge: the variability of the ground and changes in subsurface conditions over time. Traditional assessment methods provide valuable information at the project's start, but soil behavior can change during the infrastructure's lifespan. In this regard, the need for constant monitoring and the ability to interpret geotechnical data in real-time have become crucial.
This is where tools like DAARWIN, the software developed by Saalg Geomechanics, offer a revolutionary solution. DAARWIN enables real-time monitoring of geotechnical variables and suggests dynamic adjustments based on data collected from sensors installed on-site. By integrating advanced numerical models and big data analysis, DAARWIN optimizes decision-making and reduces uncertainties, allowing engineers and designers to adjust their strategies based on the actual behavior of the ground. This not only enhances the safety of the infrastructure but also optimizes costs by preventing potential failures and minimizing costly corrective interventions.
Thus, by combining initial geotechnical assessments with a continuous monitoring system like DAARWIN, proactive management of geotechnical risks is achieved, ensuring that renewable energy infrastructure is more resilient and efficient in its long-term operation.
