Events & Courses

The design of the foundations for four wind turbines at Carsington Pasture, Derbyshire, posed a significant challenge because of the variable and previously unexpected (bedrock and superficial) ground conditions beneath the site.

This presentation describes the bedrock features and sediments that were exposed and tells the story of the evolving ground model as developed during the phased investigation of the site. This is described from the perspective of visiting geologists who were keen to record the temporary exposures revealed by the foundation excavations. At this location the bedrock comprises karstified, mineralised and dolomitised Carboniferous limestones overlain by a range of superficial and anthropogenic deposits. These deposits were not immediately apparent from the geomorphology of the area, which represents a vegetated limestone upland crossed by a significant dry valley.

The presentation continues with a description of the engineering solution for the turbine foundations and concludes with the lessons learned from the development.

Speakers

Dr Peter Jones (University of Derby)

and Dr Vanessa Banks (British Geological Survey)

Venue

University of Derby, Kedleston Road campus, DE22 1GB (room to be announced)