Geotechnical Challenges in the Construction of the Niagara Wind Farm, Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

Bruce Polan

In the proceedings of: GeoEdmonton 2018: 71st Canadian Geotechnical Conference; 13th joint with IAH-CNC

Session: Soil Mechanics and Foundations (Case Studies)

ABSTRACT: The Niagara Region Wind Energy Project consists of 77 wind energy turbines with a total capacity of 230 MWs, located in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada. The project also included the construction of 50 kilometres of overhead transmission lines stretching across the Niagara Region. This project was one of the largest wind farms constructed in Ontario. The Niagara Region wind farm was constructed within the Niagara Escarpment- a large bedrock escarpment, that is protected for its environmental significance, and natural beauty. The geology in the area of the project ranged from shallow bedrock associated with the escarpment feature, to deep soft lacustrine clays associated with Lake Erie clay plains. The wind turbines use 3 MW nacelles, supported on 124 m high towers. This wind farm was constructed in a geotechnically challenging, and environmentally significant area of southern Ontario. This paper provides a brief summary of the project, and describes the geotechnical issues associated with the challenging geology and a demanding construction schedule.

RÉSUMÉ: Le projet du parc éolien de la région de Niagara comporte 77 MW et est situé dans la région de Niagara, en Ontario (Canada). Le projet a également inclus la construction de 50 km de lignes aériennes de transport escarpée qui bénéficie du statut de zone protégée en raison de son importance environnementale et de sa beauté naturelle. La géologie dans la zone du projet variait entre un socle rocheux à faible profondeur dans la zone de s du lac Érié. Les éoliennes utilisent des nacelles de 3 MW reposant sur des tours de 124 m de hauteur. Le parc éolien a été construit dans une zone du sud de nique. Le présent article contient un résumé du projet et une description des enjeux géotechniques relatifs à la géologie complexe et à

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