reference projects

Photo: courtesy of DOTI 2009

2009:

alpha ventus - jacket

Launching the German off shore wind industry is alpha ventus a test bed for several new technologies, such as new 5 MW turbines, new foundation types for wind, such as tripods and jackets and underwater pile driving noise mitigation. MENCK was trusted to drive the foundations for the complete project: 6 tripod foundations and 6 jacket foundations in 30 m water depth in the North Sea. High winds and strong currents created a challenge to install the piles which was solved by shortening the pile sleeve. On the last tripod, MENCK successfully tested the underwater noise mitigation concept “little bubble curtain” where an air bubble curtain surrounded the pile. An installation and design concept from the Oil and Gas industry called “preinstalled piles” was adapted for use on jacket foundations of the 5 MW REpower turbines. Here a template was lowered into position and affi xed to the seabed. All four foundation piles are driven and the template removed. The jacket is then lowered onto the “preinstalled piles” and grouted, simplifying installation procedures and structure design.