US 9,783,950 B2 · Retrofit reinforcing structure addition and method for wind turbine concrete gravity spread foundations and the like

Abstract

A retrofit reinforcing structure addition and method for an existing gravity spread foundation for a wind turbine or the like having a central pedestal and a spread section is provided. The retrofit structure addition includes a collar formed around the pedestal of the spread foundation. The collar is formed by a shape sustaining member, such as a CMP, placed around the pedestal to define an annular ring between the CMP and the pedestal that is filled with cementitious material. Radial bolts extend horizontally through the collar and into the side of the pedestal. Soil and/or rock anchor bolts extend vertically through the collar, the spread portion of the foundation and into the underlying soil and/or rock substrate. The radial and anchor bolts are post-tensioned to ensure that the cementitious material of the collar remains in compression and the bolts are always in static tension, strengthening the original gravity spread foundation and extending the fatigue life thereof.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A retrofit reinforcing structure addition for an existing spread foundation, the existing spread foundation having a horizontal spread section and a central pedestal with a tower supported thereon and secured thereto, the retrofit structure comprising:

a collar encircling the central pedestal of the spread foundation with the tower already supported thereon, a base of the collar pressing on an upper surface of the horizontal spread section of the foundation;
a plurality of radial bolts extending horizontally from an outer perimeter of the collar, through the collar and into the pedestal;
and
a plurality of anchor bolts extending vertically from an upper surface of the collar, through the horizontal spread section and into an underlying soil and/or rock substrate below the spread section.

1 more element

An existing gravity spread foundation supporting a tower or wind turbine, said existing foundation retrofitted with a reinforcing structure to restore integrity of the existing gravity spread foundation and extend a useful life thereof, comprising:

a concrete gravity spread foundation having a central pedestal and a horizontal spread section, a tower or a wind turbine being mounted on the central pedestal before the gravity spread foundation is retrofitted with the reinforcing structure;
a retrofit reinforcing structure addition added to the existing gravity spread foundation, said retrofit reinforcing structure addition including a collar encircling the central pedestal of the spread foundation, a base of the collar pressing on an upper surface of the horizontal spread section of the existing foundation;
a plurality of post-tensioned radial bolts extending horizontally from an outer perimeter of the collar, through the collar and into the existing pedestal;
and
a plurality of post-tensioned anchor bolts extending vertically from an upper surface of the collar, through the horizontal spread section and into an underlying soil and/or rock substrate.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Retrofit reinforcing structure addition and method for wind turbine concrete gravity spread foundations and the like

Life of this patent

Retrofit reinforcing structure addition and method for wind turbine concrete gravity spread foundations and the like

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21