As the renewable energy sector continues to expand, robust ground investigation plays a critical role in ensuring the successful design and construction of solar farm developments. Our geotechnical team recently completed a comprehensive site investigation programme for a proposed utility-scale solar farm, providing essential ground and environmental data to support the project's design requirements.
- Understanding Ground Conditions
The investigation was designed to develop a detailed understanding of the site's subsurface conditions and to assess key geotechnical, geochemical, and thermal properties relevant to the proposed development.
A combination of intrusive and in-situ testing techniques was employed across the site, including:
Borehole Investigation
Boreholes were advanced at strategic locations across the development area to establish the underlying geological sequence and groundwater conditions. Detailed borehole logs were produced, providing valuable information on soil and rock strata, groundwater observations, and engineering characteristics of the encountered materials.
Trial Pitting
Trial pit locations were undertaken to supplement the borehole investigation and provide additional coverage across the site. Recovered samples were logged by experienced engineering geologists and selected for laboratory testing where appropriate.
Soakaway Testing
Soakaway testing was also undertaken to aid drainage design on site
CBR and Dynamic Probe Testing
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) testing was carried out to assess the strength characteristics of near-surface soils and support the design of site access tracks and hardstanding areas.
Dynamic Probe Testing was undertaken to evaluate the density and consistency of subsurface materials, providing rapid and cost-effective information on ground variability across the site.
- Thermal Assessment for Solar Infrastructure
As part of the investigation, specialist thermal testing was undertaken to support the design of buried electrical infrastructure associated with the solar farm.
Testing included:
- Soil temperature measurements
- Thermal conductivity testing
The results will assist designers in assessing heat dissipation characteristics within the ground, supporting the efficient design of underground cable networks and associated electrical systems.
- Corrosion Assessment to DIN 50929
A detailed corrosion assessment was completed in accordance with DIN 50929 to evaluate the potential aggressivity of the ground towards buried metallic infrastructure and foundations.
Laboratory testing included the determination of:
- Soil resistivity (Ohms/cm)
- Moisture content and Atterberg Limits (mass fractions in %)
- pH value (soil samples extracted 2:1 with water)
- Buffer capacity – acidity (to pH 4.3)
- Buffer capacity – alkalinity (to pH 7.0)
- Sulphide content
- Sulphate content (total sulphate and/or water-soluble sulphate)
- Neutral salt content, including chloride and sulphate concentrations
- Total and water-soluble chloride content
The findings provide valuable information for material selection, corrosion protection measures, and long-term asset durability.
- Earthing and Electrical Resistivity Assessment
In addition to the geotechnical and geochemical investigations, electrical resistivity testing will be undertaken as part of the project's earthing assessment. This information is essential for the design of safe and effective grounding systems, ensuring compliance with relevant electrical and safety standards.
- Supporting Renewable Energy Development
Ground investigations are a fundamental component of solar farm development, reducing design risk and providing the information required for efficient engineering solutions. By combining geotechnical, thermal, geochemical, and electrical assessments within a single investigation programme, developers can gain a comprehensive understanding of site conditions and make informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle.
Our team continues to support renewable energy projects nationwide, delivering high-quality site investigation services that help clients progress projects safely, efficiently, and with confidence.
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