Our team worked with engineer-procure-construct (EPC) contractor Burns & McDonnell for two new substations and the expansion of a third in the Rocky Mountain region. New and updated power infrastructure would support the addition of more than 1,000 megawatts of new wind generation capacity throughout the region.
Due to power purchase agreements for new renewable generation facilities, this project had a stringent schedule and firm completion deadlines. With remote substation sites, the availability of labor and concrete supply resources also was limited. Fortunately, helical piles addressed many of the project and site challenges. For a 10-acre substation expansion and two new facilities covering 120 acres and 140 acres, helical piles delivered durability and longevity in support of substation structures up to 500-kV.
With limited excavation, off-site prefabrication and fewer installation team members, helical piles allowed the bulk of the work to be done in a shop, then put in place with minimal disruption to the surrounding environment.