Waipipi is a 31-turbine wind farm in Waverley, south Taranaki. It occupies an 890ha coastal site and provides 133MW in output.

 

The biggest engineering challenge was the ground conditions, including loose dune sands and mined sands with high ground water.

 

Riley’s project responsibilities covered three phases: resource consent, developed design and construction.

 

In the first phase, we undertook:

• civil engineering assessments

• geotechnical site investigations and assessments

• presentation of expert evidence at the council consent hearing.

 

The developed design phase involved detailed geotechnical site investigations, laboratory testing and analysis, and design of the balance of plant (i.e. roads, foundations, hardstand areas) including pavement design.

 

With construction, our key role was geotechnical review and reporting of verification testing for crane platforms.