Dunmaglass Wind Farm

Aarsleff Ground Engineering were awarded the piling contract
for one of the UK mainland’s highest onshore wind farms for
contractors R J Mcleod Ltd. Because of its geographical position,
Dunmaglass (based in Scotland) is ideally located to benefit from
the strong winds in the area, but posed a challenge in terms of
construction due to the potential for adverse weather conditions.

Specifically, Aarsleff installed 140 No. steel tube piles for 4 wind
turbines which were situated approximately 25km south of
Inverness, Scotland. Aarsleff utilised its Junttan PM20-HLC fitted
with a 7T accelerated hammer to drive the piles.

The works commenced at the end of November 2014, however
due to heavy snowfall the project was stalled for 3 weeks.
Aarsleff returned in April 2015 to complete the works once the
snow had thawed. Working on one of the UK mainland’s highest
onshore wind farms proved to be challenging.

The turbines sites were extremely remote from the main
compound (approximately 15km away) and with an average
altitude of 700m above sea level, on the edge of the Cairngorm
mountain range in Scotland. The Junttan rig got snowed up to its
cab!

Throughout the project, Aarsleff worked closely with the client
to ensure that the works were done safely, and everyone got off
the hill before the weather became too extreme, on a daily basis.
Work took 5 weeks, on programme (not allowing for inclement
weather)