Natural Power is looking forward to another year of bringing its specialist in-house drilling plant to investigate some of the most challenging sites across Ireland. Its team of geotechnical experts, geophysicists and drillers are excited to build upon their 10 years’ experience in the UK and three years in Ireland. Natural Power’s geotechnical services team supplies specialist site investigation solutions, combining experienced engineering staff with state-of-the-art contracting services and plant. Since 2005, it has been at the forefront of high quality ground investigation, geophysical services and topographic surveys on renewable energy and climate change and associated infrastructure projects. The project team will ensure the specified site works are delivered within an agreed performance period. Natural Power has enviable experience of a full suite of services to various clients, including:

  • Project management,
  • Geotechnical ground investigation surveys producing comprehensive factual and interpretative reporting including ground models to the highest standards,
  • Detailing the ground conditions, and
  • Ground response to building infrastructure and geohazards pertinent to the design and construction of projects.

Combined soil and rock boring optimisation

Natural Power has invested in a select range of equipment that aims to reduce plant movements at each investigation point, minimising subsequent surface disturbance and accelerating drilling programmes. The Fraste Multidrill PL and SL rigs are Natural Power’s rig of choice for geotechnical investigations. These are roto-percussive rigs which can carry out open tube and thin wall push sampling, Geobor S wireline drilling, and T6116 / T276 rotary coring. Overburden systems are used as standard including various diameters of Symmetrix and ODEX simultaneous casing.

Mobilisation on soft, steep ground

Natural Power continues to prove the capability of its rigs to carry out site investigation on challenging and complex sites. These lightweight, agile rigs are mounted on BV206 Hagglunds, allowing them to traverse the steep gradients and soft ground. The low ground pressure tracks of the Hagglunds enable unaided access to boggy, hummocky upland terrain.

Health and safety in challenging conditions

Natural Power is proud of its health and safety services and of the behavioural safety ethos throughout its team, with proven experience of working in difficult conditions. All its plant operators are trained to their specific, tailor-made LANTRA level and are experienced in traversing arduous upland terrain safely. Its Hagglund drilling support and welfare vehicles provide warmth and sanctuary, enabling the drill team to work in remote locations and inclement weather conditions. The team includes specialist safety consultants who are integral to growing the internal safety culture throughout the business, while also providing a diverse range of PSCS and project safety services to its clients. [caption id="attachment_35202" align="aligncenter" width="663"]Dorenell Wind farm, Scottish Highlands: Trial pitting in extreme conditions was enabled by the implementation of a site specific winterisation plan including a remote communications strategy and the provision of their mobile welfare Hagglund. Dorenell Wind farm, Scottish Highlands: Trial pitting in extreme conditions was enabled by the implementation of a site specific winterisation plan including a remote communications strategy and the provision of their mobile welfare Hagglund.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_35203" align="aligncenter" width="663"]Teevurcher Wind Farm, Co. Meath: Combined methods reduced plant movements on steep side slopes softened by wet, stormy weather Teevurcher Wind Farm, Co. Meath: Combined methods reduced plant movements on steep side slopes softened by wet, stormy weather[/caption]

Case study: Ora More wind farm

[caption id="attachment_35186" align="alignright" width="300"]ora more Ora More wind farm[/caption] Located in Co. Fermanagh, this six-turbine, wind-farm site was characterised by undulating slopes and areas of extremely deep blanket bog. Natural Power was invited to carry out a second phase of site investigation where the extremely challenging ground prevented access to traditional drill rigs and plant. Experience of the combined soil and rock-boring rigs allowed the drill team to attain superior sample retention and quality at a number of turbine locations with deep quaternary deposits This enabled a foundation design optimisation replacing deep piled bases with shallow foundation, making considerable savings to the project. Click here for more about Natural Power's aerial imaging services.

Technical

Natural Powers fleet are designed, maintained and operated by our in-house team including:
  • Fraste multi drill PL – modern, light weight rigs with impressive power to weight ratio
  • Fraste multi drill SL – as above but with improved driller ergonomics – especially useful on steep ground
  • Fraste multi drill XL – large, powerful rig suited to deep coring in overburden and rock.
These rigs are versatile and all our drilling equipment can be detached from the Hagglunds and adapted to suit urban environments with the help of NPC’s in-house plant maintenance team. rig-spec With an office base in Dublin, Natural Power owns and operates its fleet of specialist drilling equipment and supply vehicles capable of crossing remote terrain with self-rescue capability. All equipment is operated by our experienced drilling operatives supported by experienced and qualified specialists in the fields of engineering geology, geotechnics, geophysics, geology, mining engineering and drilling engineering. For an experienced, knowledge-driven approach to geotechnical services, you can contact: geotech@naturalpower.com or their Dublin office at +353 (0) 169 713 44.