CLIENT: Zero E Global Assets
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
PRI Engineering provided comprehensive geotechnical investigation and foundation design services for a 230 MW solar farm in Mossleigh, Alberta — one of the largest-scale renewable energy projects in the province. The scope covered full subsurface characterization, detailed geotechnical assessment, and foundation design recommendations for both driven and helical pile foundations to support the project through design and construction.
CHALLENGE:
A project of this scale demanded a thorough and reliable understanding of subsurface conditions across a large site to underpin confident foundation design decisions. With both driven and helical pile systems under consideration, geotechnical findings needed to support a cost-effective foundation selection while addressing a broad range of site preparation and construction considerations — from groundwater control and frost protection to seismic classification and access road design.
APPROACH:
PRI advanced 30 boreholes and excavated one test pit to characterize subsurface conditions across the site. The geotechnical assessment delivered detailed recommendations spanning site preparation, excavation, groundwater control, backfill and compaction, frost protection, seismic site classification, access road design, and inspection and testing requirements. PRI recommended a pre-production testing program to verify soil capacity and support an issued-for-construction foundation design, including settlement analysis and foundation design parameters. Findings from the investigation informed tailored recommendations for both driven and helical foundation systems.
OUTCOME:
PRI delivered a comprehensive geotechnical investigation and foundation design package that gave the project team the technical confidence to move forward at scale. The dual-system foundation recommendations — balancing performance, site conditions, and cost-effectiveness — provided a strong and practical basis for construction of one of Alberta’s most significant solar energy developments.