SOFT-SPOT™ Foundation

Developed by CTE Wind’s engineering team, the SOFT-SPOT™ solution is implemented in various countries around the world. This foundation design optimizes the bill of quantities as it saves concrete and reinforcement by reducing the foundation diameter. It is easy to be built as it does not change the construction of the gravity foundation.

CTE Wind has already implemented the SOFT-SPOT™ foundation solution at several hundreds projects around the world : Brazil, France, Lithuania, Indonesia, Mexico, Netherland, Russia, Serbia, Sweden and Thailand to name a few. Based on this real world experience, we have achieved concrete volume savings of up to 15% and reinforcing steel weight savings ranging from 2 to 5%. In cases with tight limits of disturbance, the reduction in foundation diameter can be more valuable than the savings in materials. The smaller diameter translates into reductions in disturbed area as well as in excavation time and volumes.

Layer of soft material

CTE WIND Civil Engineering presents to the market a new foundation system for wind turbines, a WTG shallow gravity foundation with SOFT-SPOT™ . Through placing a layer of soft material below the central part of the foundation, the slab will effectively act as a ring foundation with respect to soil-structure interaction. The bearing pressure of the WTG is concentrated at the annular contact surface closer to the edge of the slab. This increases the lever arm of the stabilizing moment. Therefore, the foundation diameter can be reduced in comparison to a standard foundation solution.

By your side, from start to finish

The SOFT-SPOT™ solution is offered to our clients as cost-saving option. Starting in the early estimating stages, we offer preliminary bills of quantities with and without the SOFT-SPOT™ option. If the SOFT-SPOT™ option is selected, we include it in our design drawings and specifications. During construction, we review shop drawings and perform site visits to make sure that design intent has been captured in the field.

Simply the most economical foundation

Thanks to the SOFT-SPOT™ intelligent design, less excavation work is needed. This reduces the machine costs. A major point is that no additional training of site workers is required for the construction of the soft layer. The construction is very easy and the material for the soft layer can be purchased at low cost all over the world. Or as CTE Wind’s client H4a Windenergie B.V pointed out: It is simply the most economical foundation you can choose.

Please contact us if you are interested in knowing more about CTE Wind’s SOFT-SPOT™