Kanonaden - Faster Installation with Pre-assembled Bolt Cages
Multiple Benefits of Pre-assembled Bolt Cages
An increasing number of foundation builders are discovering the advantages of Proplate's solutions for wind turbine foundations. Kanonaden Entreprenad is one of the companies that has utilized pre-assembled bolt cages.
Tall Towers Place High Demands on Foundations
To capture optimal wind conditions, wind turbine towers need to reach heights of 200 meters, and the taller they are, the greater the demands on their foundations.
What is the purpose of a bolt cage? For those unfamiliar with wind turbine construction, it's a relatively unknown component. However, for those responsible for foundation work and ensuring the wind turbine remains stable for decades to come, it's a critical element.
"The bolt cage is central because it secures everything. In terms of quality, it's the most important part of the foundation," says Magnus Gustafsson, Business Area Manager for Concrete at Kanonaden's headquarters in Nässjö, Småland.
The wind turbine is anchored to the bolt cage.
It sits beneath the tower, set in concrete, and it's extremely important that it's precisely constructed regarding height and diameter.
While the bolt cage itself is critical, the "template" - the ring at the top of the cage - has the highest tolerance requirements because the bolts must fit exactly into the holes of the tower attachment. The tolerance for the cage is only +/- 1 mm at the top.
Faster Handling on the Construction Site
As a player in the wind power industry, it's essential to continuously develop and find new markets, suppliers, and solutions.
"It's important to find those who are skilled at what they do," notes Magnus. "For example, those with modern machinery and expertise that guarantee quality results. Additionally, companies that handle larger volumes of steel plate often have good relationships with plate suppliers and thereby better steel prices."
The main challenges for the contracting company are primarily ground conditions and groundwater that can affect the work. The foundation work itself is not complicated, Magnus explains, but it takes two to three weeks for between five and six people to complete a foundation.
"The advantage of pre-assembled bolt cages is obviously faster handling at the construction site," Magnus states, also emphasizing Proplate's quick service and flexibility.
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