The Meikle Project

The Meikle Wind Project is the largest wind energy project in British Columbia and took over 2 years to complete. The location is approximately 33km north of Tumbler Ridge in the Peace Region and the objective was to provide clean, renewable energy to help meet the provincial government’s clean energy objectives.

The Contractor

Borea Construction was the company contracted for the main construction work. They performed the complete engineering, procurement and construction of this challenging project. The scope was to construct 61 wind turbine generators over 136 hectares that will provide about 185 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to the BC Hydro grid, enough to power the equivalent of about 54,000 homes each year.

The Products

The CPD products used were:

2,016 bags (36 skids) of CPD Non-Shrink Grout H.E.S, (High Early Strength)

10 pails of CPD Cipadeck Cure & Seal -WB (Pebble Grey)

Both products were supplied to Borea Construction by Industrial Choice Supply.

CPD Non-Shrink Grout Pre-Mix H.E.S. was one of the products used to fill the voids between the concrete foundation and base of turbine providing necessary structural strength. This product is typically used where a rapid strength gain structural grout is required. This pre-blended cement based grout is manufactured under strict quality control standards to enhance consistent uniform quality. Upon setting the grout remains volume stable for permanent long term uniform structural support. In this application, the contractor used a technique called “wet setting ” for placement of the grout. They raised the turbine high enough to apply the grout while remaining on the bolts. Once the grout was in place they lowered the turbine down to help ensure there were no voids. HES Grout was the ideal product as they could achieve higher MPA’s sooner enabling them to continue with erection of the tower earlier.

Once in place they applied the CPD Cipadeck Cure & Seal WB. This sealer is a water based acrylic curing compound that was used on the exposed grout, both inside and outside of the tower. Another benefit is that it acts as an enhancement to the grout and protects if from the elements.