Geotechnical and Environmental Studies for Cogeneration Facilities, Various Locations in California
Under standing contracts with Power Systems Engineering, Destec Engineering, Dow, and Dynegy, Fugro has provided design-level geotechnical studies and construction consultation for more than 15 proposed cogeneration facilities in California. The cogeneration facilities were developed in oil fields, dairies, hospitals, governmental institutions, and manufacturing facilities in Kern, Riverside, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara Counties.

Our services for the cogeneration projects included subsurface exploration, analytical testing, and construction phase analyses for all aspects of the site development. The cogeneration projects involved design of foundations for heavily-loaded, settlement-sensitive turbines with vibratory loads, as well as, associated compressors and storage tanks. Site conditions included:

• Hilly terrain;
• Expansive soils,
• Collapsible soils,
• Diatomaceous soils; and
• Sites underlain by industrial waste by-products.

The geotechnical studies included:

• Extensive cut/fill considerations to minimize earthwork and maximize subsurface engineering characteristics;
• Special seismic design analysis for sites near major faults;
  
• Evaluation of dynamic and thermal soil properties; and
• Design of ground improvement.