Akela Ground Engineering has completed the design and installation of a full precast foundation system to support eight battery energy storage system (BESS) units and two power conversion system (PCS) units for Emtec Energy in Sandwich, Kent.
Delivered in less than eight weeks, the project demonstrates the capability of modern methods of construction (MMC) to support the rollout of critical low carbon energy infrastructure, Akela claims.
To address variable ground conditions, including soft superficial deposits, granular bearing strata and surcharge loading from stored biomass, Akela designed a tailored foundation system comprising 200 脳 200 mm driven precast concrete piles installed to depths of up to 15 metres. These were integrated with the company鈥檚 ABeam precast ground beam system.
On site, more than 800 linear metres of driven precast piling were installed in less than five days, followed by 220 linear metres of ABeam ground beams taking a further two days.
The ABeam has a mechanical pinned joint that allows prefabricated beams to be installed in hours rather than days, Akela says. The system eliminates the need for in situ concrete, pile caps, tie bars or follow on trades, enabling a fully controlled installation process, whatever the weather. The beams are manufactured at Akela鈥檚 precast facility near Glasgow.
Akela also deployed its latest JX piling fleet, reducing working platform requirements and minimising excavation volumes to deliver both cost and programme efficiencies.
Will Payne, managing director of Akela Ground Engineering, said: 鈥淎Beam represents a step change in how foundation systems can be delivered. By removing the need for in situ concrete, follow on trades and weather dependent sequencing, we鈥檙e giving clients a faster, cleaner and more predictable way to build.
鈥淭his project is a great example of the system in action - delivering speed, quality and long term performance while supporting the rollout of essential renewable energy infrastructure.鈥�
Emtec civils operations manager John Sneddon endorsed the foundations crew, saying: 鈥淎kela delivered an excellent foundation solution for our BESS project in Kent. Despite variable ground conditions and the challenges of working on a live, congested site, the team provided a fast, predictable, and technically robust installation.
鈥淭heir use of driven precast piles and the ABeam system significantly reduced programme risk, site traffic, and weather related delays, while supporting our commitment to lower carbon construction. The quality and speed of delivery have given us a resilient platform for the BESS and PCS units and allowed us to maintain momentum on a strategically important energy project.鈥�
He added: 鈥淓mtec Utility Services engaged with Akela early on providing an off-site production and on-site assembly approach and this is a strong example of what can be achieved through early collaboration and modern methods of construction, and we look forward to continuing our work with Akela on future low carbon infrastructure projects across the UK.鈥�
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