What are the Key Elements of a Wind Turbine Foundation?
​The foundation is an integral component of a wind turbine. It provides stability for the structure and allows it to reach heights of more than 300 feet in the air. As a general rule, the taller the turbine, the better the wind velocity and power output. Turbine foundations will often have an octagonal shape to transmit forces from the tower more evenly into the soil. Before a foundation is poured, a geotechnical survey must be completed to make sure that the soil has the properties to support the immense, dynamic forces from such a tall and heavy structure. The soil is sampled at several depths to make sure it is suitable and has the special traits necessary before a foundation design can be completed. Once the soil survey and foundation design are complete, the site can be excavated. After proper excavation, a reinforced steel rod frame is constructed to form the shape of the foundation.

Foundations are critical to the turbine function and construction schedule. They are also a very costly part of the turbine. When considering a wind turbine project, a trade-off should be made between the benefits from additional turbine height in a project’s wind regime and the additional cost of a larger foundation and taller tower. There is no standard solution so each project location should be evaluated for maximum cost-efficiency.