--- title: "13.375\" Helical Pipe Piles For Western Canadas Largest Wind Project - IDEAL Foundation Systems" description: Discover how helical piles support a 300MW solar project in Alberta. Learn about their role in sustainable infrastructure at Ideal Foundation Systems. image: https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Blackspring-Ridge-Wind-Project-Vickars-Image-7.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/13-375-helical-pipe-piles-300-megawatt-solar-project-alberta#maincontent) [ «  View All Posts ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/learning-center/) # 13.375″ Helical Pipe Piles For Western Canadas Largest Wind Project December 14th, 2018 1 min read By [Bruce Stroyer](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/author/bruce-stroyer) ![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Blackspring-Ridge-Wind-Project-Vickars-Image-7.jpg?width=640&height=360&name=Blackspring-Ridge-Wind-Project-Vickars-Image-7.jpg) **OVERVIEW:** The 300 MW Blackspring Ridge Wind Project, located in Vulcan County, Alberta (50 km north of Lethbridge), is the largest wind project in Western Canada.  The project represents the largest investment in wind energy in the province at approximately $0.6 billion. The project is comprised of 166 Vestas V100-1.8 MW wind turbines. ![Blackspring Ridge Wind Project - Image (14)](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Blackspring-Ridge-Wind-Project-Vickars-Image-14.jpg?width=640&height=360&name=Blackspring-Ridge-Wind-Project-Vickars-Image-14.jpg) **SOLUTION:** The scope of work on this project was to provide a design build service for helical pile foundations for the project’s substation equipment. The foundations for equipment were originally designed for a mix of cast-in-place and augercast foundations.  While some structures remained with cast-in-place foundations, all of the foundations originally designated for augercast foundations were redesigned for [helical piles](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/helical-piles/).  Cost, installation time, sequencing, weather, no concrete and flexibility the flexibility of installation equipment were some of the main reasons for choosing helical piles. Western Pacific Enterprises GP was subcontracted to construct the substation by Mortenson, the General Contractor for the project.  IDL Projects of B.C., was contracted by Western Pacific for the civil and foundation work. IDEAL Group designed all of the pile connection arrangements for all equipment and structures to be installed on the piles and all piles were installed by [TerraCana](https://terracana.ca/) Foundations. ![Blackspring Ridge Wind Project - Image (13)](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Blackspring-Ridge-Wind-Project-Vickars-Image-13.jpg?width=640&height=360&name=Blackspring-Ridge-Wind-Project-Vickars-Image-13.jpg) *Grillage for dead end structures – out to transmission line* **DESIGN:** The pile design had to account for high lateral loads and bending loads. The structures to be erected on the piles varied from lightning masts, dead end monopoles, overhead bus equipment and capacitors, to name a few. Two pile shaft sizes were selected, 7” and 13 3/8”, with a combination of single or double 24” and 30” diameter helices.  The soils conditions at site, were soft silty clays to stiff clay, gravels, over clay till, at 20 – 30 feet. Vertical and compression design loads varied from 20 kips to 168 kips per pile.  The attachment of structures to piles was by way of steel plates and steel grillages which were either bolted or field-welded to piles. No concrete was required for any of the attachments. ![Credit: www.evwind.es](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Canada-wind-turbines-wind-energy.jpg?width=640&height=420&name=Canada-wind-turbines-wind-energy.jpg) *Credit: REVE* Production pile load tests were completed in tension to 186 Kips. Piles were installed by [TerraCana](https://terracana.ca/) using a 170,000 foot pound drive head mounted on a Volvo 290 excavator. Torque monitored and recorded using electronic “Torq-Pin” Total of 120 piles, 98 of 13 3/8” and 22 of 7” – 20 foot and 10 foot leads and extensions Piles 20 – 30 feet deep, torque 40,000 – 110,000 ft-lbs.’ Installation tolerance of 6mm for plates and grillages. Weather during installation of piles, pile caps and grillages, temperatures down to -35 C. Topics: [ Helical Piles ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/topic/helical-piles) [ Case Study ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/topic/case-study) [ Helical Case Study ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/topic/helical-case-study) Don't forget to share this post: ## Related Articles [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/GADS-HILL-CRUSHER-4_500-HELICAL-23.jpg?width=4781&height=3825&name=GADS-HILL-CRUSHER-4_500-HELICAL-23.jpg) ### We Accomplish Big Things in Small Spaces May 1st, 2024|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/big-things-small-spaces) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/APTOS-CALIFORNIA-FIRE-DEPT-4_500-HELICAL-5.jpg?width=2048&height=1536&name=APTOS-CALIFORNIA-FIRE-DEPT-4_500-HELICAL-5.jpg) ### 142 Helical Piles for Central Fire Fleet Improvements in California February 26th, 2024|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/142-helical-piles-for-central-fire-fleet-improvements-in-california) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Screenshot-2023-11-30-at-13_32_28.png?width=639&height=429&name=Screenshot-2023-11-30-at-13_32_28.png) ### Where do helical piles work best? November 30th, 2023|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/where-do-helical-piles-work-best) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/TUCKAHOE-8_625-HELICAL-NEW-CONSTRUCTION-2.jpg?width=1171&height=732&name=TUCKAHOE-8_625-HELICAL-NEW-CONSTRUCTION-2.jpg) ### How to choose a helical pile installer. The Ideal way. November 8th, 2023|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-helical-pile-installer-the-ideal-way) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/69-VAN-DYKE-ST.jpg?width=2048&height=1365&name=69-VAN-DYKE-ST.jpg) ### What does it take to install Helical Piles? August 31st, 2023|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/what-does-it-take-to-install-helical-piles) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_9594.jpg?width=4032&height=2268&name=IMG_9594.jpg) ### Helical Piles Can Save You Money. Here’s How … July 24th, 2023|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/helical-piles-can-save-you-money-heres-how) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Helicals-in-yard.jpg?width=2016&height=1134&name=Helicals-in-yard.jpg) ### Why Use Helical Piles? June 8th, 2023|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/why-use-helical-piles) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/AQUEDUCT-BLDG-CMI-2.jpg?width=4080&height=3072&name=AQUEDUCT-BLDG-CMI-2.jpg) ### Helical Piles: Underpinning the future of the Historic Aqueduct Building. May 15th, 2023|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/helical-piles-underpinning-the-future-of-the-historic-aqueduct-building) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/SUBSTATION-HELICAL-1-1024x576.jpg?width=1024&height=576&name=SUBSTATION-HELICAL-1-1024x576.jpg) ### You’d Have to Dig Deep to Find a Better All-rounder in Foundation Systems. April 13th, 2023|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/youd-have-to-dig-deep-to-find-a-better-all-rounder-in-foundation-systems) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/97b6c666-1864-4052-ae03-0c480daf22bd.jpg?width=600&height=450&name=97b6c666-1864-4052-ae03-0c480daf22bd.jpg) ### We’re the Helical Pile Pioneers. Here’s Why… March 21st, 2023|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/were-the-helical-pile-pioneers-heres-why) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/brokk_drillingserviceco_1.jpg?width=1267&height=950&name=brokk_drillingserviceco_1.jpg) ### REMOTE-CONTROLLED DEMOLITION EQUIPMENT SOLVES CHALLENGING HELICAL PIER INSTALLATION March 10th, 2023|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/remote-controlled-demolition-equipment-solves-challenging-helical-pier-installation) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/INSTALL-SNIP-2-WEB.jpg?width=720&height=404&name=INSTALL-SNIP-2-WEB.jpg) ### 5.5″ HELICAL PILES FOR A HOSPITAL PARKING GARAGE RETROFIT December 28th, 2022|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/5-5-helical-piles-for-a-parking-garage-retrofit) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/7K5A2816.jpg?width=2048&height=1365&name=7K5A2816.jpg) ### 12.75″ helical pipe piles for SOE in the Bronx August 17th, 2022|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/nyc-12-75-helical-pipe-piles-for-soe-in-the-bronx) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Types-Of-Foundations-150x150-1.jpg?width=150&height=150&name=Types-Of-Foundations-150x150-1.jpg) ### Types Of Foundations December 5th, 2021|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/types-of-foundations) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/7-WEB.jpg?width=1152&height=864&name=7-WEB.jpg) ### KEEPING UP A FACADE – ITHACA, NY October 19th, 2021|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/keeping-up-a-facade-ithaca-ny) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG-1325-2-web.jpg?width=968&height=726&name=IMG-1325-2-web.jpg) ### Helical Piles In An Active Stone Mine May 4th, 2021|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/helical-piles-in-an-active-stone-mine) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PATH-WEB-1.jpg?width=436&height=325&name=PATH-WEB-1.jpg) ### On the beaten PATH: More IDEAL Helical Piles In The NY/NJ Subway Stations October 8th, 2020|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/on-the-beaten-path-more-ideal-helical-piles-in-the-ny-nj-subway-stations) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/CHSB-26.jpg?width=900&height=506&name=CHSB-26.jpg) ### Helical Pile Foundations for COVID-19 Field Hospitals in New York May 1st, 2020|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/helical-pile-foundations-for-covid-19-field-hospitals-in-new-york) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_3846-WEB-2.jpg?width=900&height=675&name=IMG_3846-WEB-2.jpg) ### Reasons To Use A Helical Pile December 16th, 2019|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/reasons-to-use-a-helical-pile) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Helical-Piles-VS-Concrete-Piers-150x150-1.jpg?width=150&height=150&name=Helical-Piles-VS-Concrete-Piers-150x150-1.jpg) ### Helical Piles VS Concrete Piers December 7th, 2019|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/helical-piles-vs-concrete-piers) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/advantages-infographic.jpg?width=900&height=1585&name=advantages-infographic.jpg) ### The Advantages Of Using Helical Piles December 2nd, 2019|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/the-advantages-of-using-helical-piles) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/The-International-Society-for-Helical-Foundations-150x150-1.jpg?width=150&height=150&name=The-International-Society-for-Helical-Foundations-150x150-1.jpg) ### The International Society for Helical Foundations November 18th, 2019|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/the-international-society-for-helical-foundations) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Environmental-Benefits-Of-Helical-Pile-150x150-1.jpg?width=150&height=150&name=Environmental-Benefits-Of-Helical-Pile-150x150-1.jpg) ### Environmental Benefits Of Helical Piles November 4th, 2019|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/environmental-benefits-of-helical-piles) [![](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Micropiles-And-Historic-Buildings-150x150-1.jpg?width=150&height=150&name=Micropiles-And-Historic-Buildings-150x150-1.jpg) ### Micropiles And Historic Buildings October 21st, 2019|1 min read ](https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/micropiles-and-historic-buildings) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Bruce Stroyer", "url" : "https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/author/bruce-stroyer" }, "dateModified" : "2024-11-20T17:14:14.250Z", "datePublished" : "2018-12-14T22:26:27.000Z", "headline" : "13.375\" Helical Pipe Piles For Western Canadas Largest Wind Project - IDEAL Foundation Systems", "image" : [ "https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Blackspring-Ridge-Wind-Project-Vickars-Image-7.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/blog/13-375-helical-pipe-piles-300-megawatt-solar-project-alberta", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.idealfoundationsystems.com/hubfs/ASSETS/logos/Ideal-Logo.png" } } } ```