Soil stabilisation firm Geofirma is making an increasing impression in the on-shore wind farm sector.

The Earls Colne-base firm’s latest contract involved the supply of a bespoke lime and cement stablisation mix for a site near Hull earmarked for three large turbines requiring particularly firm foundations.

The mix was applied using Geogirma’s patented Firmafil and Firmabase techniques.

Together these techniques strengthened the soil and eliminated the need to import new soils. The solution also removed the requirement for more than 1,000 wagon loads of stone and so significantly reduced the environmental impact of the scheme.

Geofirma was awarded the work by its parent company, Blackwell, on behalf of its client, EnergieKontor.

The turbines are to be erected in November 2013 with commissioning and testing to be completed by January 2014. The blades for each unit are currently the longest in onshore production at more than 52 metres with the height to hub being about 80 metres and the height to tip being around 130 metres.

The wind turbines will sit on top of a concrete foundation that is piled to about 30 metres deep with 40 tubular steel piles and itself consists of over 1,000 tonnes of concrete and steel.

Georfirm completed the earthworks and stabilisation almost a week ahead of the three-week programme, enabling piling operations to start early, and in turn Blackwell expects to hand over the scheme earlier than anticipated.

Phil Holden, contracts manager at Blackwell, said: “Both companies have an in-depth knowledge of each other’s requirements and that engenders an effective working relationship.

“Geofirma is able to deliver great results on time and on budget and the Geofirma team excels at making their business personal to their clients which makes the difference.”