ASSET MULTIPLATE ARCH - WHITELAW BRAE WIND FARM

TWEEDSMUIR, SCOTLAND

PROJECT OVERVIEW

This 7m span, 3.56m rise, 21.4m length asset MultiPlate MP200 single radius arch was constructed over a burn at Whitelaw Brae wind farm.

Construction of Whitelaw Brae is currently in progress, and is anticipated to be fully commissioned and operational by the end of 2026. Once operational, it will be capable of generating up to 149,400MWh of clean electricity per year (powering around 45,000 average UK homes), and delivering 65,300 tonnes of emissions reductions.

We were approached to design and supply a steel culvert over a watercourse, which would provide the main access track to enable turbine foundations as well as transportation of turbine masts, rotors and blades. The asset MultiPlate MP200 culvert is to be backfilled with a road running over the top, in order to facilitate transportation requirements.

PROBLEM SOLVED

Due to the need for efficient transportation, the burn running through the main access route was the main problem to be solved within this project. Our asset MultiPlate corrugated culvert provided the ideal lightweight solution; a perfect application in remote environments where heavy lifting equipment was not required.

Using corrugated steel in culvert and bridge design also offers substantial savings in design cost and installation time.

ESG

During the planning and installation stages of this project, SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) were the main consideration due to the protection of the watercourse. SEPA protect, manage and improve Scotland's water environments, which are fundamental for safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring that Scotland’s unique aquatic wildlife is protected.

In addition to the watercourse, due to the modular nature of asset MultiPlate, there was minimal disruption to site during installation. This had a positive impact to local wildlife within the area.