Shewalton & Nethermains Solar Farm – Ground Investigation

The LK Group were commissioned by Ameresco engaged to conduct a geotechnical site investigation for proposed solar farm installations at the former landfill sites of Shewalton and Nethermains in North Ayrshire.

The Project 

The LK Group were commissioned by Ameresco engaged to conduct a geotechnical site investigation for proposed solar farm installations at the former landfill sites of Shewalton and Nethermains in North Ayrshire. These sites present unique challenges, including ongoing gas extraction operations and long-term settlement of landfill materials. The investigation aimed to evaluate ground stability and confirm the feasibility of the proposed installations. 

Solution

The LK’s tailored approach to each site was as follows:

Nethermains Landfill:

Conducted 20 trial pits (TPs), 2 window samples, 15 hand-dug trial pits, 75 lightweight deflectometer (LWD) tests, and 90 dynamic cone penetration (DCP) tests.

Provided detailed data on the landfill’s capping integrity, settlement characteristics, and material strength, ensuring the land could support the proposed infrastructure.

Shewalton Landfill:

As this site has active gas extraction operations, The LK adapted their approach to minimise disruption.

Completed 1 window sample, 1 rotary borehole, 17 hand-dug trial pits, 10 LWD tests, and 176 DCP tests.

This extensive testing programme offered essential insights into the strength and depth of landfill capping, verifying the suitability of the site for solar farm development.

Client Benefits

The LK  team delivered a targeted, cost-effective investigation that aligned with Ameresco’s specific design needs and timelines. The extensive data gathered provides Ameresco with the confidence that, despite complex geotechnical conditions, the landfill sites can reliably support the solar farm installations.

While no particular innovations were implemented, the project required efficient and strategic planning to address the constraints presented by the landfills’ geotechnical properties.