Conclusions

Geotechnical conditions in France are favorable to the installation of wind turbines, with the vast majority opting for shallow foundations. For around a quarter of wind turbines, this means using soil improvement techniques (purging and substitution or rigid inclusions).

Given the tilting of the wind turbine footing when subjected to wind loads, the increase in vertical stresses in the soil is concentrated at the periphery of the footing. The first few meters below the base of the footing (less than once the footing radius) are the most stressed, and their geotechnical characteristics are therefore fundamental in defining the foundation method. The evaluation of settlement is important when deciding whether or not to improve the soil. It must take into account the circular shape of the footing and its tilting.

Whether or not hydrostatic...