Coastal Protection, Xiangshan Wind Farm, Hsinchu, Taiwan

Wind energy accounts for less than 2% of the electrical power consumed in Taiwan; however, this percentage rises every year with the aim of reducing harmful carbon emissions generated from nonrenewable energy sources. It is therefore important to maintain the performance of the numerous wind turbines stationed along the rich windswept west coast of Taiwan.

The six onshore wind turbines of Xiangshan Wind Farm border Taiwan’s northwestern coastline. After several devastating rainstorms, the dynamic action of vigorous waves coupled with surface runoff scoured the coastline, stealing the stabilizing ground packed at the foundations of the wind turbines. The advanced erosion along the undulating shore, and at the base of the towers were clear alerts that the windmills could potentially topple. In addition, the collapsed shore disrupted the flow of traffic from Huisun Forest Area to the northwest coast of Taiwan. An immediate remedy was required to restore the stability of the coastline and diminish fears of the resulting subsidence, offsetting the wind turbines.

In order to rehabilitate the coast and strengthen the wind turbine foundations, ACE devised a composite sea defense that incorporates anti-erosion ACESandbag™ geotextile bags with ACEGrid^® GG geogrids wrap-back slope, a stiffening ACEGabion™ foundation and a strategically placed layer of riprap to impede the direct flow of water to the shore and curtail erosion along the toe of the slope. The highly durable materials effortlessly maintain the coastal boundary by withstanding the alkalinity of seawater plus the powerful thrashing of waves along the seashore.

Presently, the ACEGrid^® GG geogridsslope surface is vegetated, enhancing the biodiversity of the shore and further fortifying it against erosion. This combination of ACE’s geo-materials has created a resilient reinforced revetment that attenuates storm energy and protects onshore structures from being scooped up by the approaching swells.