Sempra Energy Resources
Northern Washoe County
Project Description:In order take advantage of an existing power transmission grid, Sempra Energy is planning to construct a coal-fired power plant located adjacent to Squaw Creek near Gerlach in northern Washoe County. To assist with the project planning and design, a preliminary geotechnical investigation was conducted. The project will include construction of a Power Block consisting of two coal-fired boilers and steam turbines and associated equipment (stacks, generators, transformers, cooling towers, etc.); water treatment facilities and storage tanks; coal unloading facilities and storage areas; coal handling system; rail loop; substation and transmission structures; administration, warehouse/maintenance and control structures; and parking area and plant access roads.
Client Issues
- Working in a very isolated region with very little support
- Aggressive schedule demands
Kleinfelder's Role
Kleinfelder is the Geotechnical Engineer-of-Record for the preliminary investigation. Our scope of services included field exploration, laboratory testing and engineering analysis. Six borings were advanced to depths varying from approximately 35 to 80 feet. Exploration borings were drilled with a truck-mounted CME55 drill rig using 8-inch diameter hollow stem augers with a drag bit. Soil samples were taken in our Reno laboratory and tests conducted. These tests included sieve analysis, soil classification, liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index of soil, moisture content, dry unit weight, consolidation, direct shear. Additional tests for soluble sulfate content and resistivity and pH were also completed. We provided preliminary recommendations for feasibility, shallow and deep foundations, floor options, soil excavatibility, pavements, retaining walls, and liquefaction potential.
Client Benefits
Our cost-effective approach to the preliminary geotechnical/geohazards analysis for the site, coupled with preliminary design values and foundation recommendations allowed the cost analysis for the project to go forward.
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