Signed, ‘Steeled’, Delivered!
Steel Signing Marks Next Construction Phase Of Narec’s Renewable Testing Facilities.
Engineers at Narec, Blyth’s renewable energy testing centre, have marked the next stage in the construction of the new on-site test facilities by signing a huge steel beam that is part of the framework of one of the three structures.
Tony Quinn, Narec’s director of major projects and assets joined with Neil Clarke, construction director for Shepherd Construction’s in signing the massive 83-tonne steel beam before it was lifted into place as part of the 127-metre long framework for the wind turbine blade testing facility, Blade Test ll.
The 25-metre long beam is one of three major steel trusses weighing 270 tonnes in total that will be used in Blade Test ll’s frame, and because of their size, each beam has been manufactured on-site rather than transported by road.
Neil Clarke, construction director for Shepherd Construction commented: “The logistics involved with the manufacture and positioning of each of the beams required careful planning. Each one took more than two hours to lift into place using a 500-tonne mobile crane but all three are now in place and the framework will swiftly take shape over the coming weeks.
The three full-scale marine and wind test facilities are being built by Shepherd Construction as part of a £30 million frame contract on behalf of Narec. The three structures will enable Narec to reinforce its position as a leading hub for the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies.