Pohénégamook-Picard-Saint-Antonin-Wolastokuk Wind Energy Center (PPAW)
CRT-FGL
Bas-Saint-Laurent, Canada
2025
As part of the 350 MW Pohénégamook–Picard–Saint-Antonin–Wolastokuk (PPAW) wind energy center project in Québec, SIMCO provided durability engineering support to CRT-FGL for the construction of 56 wind turbine foundations. These large reinforced concrete foundations required careful thermal management to control heat generated during cement hydration and minimize the risk of early-age thermal cracking.
A thermal control framework from mix design to placement
SIMCO’s involvement began with the evaluation of the proposed concrete mixtures to establish their thermal and mechanical properties for the project requirements. Thermal analyses were then performed using three-dimensional finite element modelling to simulate heat generation and temperature development within the foundations under various placement conditions. The analyses considered foundation geometry, concrete properties, ambient and ground temperatures, delivery temperatures, insulation strategies, and construction sequencing. The modelling was complemented by early-age cracking assessments to quantify cracking risk and identify practical measures to maintain compliance with project performance criteria.
The modelling was complemented by early-age cracking assessments to quantify cracking risk and identify practical measures to maintain compliance with project performance criteria.
The initial analyses were subsequently validated using concrete produced and cast on site. Laboratory testing and thermal monitoring of trial placements provided project-specific data that were incorporated into the final thermal models and control recommendations.
SIMCO’s contribution:
- Validation and characterization of proposed concrete mixtures
- Laboratory testing & concrete characterization
- 3D modeling of the concrete heat development during hydration
- Early-age cracking analysis
- Analysis of different construction methods (pouring sequence, insulation, concrete delivery temperature, etc.)
- Production of thermal control plans adapted to the specific geometry of the foundations and constructiblility characteristics of the project
Consolidated plan built for on-site execution
To facilitate implementation in the field, all analyses and recommendations were consolidated into an operational thermal control tool developed in collaboration with the Contractor. The tool enabled construction teams to quickly evaluate the influence of ambient conditions, concrete delivery temperatures, foundation geometry, and insulation measures on thermal performance and cracking risk. By translating complex modelling results into a practical site-use framework, SIMCO helped support efficient construction planning and informed decision-making throughout foundation construction.
To learn more about PPAW wind centre: Read more
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Turning complex thermal analyses into practical solutions for confident field execution.