Geophysical Investigation for Wind Turbine Foundation Sites at Ashegoda Wind Farm Project Glient; Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation Consultant: Terrasol Contractor: Vergnet By Dr. Berhanu Gebregziabher (Assist. Professor of Geophysics, Mekelle University) Mr. Shishay Tadios (Lecturer of Engineering Geology, Mekelle University)Contents 1. Introduction 2. Data Acquisition 3. Data Processing and Results. 4, Interpretations and Discussions. 41 Site-42 4.2 Site-44 4.3 Site-dB 5. Conclusion and Recommendations. 5.1 Conclusions, 5.2 Recommendations References. a 2 16 24 2a 28 27Ashegoda Wind Turbine Foundation Sites | Geophysical Investigatio 1. Introduetio: Geophysics is the only branch of the earth sciences that can truly “look” into the solid earth (Musset and Khan, 2000). Geophysics “sees” the Earth in terms of its physical properties, which complement the usual types of geological information. A geophysical survey. can provide detailed information about the subsurface in very little time. Compare the cost of obtaining similar information purely through manual excavation or drilling, a geophysical survey is cost effective and enabling us to cover several hectares per day for site characterization or detailed cross-sectional investigations. Most of the geophysical techniques are environmentally friendly and there are no risks of exposing harmful waste or aggravating ground conditions which are a frequent limitation of conventional ground exploration methods. A geophysical survey was curried out in May 20) at Asheyoda area for wind turbine and characterize the foundation site investigation, The aim was in general to ident subsurface geology down to a depth of 30 meters and to investigate the cause and extent of the anomalous ground conditions such ae: ‘+ Identifying the different lithological units and geological structures existing in the site ‘© Identifying the nature and distribution of underground karstic features (cavities) exii e of in the site (as the a a is mainly dominated by carbonate rocks, pres solution cavities is expected), and ‘© Investigating othér geological features of geotechnical significance, for example, determining the depth to the bed rock. determining overburden sediment thickness, and weathered zones. This report presents the findings of the geophysical surveys and the ground investigations, discusses the interpretive ground conditions revealed by the investigations and any potential impacts on the proposed development, presents a risk assessment and makes recommendations for remedial measures and any additional fieldworks. Dr. Berhanu Gebregziabher (Assist. Professor of Geophysics, ?-0.Box 231, Mekelle Unive Tel., +251-914-004361 E-Mail: brishg2000@yahoo.com a