Success in extreme weather conditions

Fifteen years ago, Concreto, led by then-founder and current site manager Robert Selberg, took a decisive step into a niche industry that would shape the company’s future. By chance, they got the opportunity to work on the grouting of wind turbines for the first time. A Danish company faced a project in northern Finland, where they planned to carry out grouting for a wind farm during August. However, the project was delayed, and suddenly they were faced with a climate they weren’t equipped to work in—November’s biting cold.

“The Danes didn’t know how to finish the job in subzero temperatures, but a site manager from Boden, who I knew, happened to be there and recommended us for the task”  Robert Selberg recalls.

This marked the beginning of Concreto’s specialization in cold-weather grouting. Realizing the growing need for year-round grouting in northern Sweden, the company began expanding its expertise and developing methods to overcome the challenges posed by frigid temperatures.

“To be able to grout year-round, we developed a solution using a shipping container where we have all the necessary equipment with us. Inside this controlled environment, we can keep the materials warm and have everything from pumps and mixers to other essential equipment all in one place,” Robert Selberg explains. 

One of Concreto's first major projects came soon after they established themselves in the grouting market. At Björkhöjden, located outside Sollefteå they were commissioned by NCC to carry out the grouting for a total of 127 wind turbines. This project spanned over a year and a half and presented significant challenges, not least due to the extreme weather conditions.

“We started the work in February and carried out the grouting despite temperatures dropping to minus 20 degrees” Selberg recalls. “It was a real test, but also proof that we can handle grouting under tough climatic conditions.”

Concreto quickly received certification from the leading grout supplier, BASF, which was later acquired by SIKA. What began as a opportunity to perform a grouting job fifteen years ago has today led to Concreto being involved in grouting around 400 wind turbines, primarily in Sweden and northern Finland.

The market for wind turbine grouting is often unstable, as it is largely driven by political decisions. Sometimes, a large number of wind turbines are built, while at other times, none are constructed at all. Fortunately, the grouting technology has gained increasing recognition within the industry and has found additional applications beyond just wind turbines. In an upcoming project, Concreto will play a central role in the relocation of Kiruna Church. The church will be moved to a new location, where they will use grouting to secure the foundation for the historic wooden structure.

“It has been nearly 20 years since we began our large-scale construction of wind turbines in Sweden, and the expected lifespan of these turbines is now nearing its end. It will be interesting to see when the first turbines start being dismantled and replaced. The future looks exciting, and we plan to focus more on repairs and maintenance of existing wind turbines” says Robert Selberg.

For more information, please contact: 

Robert Selberg
robert.selberg@concreto.se
+4670-239 82 72