Consulting Engineering Company with Expertise in Geotechnical Engineering & Foundation Design
Build on a Solid Foundation!
We are a Colorado-based consulting engineering company focused on the North American market and specialized in geotechnical engineering and foundation design of renewable energy projects such as wind farms and solar parks, as well as their associated facilities and the built environment in general. We, as geotechnical engineering and foundation design specialists, partner with our clients to achieve success by building on a solid foundation for their projects. We rely on our strong academics, proven geotechnical and structural design expertise and rich experience in the renewable energy industry to deliver reliable performance. Our services include geotechnical engineering consulting, optimized foundation solutions to support wind turbine towers, solar tracker structures, transmission line structures, electrical storage units and substation equipment, construction QA/QC observation, and forensics consulting.
As a Consulting Engineering Company
We are a group of engineering consultants that designs all types of foundations:
For large wind turbine (windmill) support structures, we design spread “gravity-based” foundations, rock-anchored foundations, deep foundations, and proprietary foundation systems.
For small wind and distributed systems, we develop and design proprietary foundation systems for budding original equipment manufacturers.
For solar PV power parks, we develop pile test programs and designed driven piles, helical piles, ballast foundations and other proprietary systems.
For new energy conversion systems, we support inventors develop support structures and foundations.
Value-Added Services
Our engineer consultants also offer a few critical value-added services that distinguish us. These include:
Advanced finite element analysis (FEA) and design,
Reliability-based design (RBD),
Geohazard risk assessments, and
Expert familiarity with design codes.
Our reputation is built on quality, reliability and expertise. Our clients include owners, developers, utilities, Balance of Plant (BOP) or Balance of Systems (BOS) general contractors, Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC) firms, sub-contractors and consultants. Our company has been reviewed and verified by ISNetworld. Feel free to search our website for specific content or reach out to us to learn more about our capabilities, services, and states and provinces in the USA and Canada where we can provide such services.
Over the past two decades, our founder has designed foundations for hundreds of wind farms and solar parks across the United States and Canada, covering all conceivable geotechnical settings and amounting to over 40 GW of renewable energy projects. Along the way, he pioneered the round gravity-base foundation for wind turbines that is now standard practice for the industry and obtained a PhD from the Colorado School of Mines focused on reliability based design of wind turbine foundations..
“We aim to put the art and science of civil engineering to work for the promotion of renewable energy.”
-
From desktop studies to detailed investigations, our geotechnical engineering services draw on decades of experience to deliver value.
-
Reliable, practical and optimized foundation solutions to support wind turbine towers, solar tracker structures, transmission line structures, electrical storage units and substation equipment,
-
Construction QA/QC observation is an invaluable service our clients seek to ensure compliance with construction document specifications.
-
Forensic consulting is a natural by-products of our decades of experience in the renewable energy industry.
-
We perform cutting-edge reliability-based design.
-
Item description
-
We perform advanced finite element analysis and design calculations.
-
Item description
-
We helped define the direction of design standards in the United States.
-
We have extensive geotechnical experience that allows us to provide valuable geohazard risk assessments at any stage of project development.
Blog Articles
Featured Articles
The 25th anniversary of Geostrata Magazine is celebrated through an excellent focus on construction QA/QC and emerging data management systems. The magazine is available for free consultation online but we thought of sharing brief summaries of these great articles here to entice our visitors to read this issue back to back.
Anchored wind turbine foundations work beautifully when they do, but when they don’t, they are a nightmare. That’s why “to anchor or not to anchor” is a fundamental question that has to be thoroughly evaluated when contemplating an anchored wind turbine foundation. In this post, we discuss this efficient wind turbine foundation system and why it should be reserved to particular geotechnical settings.
Mother Nature handed out several invaluable lessons over the last two weeks of May 2024: on May 17, strong weather events downed multiple transmission line towers in the Houston area, and on May 20-21, tornadoes destroyed several wind turbines in southwest Iowa. What lessons should we draw from these back-to-back events? Is this a wake-up call? If it is, what is the message of the call? What are the consequences associated with these types of failures and what are the weak links in our nation’s power system? Do we need to rethink how we design wind turbines, or do we need to work harder to slow down the accelerating pattern of more frequent and more extreme weather events? Let’s explore!
“ACI Code-323 Low-Carbon Concrete - Code Requirements and Commentary” is a draft ACI standard currently open for public discussion from March 31 to May 15, 2024. So, what’s Low-Carbon Concrete (LCC) and how does this Code propose to achieve it?
As the industry migrated from the popular octagonal shape and mostly settled on the perfectly round shape, have we reached the limits of shape optimization of shallow wind turbine foundations? In this blog, we present a historical account of this question and explore potential future optimization trends.
If you are new to renewable energy projects, you must have come across abbreviations that you had to accept to appear knowledgeable but had to look up later. In this blog post, we create a list of such abbreviations with their meanings.
Wind projects are not born overnight. Before we see wind turbine generators (WTGs) spinning and generating clean energy, many years are are required in development, design and construction. These distinct but often overlapping phases come with their own sets of tasks, timelines and narrowing opportunities for reducing risks stemming from geohazards. Let’s delve into these phases and into ways we can minimize the impacts of geotechnical hazards.
All Blog Articles
At the intersection of remembrance and reflection, Memorial Day and Eid al-Adha invite us to pause and reconnect with the deeper values that unite us—sacrifice, faith, and shared humanity. Across traditions, these observances remind us that true service lies in giving of ourselves for something greater, while also calling us to embrace tolerance, peace, and compassion in an increasingly interconnected world.
Small Business Week (May 3-9) reminds us all of the essential role that small businesses play in shaping strong, resilient economies. Across every community, small enterprises create jobs, foster innovation, and provide specialized services that larger organizations often cannot. They bring agility, creativity, and local insight—qualities that drive economic vitality and sustain long-term growth.
The Orion spacecraft named Integrity reflects the highest standards of engineering practice. At Civil Renewables, Engineering with Purpose and Integrity defines how we approach every project. Read more about how this integrity mindset unites our missions.
Every year on March 14, engineers around the world pause—if only for a moment—to celebrate Pi Day, a tribute to the most famous irrational number in mathematics: π (3.14159…). While Pi may appear abstract, it quietly underpins much of what engineers design, analyze, and build. From the foundations beneath our feet to the systems that connect continents, Pi is a reminder of the deep relationship between mathematics and the engineered world.
Engineers Week is more than a celebration of technical skill—it’s a reminder of where meaningful innovation truly begins.
Often, it starts in small businesses.
At Civil Renewables, we believe that staying current with evolving standards and best practices is essential to delivering safe, resilient, and innovative solutions. Recently, our team engaged in continuing education focused on flood hazard design—an area critical to protecting communities and infrastructure.
In today’s energy landscape, our organization continues to thrive—despite political resistance that runs counter to the very goals of energy dominance and rising global demand. While some at the highest levels of government disparage renewable energy, we remain steadfast in our mission to deliver clean, reliable, and forward-looking solutions.
In a year marked by economic turbulence and policy reversals, the renewable energy sector is facing unprecedented headwinds: uncertainty, tariffs, and a rollback of federal incentives to name a few. Cost-effective solutions will be part of the answer.
The ACI Foundation’s Concrete Innovation Forum returns August 12–14, 2025, at the Hotel Clio in Denver, Colorado—an ideal location for companies in the Rocky Mountain region and a hub for renewable energy innovation. This annual event has become a cornerstone for professionals advancing sustainable concrete technologies, and our company is proud to continue its tradition of active participation.
The 2025 DNV report, ‘From Silos to Systems,’ presents a compelling vision for the future of energy: one that demands a shift from fragmented, siloed operations to integrated, whole energy systems. This transformation is not just about technology—it’s about rethinking how we design, regulate, and operate the infrastructure that powers our world. At Civil Renewables, this philosophy is already embedded in our DNA. Learn more below.
As we see it, the US renewable energy industry is poised to continue to thrive under the Trump administration. Read our analysis of strategies suggested by our AI bot.
In the modern era, the convergence of energy and engineering is not just a possibility but a necessity. As global populations continue to rise and urbanization spreads, the demand for sustainable energy solutions and advanced engineering practices grows exponentially. At Civil Renewables, we understand the imperative of staying ahead in these vital sectors. Both energy and engineering are pivotal to shaping a future that is not only technologically advanced but also environmentally sustainable.
Hybrid renewable energy projects aim to create a resilient and efficient energy system and provide a continuous and stable supply of clean energy while reducing carbon emissions and enhancing grid stability by integrating some or all the following elements: solar energy conversion, wind energy conversion, energy storage, and hydrogen production.
Our latest video describes hybrid renewable energy systems in more detail. Learn more below.
At Civil Renewables, we know that a well-designed geotechnical investigation is essential to the success of any construction project. Our latest video discusses the Standard Penetration Test (SPT), a simple and inexpensive geotechnical site characterization method that has been widely used in the United States since the 1920s.
Our latest video discusses the benefits and processes of land leasing for wind power development, highlighting the economic advantages for landowners and the role of Civil Renewables in supporting wind power projects throughout their lifecycle.
Wind turbines are not only used in large-scale operations. Small wind turbines can be the perfect power generation solution for single customers or isolated communities. In our latest video, we explore the types and uses of these smaller operations. At Civil Renewables, we have helped design cost-effective proprietary foundation systems for Small Wind Turbines (SWTs) intended for distributed applications.
In this blog entry, we will provide a review of the structural stability requirements for foundations of buildings and other structures as stipulated in US design standards. We start by reviewing US code content relevant to overall structural stability and, if found, foundation stability. This topic is of particular interest to designers of wind turbine foundations.
The 25th anniversary of Geostrata Magazine is celebrated through an excellent focus on construction QA/QC and emerging data management systems. The magazine is available for free consultation online but we thought of sharing brief summaries of these great articles here to entice our visitors to read this issue back to back.
Wind turbines allow us to convert the wind’s kinetic energy into clean electricity, but the last stage of their life cycle must also be considered. In our latest video, we show a lighthearted overview of wind turbine recycling.
In our latest video, we dive into more details on how these critical foundations, made of reinforced concrete, are engineered to handle the immense forces generated by wind turbines. From the intricate rebar layout to the step-by-step construction process, you'll see how this system is optimized for constructability and reliability.
Geotechnical engineers talk amongst themselves using abbreviations that project stakeholders and even engineers from other trades struggle to decipher. In this compilation, we present the tip of the iceberg.
The gravity-base (or inverted-T) foundation is the most common system for supporting onshore wind turbine towers. In this video, we outline the key steps involved in constructing a gravity-base foundation.
A civil engineer's education primarily focuses on technical knowledge, which is vital for addressing the technical challenges of our society's infrastructures need and advancing the innovative tools we use to develop them. However, an equally important aspect of professional practice is ethics—understanding what is right and wrong.
Explore the unique features and specifications of the anchor bolt cage, an advanced system critical to the stability and durability of wind turbines!
In 100 out of 144 days since March 8, California met its electricity demand entirely with renewable energy for part of each day. Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power supplied the grid for durations ranging from minutes to ten hours. This milestone underscores the reliability of renewables in high-demand regions. However, further efforts are needed to ensure consistent electricity production during unfavorable weather conditions.
A new report by the think tank Energy Innovation highlights drivers of climbing electricity rates in the US.
Anchored wind turbine foundations work beautifully when they do, but when they don’t, they are a nightmare. That’s why “to anchor or not to anchor” is a fundamental question that has to be thoroughly evaluated when contemplating an anchored wind turbine foundation. In this post, we discuss this efficient wind turbine foundation system and why it should be reserved to particular geotechnical settings.
Community solar is an innovative solution that can help democratize solar energy. This model enables multiple participants to benefit from a single, off-site solar farm. By subscribing to a share of the solar energy produced, participants receive credits on their electricity bills without the installation of solar panels on the roofs of their homes or businesses.
Mother Nature handed out several invaluable lessons over the last two weeks of May 2024: on May 17, strong weather events downed multiple transmission line towers in the Houston area, and on May 20-21, tornadoes destroyed several wind turbines in southwest Iowa. What lessons should we draw from these back-to-back events? Is this a wake-up call? If it is, what is the message of the call? What are the consequences associated with these types of failures and what are the weak links in our nation’s power system? Do we need to rethink how we design wind turbines, or do we need to work harder to slow down the accelerating pattern of more frequent and more extreme weather events? Let’s explore!
US stakeholders are invited to offer input on IEC design standards relative to wind turbine support structures and their foundations through the US mirror committee coordinated by Jomaa Ben Hassine. Current activity includes Amendment 1 and Edition 2 of IEC 61400-6. Find out how to get involved in this community blog entry.
Company News
Featured News
At the forefront of renewable energy development, our team supports developers during the critical early stages of utility-scale wind and solar projects. We understand that a successful project begins with a thorough site assessment. Our capabilities are built around delivering detailed, data-driven insights that help mitigate risks and ensure long-term project success.
As the energy landscape transforms, our company is leading the way with innovative, future-ready solutions. We are expanding our capabilities across energy storage systems, battery energy storage systems (BESS), solar power, data centers, cogeneration, and integrated renewable energy, storage, and hydrogen projects—delivering value-driven services to clients seeking performance, sustainability, and reliability.
As we say goodbye to 2024, we reflect on our first full year of operation with pride and a great sense of accomplishment. The year started as a one-man firm represented by our founder, Jomaa Ben Hassine, and ended as an efficient and balanced three-member crew. This team can best be described as the “Little Engine that Could.” Our list of completed and ongoing projects reflects this description and touches each of our service offerings.
We are thrilled to welcome Angie as Staff Graduate Engineer! Angie holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with special honors from CU Denver and aims to further advance her career in Structural/Geotechnical Engineering and make a great contribution to advancing renewable energy.
Civil Renewables, Inc. is now a participant in ISN’s RAVS+ program, a recognition that that is achievable only after a successful audit of our Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) plans.
We have acquired a license to PLAXIS 3D, a powerful finite element program for modeling soil-structure interactions.
We have centralized our compliance data within ISNetworld and streamlined our reporting process, making it easier for potential clients to prequalify our company.
All News Articles
Civil Renewables is proud to announce that we are now licensed to offer professional engineering services in the State of Alabama. This milestone expands our ability to support clients across the Southeast and reinforces our long‑standing commitment to delivering technically rigorous, dependable engineering solutions wherever reliable energy infrastructure is needed.
As we close out an incredible year, we want to take a moment to celebrate the milestones we’ve achieved together. From utility-scale wind and solar projects powering communities to small wind installations and innovative agrivoltaic solutions, our journey has been defined by diversity, innovation, and impact.
We’re excited to share that our LinkedIn community has grown to 700 followers! For our small firm, this is a humbling milestone. Thank you!
To all the attendees, exhibitors, and speakers of RE+ 2025 —thank you for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in renewable energy. We know the week of September 8, 2025 will be filled with powerful conversations, groundbreaking ideas, and meaningful partnerships that will help accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
Wishing everyone a successful and energizing RE+ 2025. Let’s keep the momentum going!
We’re proud to share some exciting news—our company is now officially licensed to provide engineering services in Nova Scotia, marking another major step forward in our presence across Atlantic Canada!
We are happy to announce that our organization has officially been qualified to offer engineering services in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. This marks a significant step forward in our growth across Atlantic Canada and reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions to clients throughout the region.
At the forefront of renewable energy development, our team supports developers during the critical early stages of utility-scale wind and solar projects. We understand that a successful project begins with a thorough site assessment. Our capabilities are built around delivering detailed, data-driven insights that help mitigate risks and ensure long-term project success.
As the energy landscape transforms, our company is leading the way with innovative, future-ready solutions. We are expanding our capabilities across energy storage systems, battery energy storage systems (BESS), solar power, data centers, cogeneration, and integrated renewable energy, storage, and hydrogen projects—delivering value-driven services to clients seeking performance, sustainability, and reliability.
We’re excited to share that our company has officially received a Certificate of Authorization to provide engineering services in New Brunswick!
As we celebrate the birth of our nation and the values that define it—freedom, resilience, and innovation—we at Civil Renewables, Inc. are also proud to mark a special milestone: our third operational anniversary!
Since beginning operations on July 1, 2022, Civil Renewables has grown into a trusted partner in energy-focused civil engineering. Over the past three years, we’ve expanded our reach across diverse markets and geographies, supporting clients of all sizes with infrastructure that powers the clean energy transition.
From battery energy storage systems (BESS) to agrivoltaic installations that blend agriculture with solar energy, our work reflects a commitment to both innovation and sustainability. We’ve helped shape projects that not only deliver reliable energy but also respect the land, support communities, and build long-term resilience.
What sets us apart is the diversity of our clients and the breadth of our project portfolio. Whether it’s a rural co-op, a regional utility, or a global developer, we bring the same level of care, technical excellence, and collaborative spirit to every engagement. Our team’s passion for civil engineering and clean energy continues to drive us forward—one project, one partnership, and one milestone at a time.
As we reflect on our journey this Independence Day, we’re filled with gratitude for the people who’ve made it possible—our clients, partners, and dedicated team members. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us build a cleaner, more resilient future.
Here’s to three years of progress—and to many more ahead.
Happy 4th of July!
Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to overcome adversity and the importance of building a future rooted in justice, equity, and opportunity. At Civil Renewables, we see these values not just as history—but as a living part of our mission.
We have so much to be grateful for this season. From the refreshing rains that have nourished our beautiful Colorado landscapes, to the milestones that bring joy to our families and communities—this is a time of reflection, renewal, and celebration.
As we mark Eid al-Adha, Civil Renewables, Inc. extends warm wishes of peace, unity, and prosperity to all who are observing. May this sacred occasion bring light to your homes and strength to your hearts.
We are thrilled to announce that our Principal Engineer, Jomaa Ben Hassine, has recently become a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Massachusetts. At Civil Renewables, Inc., we pride ourselves on taking on a diverse range of projects that not only focus on renewable energy but also extend beyond it. Read more below.
On the occasion of Eid El-Fitr 1446H (2025), we wish a Happy Eid to all our Muslim colleagues, partners, and friends. May this festive season bring you peace, happiness, and blessings!
We are thrilled to share that Civil Renewables, Inc. has obtained a Certificate of Authorization under the Ontario Professional Engineers Act to provide professional engineering services in Ontario, Canada! This fantastic milestone showcases our dedication to fostering innovation and excellence in the renewable energy sector and our belief in the integration and synergies of the North American economic landscape.
We are excited to announce that our company has been officially authorized to provide engineering services in the great state of West Virginia. This milestone underscores our commitment to contributing to the economic and energy landscape of this remarkable region.
We are thrilled to announce that our company is now authorized to offer engineering services in the beautiful state of Montana. This milestone marks a significant expansion of our capabilities and allows us to bring our expertise to a state renowned for its vast landscapes, thriving industries, and vibrant communities. Montana, with its majestic mountains, sprawling plains, and picturesque rivers, presents a unique environment where our engineering services can truly make a difference.
Join industry pros, learn from experts, & network with decision makers at the Solar Power & Energy Storage Mountain West Conference in Denver, CO from Jan 20-22, 2025. Let's advance together!
As we say goodbye to 2024, we reflect on our first full year of operation with pride and a great sense of accomplishment. The year started as a one-man firm represented by our founder, Jomaa Ben Hassine, and ended as an efficient and balanced three-member crew. This team can best be described as the “Little Engine that Could.” Our list of completed and ongoing projects reflects this description and touches each of our service offerings.
Our company is now registered with USPTO as a service mark Class 32 with first use in commerce of July 1, 2023..
As we near the year’s end, we are pleased to announce the addition of Repairs & Retrofits (RR) and Due Diligence (DD) services to our core offerings. These services allow us to provide even more comprehensive support to clients pursuing ambitious renewable energy projects.
Since opening one year ago, Civil Renewables, Inc. has experienced significant growth, delivering over ten projects, establishing relationships with new partners and clients, offering new services, and expanding our team to keep pace with demand. Our newest service offering consists of due diligence, repairs and retrofits.
This Labor Day, we reflect on the collective effort driving the renewable energy industry forward. Every day, engineers, construction professionals, researchers, and technicians work tirelessly to meet the challenges of our time and build a more sustainable future. Their dedication and expertise are the backbone of an industry that is not only transforming how we produce and consume energy but also ensuring that we leave a healthier planet for future generations.
We are thrilled to welcome Angie as Staff Graduate Engineer! Angie holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with special honors from CU Denver and aims to further advance her career in Structural/Geotechnical Engineering and make a great contribution to advancing renewable energy.
One month after a 30-year hailstorm in Colorado, our garden in Thornton is on the mend. Gardening here can be challenging, but it also brings us closer to each other and nature. It helps us appreciate nature’s rhythms and more importantly how these rhythms are increasingly being thrown out of regularity by climate change. It was just 10 years ago when we had hummingbirds in the backyard, and we did not even need to turn on air conditioning throughout the summer.
We had the privilege of attending the 2024 ACI Foundation Technology Forum on May 14-16 in beautiful Santa Fe, NM. This was an invaluable opportunity to learn from the experts on the latest in concrete technology. Read about the highlights from our experience in this post.
Civil Renewables, Inc. is now a participant in ISN’s RAVS+ program, a recognition that that is achievable only after a successful audit of our Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) plans.
Our Professional Memberships
In this blog entry, we will provide a review of the structural stability requirements for foundations of buildings and other structures as stipulated in US design standards. We start by reviewing US code content relevant to overall structural stability and, if found, foundation stability. This topic is of particular interest to designers of wind turbine foundations.