Inspection Guidelines
GUIDELINES & INFORMATION
Comprehensive guide to blade inspection and condition ratings
Condition Rating Model
| Condition Rating | Description of damage | Damage Observation | Repurposing Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Insignificant damage | Minimal damage to gel coat including scratches with no visible cracks or defects; structurally sound with no visible defects. | Structural applications e.g. bridges, shelters. |
| 2 | Minor damage | Minor damage to gel coat, early signs of erosion and general wear; primarily cosmetic damage without impact on structural integrity. | Low stress structural applications e.g. playground equipment, outdoor furniture. |
| 3 | Moderate damage | Visible cracks or delamination along leading edge with moderate edge erosion; structural integrity mostly intact. | Non-load bearing structures e.g. art installations. |
| 4 | Major damage | Large cracks, progressed delamination, significant erosion or edge fractures; structural integrity compromised. | Downcycling e.g. noise barriers. |
| 5 | Severe damage | Severe damage to blade impacting structural integrity. | Cannot be repurposed directed to recycling. |
Types of Blade Damage
Types of damage that can occur in a wind turbine blade (Sørensen, et al., 2004)
Primary Damage Types:
- Type 1 - Skin/adhesive debonding
- Type 2 - Adhesive joint failure
- Type 3 - Sandwich debonding
- Type 4 - Delamination
- Type 5 - Split cracks
- Type 7 - Cracks in gelcoat
Key Components:
- Skins - Outer protective layers
- Core - Internal structural material
- Adhesive joints - Bonding between components
- Gelcoat - Protective surface coating
Zone-Specific Damage Examples
Repurposing Examples by Condition Rating
Condition Rating 1-2: Structural Applications
Midleton to Youghal Greenway Bridge (BladeBridge, 2024)
Condition Rating 1-3: Recreational Applications
Children's Playground, Rotterdam (Superuse Studios, 2008)
Condition Rating 1-4: Urban Furniture
Outdoor seating with integrated bike parking, Achill Greenway (BladeBridge, 2024)