Solar support foundation pull-out verification

How to improve pull-out resistance of solar array foundations?

To improve pull-out resistance of solar array foundations, a comparative experimental study was done to determine the pull-out capacity of steel pile having varying diameter and length in three different soil conditions, i.e. clayey soil, sandy soil, and mixed soil.

Can helical piles be used for ground-mounted solar PV systems?

For ground-mounted solar PV systems, two different pile foundation types were experimentally analysed for the pull-out test in clayey, sandy, and mixed ( c – ϕ) soils. Maximum uplift load at failure of various diameter and length were compared for plain piles with helical piles.

How wind-induced uplift force affect a solar array system?

The wind-induced uplift force acting over the solar array system varies with tilt angle, site location, basic wind speed of the region, and ground clearance. Thus, the foundation type and dimension should be considered based on wind load acting on the solar array system and soil parameters at the site.

Does a pull-out load increase the probability of failure and reliability?

Probability of failure and reliability of load obtained from the proposed formula with experimentally obtained in pull-out load, found to be decreased and increased respectively with the decrease in L1 / L0 ratio, which indicates the piles having shorter lengths were pulled out to lower loads then load estimated by proposed formulation.

Are wind-induced forces over solar arrays causing structural failure?

Earlier, the initial study has been done to determine wind-induced forces over solar arrays using CFD simulation and results reported by Hassan et al. [ 4 ]. Significant wind forces, i.e. drag and lift forces, were observed over solar arrays, which could lead to structural or foundation failure.

How were PV support structures made?

The driven piles used in the earlier PV support structures were made from hot rolled structural steel shapes such as I beams which were then fabricated by cutting them to length and then drilling, routing, or cutting with lasers holes and slots to enable other parts to fit onto them.