PVPE24
Structural
- Aug 21, 2024
- 4
Hey everyone,
Have a question here about the correct sections in ASCE 7 I should use to complete a design. As stated in the title, the question here is related to seismic design of ground-mounted solar panels. I am planning to use a series of steel pipes embedded in concrete piers to create a frame system to support the panels.
The question is as follows: should I use Ch. 13 forces from ASCE 7 to design the supporting structure, or Ch. 15 procedures? There is a specific section in Ch. 13 throwing me for a loop that says all supports for the equipment should be designed for the force computed in Ch. 13. However, it feels weird to treat a braced frame of steel pipes supporting the panels as connecting elements of the equipment given it is not tying back into a main force resisting system of another structure.
My plan is to use Ch. 13 force calcs for the attachment of the panels to the supporting structure, but use Ch. 15 procedures assuming a steel concentrically braced frame similar to buildings for the design of the steel pipes/connections/foundation. Curious what other people have done in situations and designs like this. Is this a reasonable way to proceed?
Thanks for any guidance and insights!
Have a question here about the correct sections in ASCE 7 I should use to complete a design. As stated in the title, the question here is related to seismic design of ground-mounted solar panels. I am planning to use a series of steel pipes embedded in concrete piers to create a frame system to support the panels.
The question is as follows: should I use Ch. 13 forces from ASCE 7 to design the supporting structure, or Ch. 15 procedures? There is a specific section in Ch. 13 throwing me for a loop that says all supports for the equipment should be designed for the force computed in Ch. 13. However, it feels weird to treat a braced frame of steel pipes supporting the panels as connecting elements of the equipment given it is not tying back into a main force resisting system of another structure.
My plan is to use Ch. 13 force calcs for the attachment of the panels to the supporting structure, but use Ch. 15 procedures assuming a steel concentrically braced frame similar to buildings for the design of the steel pipes/connections/foundation. Curious what other people have done in situations and designs like this. Is this a reasonable way to proceed?
Thanks for any guidance and insights!
