Portfolio: Project Details
Solar Photovoltaic Array
US Postal Service
San Jose, CA
|
|
Interactive Resources provided solar array structural engineering design services for Chevron Energy Solutions to review the “as-built” conditions of the roof located on the USPS facility located at 1790 Lundy in San Jose.
The investigation involved the consideration of the SunLink Module Mounting System that was used to support 1,164 Sharp solar modules. It was not considered at this time if the building could support the vertical and lateral loads imposed by the array. The array is anchored to the existing framing use 32 Clamp Arm anchors spaced at regular intervals throughout the array. Interactive Resources found that the information provided was consistent with the applicable provisions of the CBC and ASCE 7-05, with the exception of a potential deficiency in the clam arm. When the clamp arm is subjected to maximum wind or seismic loads, the outer edge of the bottom leg does not have sufficient section properties to prevent it from opening and losing its “clamp” on the array. Interactive Resources believed that this deficiency could be easily mitigated with the addition of a bent Z-plate to restrain the open end of the bottom leg. In numerous locations during our site visit, Interactive Resources observed fasteners that were not properly tightened. It was recommended that the contractor check all fasteners and tighten the bolts where necessary.
