Structural inspection of factory buildings for solar panel installation

The use of rooftop solar panels is becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam, as they provide both electricity for use and the ability to sell excess electricity back to the grid. However, it is important to carefully plan and prepare before installing solar panels to ensure that they are installed safely and reliably.

Purpose of structural assessment: A structural assessment of a factory building for rooftop solar panel installation is a critical step in the planning process. The assessment should determine the quality, condition, and load-bearing capacity of the structure. This information is essential to ensure that the structure can safely support the weight of the solar panels.

The image shows a factory building with a fully installed solar panel system on the roof. The system was installed after a structural assessment was conducted by ICCI. The assessment determined that the building's structure was capable of supporting the weight of the solar panels.

Why is it necessary to inspect a building before installing a rooftop solar panel system?

- Legally, according to Article 9 of Decision No. 13/2020/QĐ-TT dated April 6, 2020 (see more about this decision at the Government Portal website here) on the mechanism to encourage the development of solar power in Vietnam, it states that organizations and individuals investing in the installation of rooftop solar systems must ensure the safety requirements for construction works.

- And according to Section 4, Part VI, Appendix II, Circular No. 2075/C07-P4 dated August 9, 2022 (see more about this Circular at the Fire Prevention and Rescue Department here) on guiding the work of design approval, acceptance for fire prevention and fighting, it states that when installing solar panels and other equipment of rooftop solar systems, the load affecting the roof structure must be calculated.

Therefore, the inspection of the building will meet both of the above criteria and will be a basis for government agencies to proceed with the approval and acceptance of the rooftop solar panel system.

In terms of load-bearing capacity

- Most factories are designed from the outset without including the weight of solar panels.

- Over time, the quality of the building deteriorates, and the load-bearing capacity decreases compared to the original design.

- And when the investor, the roof owner installs the solar panel system on the roof, it means increasing the load compared to the original design, in a direction unfavorable to the building, so it is necessary to evaluate the quality according to the guidance in Article 5 of Decree No. 06/2021/ND-CP (detailing some contents on quality management, construction and maintenance of construction works) to ensure the safe operation of the solar panel system and the normal production activities of the existing building.

To ensure that the investment in the installation of solar panels is safe, an independent structural assessment unit must be required to carry out checks and review the construction design and implementation documents in combination with on-site inspection of the building in order to detect and propose adjustment plans for structural elements that do not meet the load-bearing capacity requirements when carrying out changes in function in the direction of increasing the load.

The inspection of the building is necessary to ensure the safety of the building and its users. The inspection of the building will meet both of the two criteria in terms of legal and technical aspects. This is a very important step in making the decision to invest or not to invest or to monitor the safety of the building after installation. Some buildings due to shortcomings in the implementation process have not inspected the quality of the construction or the inspection is not accurate, causing the structural damage and collapse, causing great damage to property and people.

the image was taken by ICCI, a structural assessment company, after a collapse occurred

ICCI will conduct a structural assessment of the building to support the installation of a solar panel system on the roof. The assessment will include the following:

- Visual inspection of the building to identify the architectural features, structural components, and any defects or damage that may affect the existing load-carrying capacity of the building. Measurement of the geometric dimensions of the main load-bearing components of the building.

- Check the geometric dimensions of the main load-bearing components of the building. This includes checking the dimensions of the beams, columns, and other structural elements that support the weight of the building.

- Check the concrete strength and check the steel reinforcement of the load-bearing components at some typical load-bearing locations (if the structure is RC). This includes checking the strength of the concrete and the size and spacing of the steel reinforcement.

- Check the steel reinforcement of typical column, beam, and floor components. This includes checking the size and spacing of the steel reinforcement in the beams, columns, and floors.

- Check the diameter, number, and connections of bolts, and the connections at some typical load-bearing connections. This includes checking the diameter, number, and type of bolts, as well as the connections between the bolts and the structural elements.

- Check the verticality of columns and the deflection of truss beams of the building. 

-Calculate and check the load-bearing capacity of the building structure when installing solar energy on the roof in accordance with regulations, current standards such as the standard for designing loads and impacts, the standard for designing concrete and reinforced concrete structures, Steel structures - Structural steel design standard, and relevant current regulations.

Mô hình tính toán 3D

In addition to the inspection items mentioned above, ICCI provides some notes for the inspection of the structural of factory buildings for the installation of solar panels (Solar Panel, Solar power, solar cell) as follows:

- Determine the exact structural characteristics of the building, such as pinned or hinged connections, whether the building has a crane or not, the current use of the building, etc. Check the actual status and compare it with the completion dossier (if available).

- This is important to ensure that the correct loads are applied to the structure when calculating the capacity of the structure to support the weight of the solar panel system.

- Check and record information on the existing technical systems of the building such as plasterboard ceilings, sheet metal ceilings, panel ceilings, fire protection systems, air conditioning and ventilation systems, smoke extraction systems, etc. to serve the calculation work.

- Determine the actual position and characteristics of the column bracing, roof bracing, purlin support rods with beams, purlin supports, and connections between two purlins.

- Determine the existing damage to the building: the condition of concrete cracks, rust of steel reinforcement in concrete, rust, exposed bolts of steel structures, bending, tilting of beams, columns, subsidence of foundations, and foundations

Results after structural assessment and installation of solar panels

1. After conducting the structural assessment of the building, calculating and concluding that the structural capacity of the building is ensured when installing the solar power system on the roof with the allowable load.

ICCI has participated in structural assessment projects for the installation of solar power systems on the roofs of buildings such as supermarkets and factories.

2. After conducting the structural assessment of the building and calculating, if the structural capacity of the building is not ensured when installing the solar power system on the roof with the allowable load, then we will propose a reinforcement design plan, and then proceed with the reinforcement work to ensure the safety of installing the solar power system on the roof.

In 2007, International Construction Consultancy and Inspection Joint Stock Company (ICCI) registered for the construction quality inspection sector, obtaining Business Registration Certificate No. 0305296785 issued by the Department of Planning and Investment.

Proudly boasting over 16 years of experience, ICCI is recognized as a reputable construction inspection company. Even after project completion, ICCI continues to safeguard its clients' rights. Customer trust and satisfaction serve as our driving force for development and enhancement to meet job demands.

ICCI's Implementation Criteria:

1. Work Progress: Swift and adaptable.

2. Work Quality: Adhering to Ministry of Construction regulations, ensuring the best outcomes.

3. Cost Efficiency: Corresponding, economical, effective, and reflective of the value invested by our clients.

ICCI's capabilities and its team of engineers comply with the regulations stipulated by the competent state authorities.

- The team of engineers at ICCI is professionally trained and holds professional certificates matching the level and type of projects they engage in.

- ICCI owns the LAS-XD 203 laboratory, a competitive advantage over other firms in the market that often have to contract other units for sample testing. Having its own laboratory allows ICCI to proactively control quality, shorten timelines, and optimize costs.

- In 2017, ICCI was recognized by the Ministry of Construction's Department of Construction Activities Management as one of the first construction inspection companies meeting the qualifications for Grade I construction inspection capacity. By 2018 and 2019, ICCI participated in significant projects such as Landmark 81, the Carina apartment fire incident, as well as various offices and workshops across different fields. As of 2023, ICCI has contributed to 4,386 projects across 56 provinces and cities nationwide.

ICCI has been involved in inspecting numerous Grade I and Grade II projects nationwide

Capacity profile: download the file here

Contact ICCI via hotline - 0903994577 - dungtvkd@icci.vn - icci@icci.vn if your project requires workshop inspection, construction inspection, encounters unwanted incidents during construction or usage, or needs advice on construction-related matters. With our expertise and experience, ICCI ensures the highest quality and economic value for our clients

 

International Construction Consultancy Inspection Company - ICCI