Structural inspection of solar photovoltaic system installation for fire protection inspection after construction

Structural inspection of rooftop solar photovoltaic system installation is a process of inspecting the existing structural system placed on the roof and connected to the roof, including all the necessary components, elements, and details to support and hold the rooftop solar photovoltaic system in compliance with the regulations and ensure the technical requirements to ensure the safety of commissioning for use.

It is necessary to inspect the structural integrity of the building when installing a rooftop solar photovoltaic system to ensure the legal requirements and the bearing capacity of the building.

Legally

- According to Article 9 of Decision No. 13/2020/QĐ-TT on the mechanism to encourage the development of solar power in Vietnam, organizations and individuals investing in the installation of rooftop solar systems must ensure the safety requirements of construction works.

- And according to Section 4 of Part VI, Appendix II, Circular No. 2075/C07-P4 on guidance on the work of design approval, acceptance for fire protection, it is stipulated that when installing solar panels and other equipment of rooftop solar systems, the load affecting the roof structure must be calculated.

From the perspective of bearing capacity

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

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

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

Therefore, to ensure the safety of solar panel installation, an independent structural assessment company must conduct an inspection of the construction design and construction documents, combined with an on-site inspection, to identify and propose solutions to adjust the components that do not meet the bearing capacity requirements when the function is changed to increase the load.

A factory collapsed after installing solar panels due to lack of construction inspection

ICCI will conduct a structural assessment of the building to serve the installation of a solar photovoltaic system on the roof of the building as follows:

- Observation and inspection of the current status of the building to identify the architectural features, structure, defects, and damage that affect the existing bearing capacity of the building.

- Checking the geometric dimensions of the main load-bearing components of the building.

Image of ICCI engineers checking geometric dimensions during a rooftop solar panel installation structural assessment

- Checking concrete strength and reinforcing steel of load-bearing components at typical load-bearing locations (if the structure is reinforced concrete)

Image of ICCI engineers checking the location, cover thickness, and diameter of reinforcing steel

- Checking the reinforcing steel of typical column, beam, and floor components

Image of ICCI engineers checking the thickness of the web of a steel truss during a structural assessment for rooftop solar panel installation

- Checking the deflection of columns and trusses in a factory

Image of ICCI engineers checking the deflection of columns and trusses in a factory during a structural assessment for rooftop solar panel installation

- Calculation and verification of the bearing capacity of the structure when installing rooftop solar panels.The calculation and verification of the bearing capacity of the structure when installing rooftop solar panels is an important process to ensure the safety and reliability of the installation.

- Calculation of the supporting structure

+ Static loads

+ Live loads

+ Wind loads

+ Other loads and impacts

- Calculation and verification of the load-bearing capacity of the supporting structure

Based on the loads and load combinations acting on the photovoltaic panels and the supporting structure, the calculation and verification are carried out to ensure the safety and stability of the structure.

- Calculation and verification of the connection between the supporting structure and the existing roof

The connection to the existing reinforced concrete (RC) roof must have a scientific basis to confirm the load-bearing capacity of the connection under the action of wind loads and other loads.

The connection to the existing steel roof, including bolts or prefabricated clamp anchors, must have a basis to confirm the load-bearing capacity.

Assessment of the bearing capacity of the roof structure and existing building

Based on the results of the analysis of the supporting structure and the connection between the supporting structure and the existing roof, the roof structure and the building structure are evaluated to ensure the bearing capacity as well as the requirements for use when installing the rooftop solar power system.

A prerequisite before installing the solar power system, the roof structure and the existing building structure must be surveyed, checked, and evaluated for the conditions to ensure bearing capacity when installing the additional solar power system. If not guaranteed, reinforcement measures must be taken.

Results after structural assessment and installation of solar panels

After conducting a structural assessment of the building, the engineer calculated and concluded that the structure is safe and stable to support the installation of a rooftop solar power system with the allowable live load. The units will then proceed with the installation of the solar panels on the roof of the building.

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

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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