Engineering Overview
Presenter’s Name
00. 00. 2014
Introduction
× Engineering Background
× Services Provided
× Racking Design
× Two Horizontal Rack (2HR)
× Portrait Utility
× Module Fastening Methods
× Tilt Brackets
× Ballast Foundations
Engineering Staff
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Engineering Team Consists of…
Three Licensed Professional
Engineers
(2) Structural Discipline
(1) Mechanical Discipline
Civil Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Process Engineers
Research and Development
Engineers
Onsite Field Technicians
Professional Geologist
Engineering Services
“Value Engineer” racking structure for specific site conditions
× Work directly with customer throughout quoting process and
project
× Understanding customer’s wants and needs
× Full rack design at the quoting stage
× Provide an economical solution while maintaining structural
stability
Design Foundations
× On site pull tests – Provided by SFR
× Geotech Report – Provided by customer
Racking Design
× Racks are designed using local environmental loads (wind, snow, and seismic) per
the International Building Code (IBC) and/or local building codes
× Finite Element Modeling (FEM)
× Designs are based on 3rd party testing such as Wind tunnel, Structural connections
testing, and ground bond testing
× Multiple full scale load tests have been conducted to confirm theoretical
calculations
× Design Considerations- Structural Integrity, Preassembly, and Installation Simplicity
Racking Design
Risa 3D
× Ability to model entire rack
× Apply various loading conditions
× Analyze multiple load combinations
× Perform code checks
× Analyze deflections
× Generate Structural reports
Racking Design
Racking Design
CFS - RSG Software
× Specializes in cold form steel
design
× Ability to perform code checks
on various cold form shapes
× Analyze complex cold-form
shapes
Racking Design
Structural Connection Testing
× Per Chapter F - Cold Form Design
Manual
2HR Landscape Rack
2HR Feature and Benefits
× Maintains SFR’s trademark pre-assembled rack design.
× Integrated direct bolt and smart clip bonding solution. (ETL/UL
approved)
× Can accommodate any project loads and tilt angle
× Adaptable to any pile solution; SFR Smart Post, Wide Flange, and
Round Post
× Lift beam installation reduces field rigging and installation time
× The introduction of the Horizontal Rail Bracket creates safe and easy
installation practices
2HR Rack Components
Cold Form C-Shapes Horizontal Rails
C-shape maximizes shipping density, reducing
shipping cost
Vary in size depending on project loads;
× 6” to 10” deep members, 16 gauge – 14
gauge - Optimizes steel use and cost
Top C-Shape allows for wire management along
the length of the rack
× Pre punched access holes allow for zip
ties to restrain cables
Rib Stiffeners result in lighter gage material and
more cost effective design
2HR Rack Components
Cold Form C-Shapes Vertical Rails
C-shape maximizes shipping density, reducing shipping
cost
Vary in size depending on project loads; 2.5” to 4” deep
members - Optimizes steel use and cost
Clip or Direct Bolt Panel Mounting
× Clips use proprietary thread extruding screw for
bonding while minimizing corrosion exposure
× Access holes in bottom flange allow direct bolt
panel mounting
Pre-punch lift holes for use with lift beam for installation
2HR Rack Components
Diagonal Bracing
× Diagonal bracing minimizes lateral
deflection & squares rack
× Minimizes “sagging” and maintains even
panel spacing
× Takes lateral forces from torsion braces
back to tilt bracket
× Braces Weak Axis of Horizontals
Torsion Braces
× Works in conjunction with diagonal
bracing and vertical rails to effectively
brace the horizontal from torsion.
The use of bracing ultimately results in a
lighter, stiffer, and more cost efficient
rack
Benefits Of Bracing
Solar Flexrack
Competitor’s Rack
-No Bracing
2HR Rack Components
Horizontal Rail Brackets
× Enables the horizontal rail to
connect to the top chord of the
tilt at the same elevation;
eliminating “roll-over” and
preventing twist of the
horizontal rail
× Seat allows the rack to be set in
place on tilt brackets without
the need to install bolts while
rack is suspended
× Allows the rack to be easily
adjusted in E-W direction
Portrait Utility Rack
Portrait Utility Feature and Benefits
× Maintains SFR’s trademark pre-assembled rack design
× Reduces loose rack components during installation
× Integrated direct bolt bonding solution. (ETL/UL approved)
× Can accommodate any project loads and tilt angle
× Adaptable to any pile solution; SFR Smart Post, Wide Flange, and
Round Post
× Integrated wire management
× The use of bracing allows for lighter, stiffer, and more cost effective
racks
Portrait UT Components
Cold Form Z-Shapes Horizontal Rails
Allows for racks to be nested tightly together to
maximize shipping density, reducing shipping cost
Vary in size depending on project loads;
× 5” deep members, 14 gauge – 12 gauge
o Optimizes steel use and cost
Wire management along the length of the rack
Z-shapes can be spliced together for longer cost
effective racks
Portrait UT Components
Horizontal Bracing
× Minimizes lateral deflection & squares
rack
× Minimizes “sagging” and maintains even
panel spacing
× Braces weak axis of horizontals
Connecting Channel
× Connects horizontals purlins together
× Pre-assembled
× Works in conjunction with horizontal
bracing to effectively brace the horizontal
rail
Kicker Brace
×
Effectively braces compression flange
of tilt bracket
Module Fastening Methods
Smart Bonding Clips
× 2HR Rack
Direct Bolt
× Portrait UT Rack
× 2HR Rack
Tilt Brackets
“Two Member” Tilt Bracket
Reduces number of components
Top Chord size varies
× Optimizes steel use and cost
Adaptable to SFR Smart Post, Wide Flange and
Round Posts
Allows tilt bracket to be pre-assembled
× Eases tilt bracket installation
Tilt Brackets
Tilt Bracket Assembly
× Allows plate to be attached & leveled to
post easily
× Followed by tilt bracket assembly. (Preassembly is available)
Ballast Foundations
× Eliminates post weldments
× Anchor bolt & leveling nuts
allow for ballast to be
installed on sloping terrain
× Reduces block height
requirements
× Adaptable for any ground
clearance
× Reduces installation time
ON BEHALF OF EVERYONE AT SOLAR FLEXRACK
THANK YOU VERY MUCH
Have additional questions?
Drop us a line at: 888.380.8138
or visit: solarflexrack.com