HomeMy WebLinkAboutENGINEER LETTER - 22-00009 - 606 Gemini Dr - Solar PanelsDate: 29 December 2021
Big Dog Solar Energy
620 Pheasant Ridge Dr
Chubbuck, ID 83202
Jacob Woodall Residence: 606 Gemini Drive, Rexburg, ID 83440
Dear Sir/ Madam,
Conclusion
Structural Letter of Approval
Terra Engineering Consulting (TEC) has performed a structural load comparison for the
existing roof based on the existing and proposed load conditions, and determined that the
structure can support the additional weight of the proposed solar panel system. The attached
calculations are based off the assumptions that the existing structural components are in good
condition and that they meet industry standards. The design information and assumptions that
the calculations are based off are located in the attached References page. The contractor shall
notify TEC of any damage to the roof system encountered at the time of installation. The
design of the solar panel’s mounting hardware is to be provided by the manufacturer or
installer. Structural observation or construction inspections will not be performed by TEC or
their representatives.
This engineering analysis was performed in accordance with ASCE 7-16 design method. In
general, this design method is a comparison of the roof loads before and after the solar panel
installation. The total load of the solar panels is assumed to not exceed 3 psf, and the typical
20 psf live load will not be present in the area of the panels, as defined per Section
1607.13.5.1 in 2018 IBC. The total combined gravity loads result in an increase of less than
5% to the existing load, meeting Section 806.2 of 2018 IEBC, thus the structure still meets
standards. Regarding lateral loads, the wind load controls, and due to the low profile of the
panels (3” to 6”) as well as PV frame, wiring, conduit, and structural component below the
module causing restriction in airflow which allow it to be considered as “partially enclosed
structure”; thus the additional pressure on the structure is considered negligible.The addition
of total PV system weight result in an increase under 10% of the total roof weight, and meets
the seismic requirements in Section 502.5 of 2018 IEBC.
TEC concludes that the installation of solar panels on existing roof will not affect the
structure, and allows it to remain unaltered under the applicable design standards. These
conclusions are based on the attached calculations.
Page 1 of Jacob Woodall letter
1863 GOLDENROD WAY / NORTH SARATOGA SPRINGS, UT 84045 / T (801)-616-6204
General Instructions
Best Regards,
Terra Engineering Consulting, PLLC
Brice Somers, PE
President
The solar array mounting system shall be connected to every other truss/rafter (48" maximum
penetration spacing) in order to distribute the load evenly. The installer shall stagger the
connections into the roof framing to not overload any existing structural members. Installation
and waterproofing shall be performed within accepted industry standards.
Page 2 of Jacob Woodall letter
12/29/2021
1863 GOLDENROD WAY / NORTH SARATOGA SPRINGS, UT 84045 / T (801)-616-6204
References
Design Parameter
Load Combination: ASD
Risk Category: II
Ground Snow load: 50 psf
Roof Snow load: 35 psf
Design Wind Speed: 115 mph (3 sec gust) per ASCE 7-16
Seismic Design Category: D
Wind Exposure Category: C
Existing Roof Structure
Roof framing: 2x4 Pre-fab trusses at 24” O.C.
Roof material: Composite shingles
Roof slope: 14°
Roof type: Gable
Solar Panels
Weight: 3 psf
Code: 2018 International Building Code/ International Existing Building Code, ASCE 7-16,
and National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS) 2015 Edition
Connections: (1) 5/16” Lag screw with 2.5” min. embedment into the framing at 48” O.C.
spaced along the rail
Page 3 of Jacob Woodall letter
1863 GOLDENROD WAY / NORTH SARATOGA SPRINGS, UT 84045 / T (801)-616-6204
Date:12/29/2021
Client:Jacob Woodall
Subject:Gravity load
Gravity load calculations
Snow load (S)Existing w/ solar panels
Roof slope (°):14 14
Ground snow load, pg (psf):50 50 ASCE 7-16, C7.2
Terrain category:C C ASCE 7-16, table 7.3-1
Exposure of roof:0 0 ASCE 7-16, table 7.3-1
Exposure factor, Ce:0.9 0.9 ASCE 7-16, table 7.3-1
Thermal factor, Ct:1.1 1.1 ASCE 7-16, table 7.3-2
Risk Category:II II ASCE 7-16, table 1.5-1
Importance Factor, Is:1 1 ASCE 7-16, table 1.5-2
Flat roof snow load, pf (psf):35.0 35.0 ASCE 7-16, equation 7.3-1
Minimum roof snow load, pm (psf):20 20 ASCE 7-16, equation 7.3-4
Roof Surface type:Other
Unobstructed
slippery surface ASCE 7-16, C7.4
Roof slope factor, Cs:1 0.93 ASCE 7-16, C7.4
Sloped roof snow load, ps [psf]:35.0 32.6
Roof dead load (D)
Roof pitch/12 3.0
Composite shingles 3 psf 1/2" Gypsum clg.2.2 psf
1/2" plywood 1 psf insulation 0.8 psf
Framing 3 psf M, E & Misc 1.5 psf
Roof DL without PV
arrays 11.9 psf
PV Array DL 3 psf
Roof live load (Lr)Existing w/ solar panels
Roof Live Load 20 0 2018 IBC, Section 1607.13.5.1
ASD Load combination:
Existing With PV array
D [psf]11.9 14.9 ASCE 7-16, Section 2.4.1
D+L [psf]11.9 14.9 ASCE 7-16, Section 2.4.1
D+[Lr or S or R] [psf]46.9 47.5 ASCE 7-16, Section 2.4.1
38.2 39.3 ASCE 7-16, Section 2.4.1
Maximum gravity load [psf]:46.9 47.5
Ratio proposed load to existing load:101.17%
The increase of gravity load in the area of the solar panels does not exceed 5%,
meeting the requirment of section 806.2 in the 2018 IEBC. The structure is permitted
to remain unaltered
ASCE 7-16, equation 7.4-1, Design
Snow Load (S)
D+0.75L+0.75[Lr or S or R] [psf]
Date:12/29/2021
Client:Jacob Woodall
Subject:
Wind Pressure Calculation
Basic wind speed (mph)115
Risk category II
Exposure category C
Roof type Gable
Figure for GCp values ASCE 7-16 Figure 30.3-2A-I
Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3
GCp (neg)-0.9 -1.7 -2.6
GCp (pos)0.5 0.5 0.5
zg (ft)900 (ASCE 7-16 Table 26.11-1)
α 9.5 (ASCE 7-16 Table 26.11-1)
Kzt 1 (ASCE 7-16 Equation 26.8-1)
Kh 0.9 (ASCE 7-6 Table 26.10-1)
Kd 0.85 (ASCE 7-16 Table 26.6-1)
Velocity Pressure,qh (psf)25.90 (ASCE 7-16 Equation 26.10-1)
Gcpi 0 (ASCE 7-16 Table 26.13-1)(0 for enclosed buildings)
Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3
W Pressure, (neg) [psf]-23.31 -44.03 -67.34
W Pressure, (pos) [psf]12.95 12.95 12.95
W Pressure, (Abs. max) [psf]23.31 44.03 67.34
Connection Calculations
Capacity
Connection type:Lag screw Lag screw diameter:5/16
Embedment (in):2.5
Framing grade:SPF#2 G:0.42
Capacity [lbs/in]:205 (2015 NDS table 12.2A)
Number of screws:1
Total capacity [lbs]:512.50
Demand
Anchor spacing:48 in
Anchor spacing in roof corners:48 in
Zone
( 0.6 W
Pressure,
psf), see
Note 1
Max.
tributary
area (ft^2)Max Uplift force (lbs)
1 14.0 11 153.8
2 26.4 11 290.6
3 40.4 11 444.4
(only changes if structure located on
a hill or ridge)
Connection Meets Demand
Wind load and
Connection
Note 1: 0.6W results from dominant ASD combo [0.6D+ 0.6W] (ASCE 7-16 2.4.1).