Investigation of column-to-base connections of pole-mounted solar panel structures

Abstract

This study investigated the load-carrying capacity of solar panel structures focusing on the column-to-base connection of pole-mounted structural systems using full-scale testing and numerical simulations considering the connection details as a key variable. The aim was to develop a non-welding connection detail for improved durability. For the connection details, a total of 10 plinths with base plates and supporting plate units were developed. The plinths with supporting plate units included two different bolt layouts at the column and base connections. The experimental results indicated that most specimens had sufficient load-carrying capacity to withstand the calculated yielding force even for the non-welding connections with supporting plate units. The failure modes observed in the experiments included cracking in the welded region, local buckling of the column, and bolt tear-out. The numerical simulations demonstrated that the details of the connection, such as the shape of the side plates, use of rib plates, and bolt layout, affected the structural performance. In addition, it was found that some specimens had strong and weak axes, depending on the orientation and shape of the side plates. Therefore, the details of the column–base connections of pole-mounted solar panel structures should be carefully designed based on proper structural evaluation of the connection details.