Application of Solar Energy Systems to Space Frame System Roofs in Old Buildings
Nowadays, with the increase in energy costs, the use of solar energy panels, especially on roofs, is increasing. The use of solar energy in industrial buildings, both in old buildings and in new buildings has now become a priority in all sectors.
In buildings built with space frame systems, we often encounter demands such as the need to add solar panels, as well as the need to hang different loads. While evaluating these weight demands, the load criterias taken into account on space frame roof design stage. For example, if the design is done according to the design criteria in 2005, the old earthquake loads were considered and the load of the solar panel on this roof will not be taken into account in the design. A certain reserve load shall be taken into account under the name installation load or service load. Since the load of solar panels is about 25 kg/m2, we can approve the use of solar panels in old space frame systems depending on whether the remaining design load value will meet with the 25 kg/m2 solar panel load with the balance of available loads on on the roof after the equipment system loads.
This situation poses a problem not only for the space frame systems, but for all types of roof designs, and it is necessary to check whether the structure is safe under new loads by re-modeling the statical accounts. The same controls are performed in space frame systems, but many structural elements may not recover under new load values in static analysis due to the fact that space frame systems are 3-dimensional and the load distribution may completely change under new loads. The change of these elements may result in a new bolt diameter or nut diameter in the pipes for space frame systems, which causes a new node to be made. As a result, in such a case, it is proposed to revise the entire space frame system by redesigning it. It is not possible to make the necessary revisions in buildings that have a cladding and under which production or storage activities are carried out.
In order not to encounter these situations, it would be best to proceed by considering the structure design loads completely at the very beginning. As Altınyaldız, our experienced engineers share their necessary suggestions while preparing project designs for our customers.
In space frame systems, mechanical loads, lighting loads, ventilation loads, cable pans and similar loads under the name of installation loads can only be hanged to nodes or profiles connected to nodes. The loads connected to the space frame system pipe and purlin elements may cause bending in these elements. To prevent this, we can connect installations and similar loads to space systems from spheres in the ways shown below.
A. Sonay ERGÜL
