• GEOTECHNICS FOR SOLAR PROJECTS

When it comes to planning and building a photovoltaic plant, a full geotechnical study is in order: we need to make sure we won't encounter any issue with the land selected for its location, and to optimize associated costs.

It is of critical importance for the proper completion of the construction that the project has been carried out with accurateness and exactness, since a wrongful execution could be catastrophic for the investment made.

Geotechnical studies made by ARCONI WORKS focus on the specific geotechnical needs of solar photovoltaic plants installed on the ground. Afterwards we can carry out additional ramming pole tests and tensile tests to further optimize the costs and typology of the founding to be used.

OBJECTIVES TO FULFILL

ARCONI WORKS has at its basis quality and excellence. That's why we fulfill every step to elaborate a complete geotechnical study. Our studies and reports stand out for conducting definite and well-centered analyses of the problems and conditions applicable to solar photovoltaic plants. 

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY FIELD

We star by meticulously describing every observed variable in the designated site, especially those relevant to the project.

In the description of the study field we are going to keep in mind, among other things, the following items:

    • Measurements
    • Slope of soil
    • Presence of valleys, hills, etc.
    • Vegetation and natural environment
    • Urbanization of the area
    • Description of the site

2. HYDROLOGY

Hydrology is the study of water on every form, from its circulation in the subsoil to its chemical properties, state, inflow, interaction with the soil, effects, ways of depositing, physical properties, etc. Hydrogeology focuses specifically on underground water.

The hydrological study is an important part of a geotechnical study, and will guarantee that the solar plant won't suffer any water-related effect.

Whether water flows in the subsoil, or if, in the event of torrential rain, it might pose a risk to stability, we study its possible impact.

3. Geology

Geology is concerned with the composition and internal/external structure of the soil. It will enable us to establish the properties of the soil where the project will be laid down, according to diverse factors.
This general study will determine the subsequent course of action when installing our solar structures, such as deciding technique and ramming profiles, taking into account the suitability and soil bearing capacity.
Seismic factors are taken into account, as well as lithological, tectonic and hydrogeological factors.

4. Geotechnics

Geotechnics study the physical, mechanical and hydraulic properties of the soil. This allows for the perfect designing of the foundations and actions to be taken towards securing the land. Different layers of the soil are described considering the issues they might involve, evaluating the geotechnical characteristics of said soil. We usually analyze up to 3 or 4 deep.

5. Corrosion and soil aggressiveness

We study the corrosivity of the minerals that form the soil. That way we can assess beforehand which materials and techniques are the most suitable. This is highly required when we are developing our solar energy project, for the supporting frames of the solar structures might be affected by these factors. Because of this, we take measurements in the designated site, but also samples for the consequent laboratory trials.

On client request, conductivity tests can be performed following any of these regulations: ANSI / AWWA C-105, EN-ISO 14713, DVGW GW9, and/or other guidelines, being this an optional process.

6. Pile driveability

we study the choices of pile driving in the zone, its classification according to different conditions, defining zones by the grade of difficulty in execution.

If problems were to arise when carrying out this process, a series of alternative methods would be applied.

7. Foundation definition

We offer foundation solutions based on the data and results that have been obtained.

Depth is calculated according to vertical and horizontal loads.

8. Earthwork

Earthwork is a process we will possibly have to employ on most cases to avoid or fix shortcomings that might prevent the proper installation of the plant.

The degree of intervention will depend on the goal set. We will provide the suggestions, that might range from excavations to formation of stable unevenness, drainages. stabilization methods if required, filling materials, compaction methods, supporting frames, characteristics of the surfaces for vehicle movement, etc.

We can also offer suggestions on boreholes, and solutions on foundation or draining meant to prevent slides affecting the structures and or installations, etc.

9. Reports

Following the aforementioned points we prepare a detailed and efficient report.

This document will be vital to the developing and consecution of the project, and, of course, we are aware of its importance. Not in vain is this the value we offer our clients.

The report is handed out in Spanish, but we can provide it in other languages.

Methodology

Once we have set the goals, we explain briefly the method chosen to accomplish them.

Studies performed

We have ample experience in report making, as proved by the great amount of solar energy projects we have provided service for. Here we present listed some of the studies done from year 2011 to 2017. Do not hesitate to contact us if you want any kind of clarification or further information.

  • Characterization of the land for the installation of nine photovoltaic plants on Guadaloupe Island and Martinique Island (French Antilles).
  • Geotechnical study: photovoltaic installation on plot P-9 AK 34 LieuDitDulubeGourbeyre (Guadaloupe).
  • Geotechnical studies for solar power plants in BrorHayil, EinEvrona, Elifaz, Grofit, Kerem, Maslul, Mishmar Henegev, Mitzpe Ramon, Omer, Shoval, Tarabin Al Tsana, Yotvata (Israel).
  • Preliminary report for the photovoltaic plant in Wincanton - Sishen, Northern Cape (South Africa).
  • Previous studies for photovoltaic installations in Calama, province of Antofagasta 2nd Region and Diego Almagro, province of Chañaral, region III of Atacama (Chile).
  • Geological and geotechnical study for the photovoltaic plant in Tomas Gomensoro (Uruguay).
  • Preparation of reports for the Angico 1 and Malta photovoltaic plants in the locality of Malta. State of Paraiba (Brazil).
  • Previous studies for the photovoltaic plant in El Pedregal (El Salvador).
  • Preliminary report for the photovoltaic installation in the district of Kafue, province of Lusaka (Zambia).
  • Geotechnical analysis for the photovoltaic plant in Reauville Department of Drôme (France).
  • Foundation conditions for a photovoltaic plant in George Road, Clare (Australia).
  • Preliminary report for the photovoltaic installation in Sweihan (Abu Dhabi).
  • Previous study for the photovoltaic plant in Yabucoa (Puerto Rico).
  • Preliminary reports for a photovoltaic installation in Eldoret (Kenya).
  • Preliminary studies for the photovoltaic installation in Bom Lugar, Locality of Ico and Assu V (Brazil).
  • Characterization of the land for the Puerto Seco Solar photovoltaic plant in Calama. Province of Antofagasta. 2nd Region (Chile).
  • Previous study for a photovoltaic plant in PV Ross Rover (Australia).
  • Preliminary studies for a photovoltaic plant in PV Agua Vermelha (Brazil).
  • Report for a photovoltaic plant in Vega Baja (Puerto Rico).
    Preliminary study for a photovoltaic plant in PV Matamoros Coahuilla (Mexico).
  • Previous report for a photovoltaic complex in Ginestas (France).
  • Analysis: Radiant and Eldosol photovoltaic plants in Eldoret (Kenya).
  • Previous studies of three photovoltaic plants in Morocco (Ouarzazate, Layounne and Bourjdour).
  • Previous studies of a photovoltaic installation in Al Mafraq (Jordan).
  • Preliminary report of a photovoltaic plant in Guaimbe (Brazil).
  • Previous study of a photovoltaic installation in Kambul (Mexico).
  • Previous analysis of a photovoltaic complex in Andalucia (Mexico).
  • Preliminary study of a photovoltaic installation in Aguascalientes (Mexico).
  • Previous report of a photovoltaic plant in Townsville (Australia).
  • Study of a photovoltaic installation Humacao Phase 2 (Puerto Rico).
  • Geotechnical report: photovoltaic plants of Homero, Don Eugenio, Chimbarongo, Francisco, Luders and Mostazal. 6th Region (Chile).


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