PUNCH has undertaken up to 25 structural assessments for large, roof-mounted solar arrays on a range of building types over the past 3 years, including healthcare buildings, large industrial buildings and office buildings.
The scope of these structural assessments has included conducting on-site surveys to inspect the existing building structure and recording structural framing layout and key structural member sizes.
The scope has also included building an analysis model for the respective structures taking account existing and additional loading imposed by proposed solar arrays and determining if the additional loads can be supported with or without a requirement for structural strengthening. PUNCH uses Tekla Structural Design to model the surveyed existing members and undertake a detailed structural calculation to determine the member utilisations.
Our scope on these projects has also included the preparation of a comprehensive report, documenting all the calculations and containing key conclusions and recommendations enabling solar panel installers to provide their client with confirmation of structural adequacy of the roof space. This has enabled many companies to progress with Power Purchase Agreements with solar PV partners.
At PUNCH, we understand the value of education. That’s why we support our staff who wish to undertake further education and training. We encourage staff members to maintain their Continuous Professional Development (CPD) accreditations with Engineers Ireland. We also continue to offer training in sustainable design and construction through seminars, in-house lectures, and external training programmes. We promote the achievement of professional titles with institutions such as Engineers Ireland, the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland, the Institute of Structural Engineers, and the Institute of Civil Engineers.
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