TRA-Mage uses recent field tests to establish new standards for solar racking

by Jonathan McGaha | April 3, 2012 12:00 am

TRA-Mage Inc. questioned whether the theoretical calculations determining rail spans would be validated under real world tested conditions. Field tests were performed and found to greatly exceed theoretical values allowing for an improved TRA-Mage span standard.

Various sizes of rails were tested including 40 x 60 mm, 40 x 40 mm and the 22 x 65mm. The results of the tests revealed a significant increase in actual strength compared to theoretical calculations. The 22 x 65mm rail proved to be the strongest, which results in safely increasing spans between fixed mounts from an average of four feet to six feet. This results in less mounting components needed – typically a 33% savings. Using the 22 x 65 mm rail also saves an additional 18% when compared to the larger 40 x 60 mm rail. TRA-Mage engineers now use the, the 22 x 65 mm mounting rail almost exclusively for all solar racking[1] solutions (fixed mount, elevated frame and ballasted frame) resulting in savings for almost every customer.

In addition to the rails, the field tests also revealed other savings for solar customers using TRA-Mage’s Ballasted System. Ballasted systems use rails and ballast blocks. A review of the engineered ballast weight requirements, led to a reduction in the amount of ballast required to effectively secure a ballasted solar system. An average weight reduction, results in a 28% savings. In addition, less load is placed on the roof, decreasing the overall load and making more retrofit installations possible. For example, this makes all the difference when installing solar on older buildings that lack the structural support of today’s newer construction.

Disbrow summarized, “We’re always trying to find the best solution for our customers. Our technical team was pleasantly surprised to find a way that we could provide a sound and strong system which resulted in savings for our customers.”

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/news/daily-news/tra-mage-uses-recent-field-tests-to-establish-new-standards-for-solar-racking/

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