What are the requirements for the ground foundation when installing a carport photovoltaic mounting system?

The Importance of Ground Foundations
Carport photovoltaic mounting systems not only support the photovoltaic panels but also withstand wind loads, snow loads, and the pressure of parked vehicles. The ground foundation is the load-bearing core of the entire structure, and its stability directly impacts the system's safety and lifespan. A well-designed foundation can effectively distribute loads, reduce ground subsidence and structural displacement, and facilitate future maintenance and expansion. Therefore, before installing a carport photovoltaic mounting system, it is important to thoroughly assess the ground foundation conditions, including soil quality, load-bearing capacity, and construction feasibility, to ensure the structure's long-term stability.

Choosing a Foundation Type
The foundation type for a carport photovoltaic mounting system is typically determined by the project scale, geological conditions, and budget. Common types include concrete independent foundations, strip foundations, and pile foundations. Concrete independent foundations are suitable for most hard surfaces, offering ease of construction and high strength. Strip foundations are often used for long rows of carports, providing better load distribution. Pile foundations are suitable for soft soil or projects requiring minimal ground disturbance. The dimensions and depth of these foundation types must be determined based on design drawings and structural calculations before construction to meet structural load-bearing and safety requirements.

Foundation Bearing Capacity Requirements
Foundation bearing capacity is a key indicator for ensuring the safety of carport photovoltaic mounting systems. Generally, foundation bearing capacity is determined based on geological survey reports. Insufficient foundation bearing capacity may cause the structure to sink or tilt, affecting overall stability. Before construction, the foundation should be inspected through static penetration or drilling. The results will determine whether foundation reinforcement is necessary, such as through replacement, compaction, or increasing the foundation depth to increase bearing capacity. Soft soil or backfill areas require reinforcement to prevent significant displacement of the mounting system under wind loads and long-term use.

Concrete Foundation Construction Requirements
Concrete foundations are widely used in carport photovoltaic mounting system installations, and their construction quality directly impacts the mounting system's stability. During construction, rebar binding and formwork installation must be performed strictly in accordance with the design drawings to ensure dimensional accuracy. After pouring, the concrete should be thoroughly cured to prevent cracks and insufficient strength. For carports with frequent vehicle traffic, a protective layer should be added to the foundation surface to improve wear and impact resistance. During construction, attention must also be paid to coordination with surrounding roads and drainage systems to prevent foundation instability due to water accumulation or erosion.

Special Treatments for Different Geological Conditions
The foundation treatment methods for carport photovoltaic systems vary depending on the geological conditions. For example, in soft soil, deep foundations or pile foundations can be used to increase bearing capacity. On rocky foundations, mechanical crushing or drilling followed by concrete pouring is required to ensure foundation anchorage. Furthermore, in areas with frozen soil or high groundwater levels, anti-freeze measures or drainage systems are necessary to prevent frost heave or soaking of the foundation, which could lead to structural instability. These special treatments require evaluation and feasible solutions from a professional design firm, based on geological survey data.

Integrating Foundations with Drainage Systems
Carport photovoltaic systems are often installed outdoors and are susceptible to rainwater and surface runoff. Therefore, drainage must be considered during ground foundation design. Installing drainage ditches or water collection wells around the foundation can effectively prevent rainwater accumulation from eroding the foundation. For large carport projects, permeable concrete or drainage board systems can be used in conjunction with the overall paving design to ensure surface water is drained away promptly, keeping the foundation dry and stable.

Foundation Construction and Installation Accuracy
The installation accuracy of a carport photovoltaic mounting system depends not only on the superstructure but also on the foundation construction. Errors in foundation positioning can make mounting installation difficult and even cause misaligned modules or uneven load distribution. Therefore, during construction, surveying instruments are required to ensure that the foundation's levelness and elevation meet design requirements. Furthermore, re-measurements are required after construction to ensure smooth mounting during mounting, avoiding rework due to foundation errors.

Foundation Differences Between Different Carport Types
The foundation design varies depending on the carport's purpose and size. Single-row carports typically use independent foundations, while double-row or long-span carports prefer strip foundations or pile foundations for increased stability. If the carport is designed as a multi-functional structure (such as one with energy storage or charging facilities), the foundation construction must include space for pipelines and additional loads. This differentiated design ensures overall structural safety and ease of construction while meeting operational requirements.

Foundation Cost and Construction Period
Foundation engineering accounts for a significant portion of the overall carport photovoltaic mounting system construction process, and costs are significantly affected by foundation type, form, and construction techniques. Concrete independent foundations have a relatively short construction period, while pile foundations have a longer construction period but offer greater adaptability. For easier understanding, a table comparing the differences in cost and construction period for different foundation types is provided.