PHC Pile Solar Ground Mount - Carbon Steel

Carbon steel ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) support system - PHC pipe piles - is an integrated structure combining prestressed high-strength concrete pipe piles (PHC piles) as the foundation with a carbon steel PV support system. PHC pipe piles are driven into the ground via static pressure or hammer driving, replacing traditional concrete independent foundations or strip foundations. The upper support system uses Q235B or Q355B carbon steel profiles, which are hot-dip galvanized or zinc-aluminum-magnesium anti-corrosion treated to fix the solar photovoltaic modules.

This product combines the high load-bearing capacity, strong bending resistance, and rapid and environmentally friendly construction of PHC pipe piles with the high strength, controllable cost, and ease of processing of carbon steel supports. It is currently the preferred foundation-support solution for large-scale ground-mounted power plants, especially for projects involving fisheries-solar integration and soft soil areas.

Product Components

Advantage

▪ High bearing capacity and minimal deformation:

PHC pipe piles utilize high-strength concrete of C80 or higher and prestressed steel bars, exhibiting significantly superior compressive, tensile, and horizontal force resistance compared to ordinary cast-in-place piles. Crack control within the pile body is also rigorous.

▪ Rapid construction and short construction period:

Utilizing static pressure or diesel hammer pile drivers, a single machine can complete 100-300 piles per day. No concrete curing is required, and support structures can be installed immediately.

▪ Environmentally friendly:

Excavation-free, no mud discharge, low noise (static pressure method), and minimal disturbance to water bodies and soil, making it particularly suitable for ecologically sensitive areas.

▪ Overall cost advantage:

In soft soil areas, compared to bored cast-in-place piles + steel support structures, PHC pipe pile foundations can save 20%-30% in cost, with significant benefits from shorter construction periods.

▪ Integrated connection between support and foundation:

PHC piles have pre-embedded steel plates or flanges at the top, which are welded or bolted to carbon steel columns on-site, ensuring reliable rigidity and eliminating the need for secondary grouting.

▪ Adaptable to large-span supports:

The carbon steel supports have high rigidity, and when combined with the high bending resistance of PHC pipe piles, larger pile spacing (usually 4 to 8 meters) can be achieved, reducing the number of piles used.

Parameters

Applicable Scenarios

▶ Solar-Aquaculture Hybrid Power Stations:

In fishponds, shrimp ponds, and other aquatic areas where conventional foundation excavation is difficult, PHC pipe piles can be installed directly on the water surface. The piles are corrosion-resistant and freeze-thaw resistant, without affecting aquaculture.

▶ Tidal Flats, Swamps, and Floodplains:

In areas with high groundwater levels and soft soil, excavation is prone to collapse. PHC pipe piles are driven in, eliminating the need for dewatering.

▶ Soft Soil and Silt Areas:

In coastal alluvial plains and lacustrine sedimentary areas, PHC pipe piles provide reliable support through lateral friction and end bearing capacity.

▶ Deserts and Gobi Deserts:

In areas with soft surface and highly corrosive environments, PHC pipe piles can penetrate the surface aeolian sand to reach the stable bearing layer.

▶ Mountainous and Hilly Areas:

In areas with gentle slopes and thin topsoil, extensive earthwork can be avoided, reducing ecological disturbance.

▶ Agricultural/Pastoral Solar Hybrid Power Stations:

By raising the height of the photovoltaic panels, the space below can be used for planting or grazing. PHC piles cause minimal damage to the topsoil. 

Applicable Soil Type

• Soft to plastic cohesive soil: Good side friction, easy pile driving.
• Silt, silty sand: Medium to dense silt can provide high bearing capacity, but requires a high-powered piling machine.
• Silt, silty soil: Friction pile design, requires sufficient pile length, but pile buckling stability must be verified.
• Loose to medium-dense sand: Good bearing layer at the pile tip, pay attention to pile tip selection (open/closed).

Notes for Attention

Summary

Solar First Project Reference

Related Knowledge Points