Engineering
Solar carport foundations: the critical point
Foundations are often the most uncertain item of a carport on an existing car park. They depend on the ground, the utilities and above all on the number of supports.
What foundations carry
A carport behaves like a sail: wind lifts or presses it, snow loads it, and each support transfers these forces to the ground. Foundations take vertical and horizontal forces and overturning moments, with a safety margin set by the Eurocodes.
Main foundation types
| Type | When to use | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Shallow concrete pad | Good bearing ground near the surface | Excavation volume, nearby utilities |
| Bored or driven piles | Weak surface ground, high loads | Drilling rigs, vibrations |
| Screw piles | Fast works, suitable soils | Pull-out resistance depends on soil |
| Micropiles | Restricted access, difficult soils | Higher unit cost |
The choice follows the geotechnical design survey, which characterises the ground and the design assumptions.
Buried utilities: the real risk
A car park hides drainage, lighting, power and telecom networks, rarely all well mapped. Every foundation needs detection and sometimes a diversion. Fewer supports means fewer potential clashes.
Long spans: fewer, better-placed foundations
A long span concentrates loads on fewer supports. Each foundation works harder, but the total count drops sharply and they can be placed where ground and utilities allow, for example in existing islands. That guides every SUUN layout.
At SUUN
V-shaped UHPFRC pillars sit on point foundations whose type is set by the site geotechnical survey. The 30 m span is designed with Atelier Masse to the Eurocodes. Request the structural principles.
Frequently asked questions
Is a geotechnical survey needed?
Yes. It sets the foundation type and size, and therefore cost and schedule. Start it at design stage.
Can we found through existing asphalt?
The asphalt is cut locally at each support, then reinstated after pouring. The rest of the car park stays in place.
General information, up to date at the date shown. Design and regulatory compliance of each project must be validated by the competent teams.
