HTR Solar ballast foundation solutions provide a practical alternative to driven piles and ground screws where ground penetration is restricted, unsuitable or not preferred.
Our ballast arrangements are engineered around the project-specific mounting system, structural loading, available supporting surface and site conditions. Depending on the project requirements, the HTR Solar mounting structure can be supported using either an existing/precast concrete foundation arrangement or a purpose-designed ballast base with concrete ballast blocks.
The ballast foundation is designed as part of the complete HTR Solar mounting system, with the uprights, supporting members, connections and ballast requirements coordinated through project-specific structural design and drawings.
The two systems
1. Precast / Existing Concrete Foundation Arrangement
For this configuration, the HTR Solar mounting structure is supported on an existing or purpose-provided concrete slab or precast foundation.
For twin-post and multi-post arrangements, the uprights are connected to a horizontal supporting member, which forms the interface between the mounting structure and the ballast foundation. The uprights are bolted to this member, while the supporting member is securely connected to the concrete foundation in accordance with the project-specific connection design.
This arrangement can provide a practical solution where a suitable concrete foundation or supporting structure is already available or where precast foundations form part of the project strategy.
2. Ballast Base Plate with Concrete Blocks
In the second arrangement, the HTR Solar uprights are connected to a purpose-designed ballast base plate or supporting frame.
Concrete ballast blocks are positioned on the base arrangement to provide the required stabilising weight. The quantity, positioning and mass of the ballast are determined from the project-specific structural actions, including uplift, sliding and overturning effects.
The upright connection, ballast base and concrete block arrangement are designed together to provide a coordinated non-driven foundation solution.
