Strengthening of existing pre-engineered building for additional solar panel load using galvanized iron plates

Abstract In this paper, analysis, and design of an existing PEB installed with solar panels on its roof is performed using STAAD Pro for determining bending stresses to check the structural safety under the action of combined loads viz. dead load, live load, and wind load with additional solar panel load (SL). Failed members due to combined loads with additional SL are identified after the analysis and design by software. To strengthen failed members, analysis and design of PEB were again performed considering galvanized iron plates (GIP) provisions at specified locations. Three different GIP patterns (arrangements) for columns viz. one GIP on one side flange (PC1), one GIP on each flange (PC2), and two GIP at each meeting place of flange and web (PC3) are considered. Similarly, two different GIP patterns for rafters viz. one GIP on bottom flange (PR1) and two GIP at each meeting place of flange and web (PR2) are considered. Results indicate that the bending stresses in the members of PEB with GIP patterns significantly reduced by 56.74% when compared with bending stresses in the members of PEB without GIP patterns. Further, the bending stresses in the columns and rafters of PEB with PC1 and PR1 are found to be lesser by 6.36% and 3.98% respectively when compared with the average bending stresses in the columns and rafters provided with other GIP patterns. The study concludes that the PEB subjected to combined loads with additional SL performs better when its members are strengthened by GIP patterns.