Photovoltaic system erected on CCB-containing piers
A large volume application for fly ashes in cement concrete applications has been demonstrated at Southern Illinois University. The PV project involved installing a 28.2 KW photovoltaic (solar electric) power system at the SIU Carbondale campus. This photovoltaic system would contain 176 PV modules, supported on 48 foundation piers of 1-foot diameter. The piers were arranged in four rows of 12 piers each. The piers were installed 3-feet below-grade and two rows of piers each projected 2.5-feet and 1-foot above-grade.
Using 23% F-fly ash and circulating fluidized bed (CFB) fly ash in conventional concrete, 48 foundation piers for supporting a photo-voltaic array have been implemented. The fly ash cement concrete mix implemented has demonstrated strength properties that are comparable to that of conventional concrete. Synergy between F-fly ash and CFB fly ash is indicated for the achieved results that compare favorably to conventional concrete. Very low swelling has been measured for samples made from the implemented mix. This successful demonstration holds a significant promise for several other similar applications.
The full report of this project is available by clicking on the link below:
