GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION OF ARID CLIMATE SOILS FOR IMPLEMENTING SOLAR TRACKERS

Abstract

Stability and well-designed foundations are the most important requirements of a solar tracker when utilizing fixed and single and dual-axis tracking systems. This paper examines the results of a comprehensive geotechnical investigation into the implementation of solar tracker systems in Kuwait, along with significant geotechnical insights into solar photovoltaic energy. The study includes several laboratory tests on basic soil properties, as well as a Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and Field Plate Load test to compute the bearing capacity of the soil. The test results indicate that the soils are capable of supporting shallow foundations, with a minimum depth below the ground surface of 1.0 m. In addition, the bearing capacity calculations and the Plate Load Tests (PLT) highlight a bearing capacity of approximately 200 kPa for 1.0 m depth and 300 kPa for over 2.0 m in response to the cemented sand layers below the ground surface. This is due to the low permeability of the soil (i.e., 1.8 x10-6 m/sec) and the strength parameters. The geotechnical investigation indicates the presence of adequate soils with high bearing capacity and low degree of settlement, thus confirming the site’s applicability for the use of solar tracker systems