Project Overview
The Midland, Bay City, Saginaw (MBS) International Airport is installing solar panels at their rental car facility. The solar panels will be installed as ground-mounted carport structures in an existing parking lot. In addition, electric vehicle charging stations will be installed and connected to the electrical system.
The project will include 3 arrays of carport solar with a total of 589 panels. The total output will be over 340 kilowatts. The L-Frame system will provide covered parking for about 80 vehicles with no appreciable loss of parking area.
Veregy East, LLC is developing and delivering the project to MBS. Veregy retained NTH to provide geotechnical engineering and subsurface utility engineering services in support of the design and construction of the project.
Project Scope
NTH performed a subsurface exploration at the project site to identify and characterize the subsurface. NTH’s exploration included the advancement of a drilled test boring and laboratory testing including geotechnical testing as well as chemical analyses. The chemical analyses were performed to support the electrical and structural design of the grounding system and foundations.
NTH evaluated the results of the exploration and provided design recommendations regarding groundwater control; corrosion potential; site preparation; and foundation design. The L-Frame structures will be supported on 3-ft diameter, shallow drilled shafts. NTH provided axial and lateral design parameters as well as recommendations for minimum embedment and other design and construction aspects.
NTH also provided subsurface utility engineering (SUE) services to identify and designate the horizontal positions of existing site utilities. The SUE services supported the final layout design for the project as well as facilitated safe and efficient excavations and subsurface installations.
NTH, Veregy, MBS, and the rest of the design and construction team worked together to deliver the project to the MBS rental car companies and customers.
Project Challenge:
The project is being constructed in an active parking lot adjacent to the airfield. The design and construction team took special precautions to operate safely and reduce impact to the airport operations.
NTH Solutions:
NTH supported efficient foundation design and layout as well as safe construction excavations.
Client Benefit:
NTH’s timely and professional services helped keep the project schedule and reduce impact on airport operations.