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Applied Sciences
Volume 16
Issue 12
10.3390/app16125922
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This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Article

Research on Non-Braced Photovoltaic Support with Hat-Shaped Inclined Beams and Double Columns

by
Kai Wang
1,
Shaopeng Zeng
1,
Xiao Han
1,
Dong Xu
1,
Zhipeng Yang
2,
Xin Tong
2,*,
Ahmed Samir Elsemeen
2,3,
Tao Li
2 and
Xiaoping Wang
2
1
PowerChina Hubei Engineering Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430040, China
2
School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
3
Benha Faculty of Engineering, Benha University, Benha 13512, Egypt
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(12), 5922; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16125922
Submission received: 2 May 2026 / Revised: 1 June 2026 / Accepted: 8 June 2026 / Published: 11 June 2026
Versions Notes

Abstract

Traditional fixed-tilt photovoltaic (PV) support structures commonly employ inclined beams, double columns, and diagonal braces to resist and transfer horizontal loads. However, this conventional design is characterized by an excessive number of structural components, elevated steel consumption, and suboptimal installation efficiency. To address these limitations, this study proposes a novel unbraced double-column PV support system incorporating hat-shaped inclined beams and T-shaped connectors. The proposed configuration eliminates diagonal bracing while maintaining structural integrity through an efficient load-transfer mechanism, thereby achieving improved standardization, reduced steel consumption, and enhanced constructability. The structural performance of the proposed system was rigorously evaluated through full-scale load-bearing experiments and comprehensive finite element analysis (FEA). The global response, including ultimate load capacity, failure modes, and deformation characteristics, was comprehensively evaluated. The results demonstrate that the proposed system exhibits favorable mechanical behavior and sufficient load-carrying capacity under combined loading conditions. Furthermore, the finite element model was validated against experimental results, showing good agreement in terms of stiffness, deformation patterns, and ultimate response, thereby confirming its reliability for structural analysis.
Keywords: photovoltaic (PV) support; load capacity test; hat-shaped inclined beam; T-shaped connector; rigid connection; finite element analysis (FEA) photovoltaic (PV) support; load capacity test; hat-shaped inclined beam; T-shaped connector; rigid connection; finite element analysis (FEA)

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Wang, K.; Zeng, S.; Han, X.; Xu, D.; Yang, Z.; Tong, X.; Elsemeen, A.S.; Li, T.; Wang, X. Research on Non-Braced Photovoltaic Support with Hat-Shaped Inclined Beams and Double Columns. Appl. Sci. 2026, 16, 5922. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16125922

AMA Style

Wang K, Zeng S, Han X, Xu D, Yang Z, Tong X, Elsemeen AS, Li T, Wang X. Research on Non-Braced Photovoltaic Support with Hat-Shaped Inclined Beams and Double Columns. Applied Sciences. 2026; 16(12):5922. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16125922

Chicago/Turabian Style

Wang, Kai, Shaopeng Zeng, Xiao Han, Dong Xu, Zhipeng Yang, Xin Tong, Ahmed Samir Elsemeen, Tao Li, and Xiaoping Wang. 2026. "Research on Non-Braced Photovoltaic Support with Hat-Shaped Inclined Beams and Double Columns" Applied Sciences 16, no. 12: 5922. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16125922

APA Style

Wang, K., Zeng, S., Han, X., Xu, D., Yang, Z., Tong, X., Elsemeen, A. S., Li, T., & Wang, X. (2026). Research on Non-Braced Photovoltaic Support with Hat-Shaped Inclined Beams and Double Columns. Applied Sciences, 16(12), 5922. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16125922

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