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001336
2025-03-04

Installation of Photovoltaic Roofing in Vendée, France

In the context of the energy transition, the production of renewable energy through urban infrastructures represents a major challenge in meeting current environmental requirements. Photovoltaic roofing offers an innovative solution that allows for the production of green electricity and the improvement of parking spaces.

Following this trend, GH Hervouet has collaborated with Spie Citynetworks on two projects to install photovoltaic roofing structures at two sites in the Vendée department in France.
Photovoltaic roof designed by GH Hervouet | Modular and durable structure
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Model of GH-Hervouet Photovoltaic Roof in Vendée, France

Project Presentation

The projects concern the installation of seven photovoltaic roofing structures at two separate locations. GH Hervouet's responsibilities include the planning, structural analysis, design of the steel components, and the manufacturing and installation, in order to guarantee the safety and durability of the structures.

In the sports hall parking lot in Longeville-sur-Mer, four photovoltaic structures have been installed with transparent panel roofs between the structures to improve protection against the weather and provide cover for parked vehicles. In Noirmoutier, the Intermarché carpark has been equipped with three structures, which are connected to each other by transparent panels.

The roofing structures have a ramp length of 12.36 m (40.55 ft) and a length of between 25.7 m and 30.3 m (84.3 ft and 99.4 ft). The translucent roofs have a width of between 6.3 m and 6.5 m (20.7 ft and 21.3 ft). The minimum clearance height under the structures is 3.3 m (10.8 ft), enabling them to accommodate both light and commercial vehicles.

Structural Analysis

A structural analysis was carried out to determine the resistance of the roofing structures against various mechanical and climatic stresses.

The metal components were analyzed in the Steel Design add-on to guarantee resistance to bending, compression, and buckling according to Eurocode 3 and the French Annex.

The foundations were taken into account to ensure the overall stability of the roofing structures in the event of vertical and horizontal loads.

Location Rue de Noirmoutier
85680 La Guérinière, France

Salle Omnisport
85560 Longeville-sur-Mer

France
Structural Design GH Hervouet

Project Specifications

Model Data

Number of Nodes 62
Number of Lines 76
Number of Members 57
Number of Surfaces 1
Number of Solids 0
Number of Load Cases 11
Number of Load Combinations 78
Number of Result Combinations 0
Total Weight 7,307 t
Dimensions (Metric) 25,690 x 5,530 x 12,240 m
Dimensions (Imperial) 84.28 x 18.14 x 40.16 feet

Do you have any questions?

Videos
Models to Download
Knowledge Base Articles
KB 001879 | Influence of Bending Stiffness of Cables
This article describes and explains the influence of bending stiffness of cables on their internal forces. Furthermore, the text provides information on how this influence can be reduced.
KB 001848 | Timber Column Design as per 2018 NDS Standard in RFEM 6
Using the Timber Design add-on, timber column design is possible according to the 2018 NDS standard ASD method. Accurately calculating timber member compressive capacity and adjustment factors is important for safety considerations and design. The following article will verify the maximum critical buckling strength calculated by the Timber Design add-on using step-by-step analytical equations as per the NDS 2018 standard including the compressive adjustment factors, adjusted compressive design value, and final design ratio.
Conversion to Parametric Section
Rolled sections, the most common cross‑section type in RFEM and RSTAB, can also have user‑defined parameters. To do this, select the cross‑section to be modified in the cross‑section library and click the [Parametric Input...] button.
Timber Beam-Column
In this article, the adequacy of a 2x4 dimension lumber subject to combined biaxial bending and axial compression is verified using the RF-/TIMBER AWC add-on module. The beam-column properties and loading are based on example E1.8 of AWC Structural Wood Design Examples 2015/2018.
Screenshots
Product Features
Feature 002843 | Dimensioning with Result Function

For design objects, you can optionally display sags or extreme results.

Export RFEM or RSTAB Models to *.glb or *.glTF Format

RFEM and RSTAB models can be saved as 3D glTF models (*.glb and *.glTF formats). View the models in 3D in detail with a 3D viewer from Google or Babylon. Take your VR glasses, such as Oculus, to "walk" through the structure.

You can integrate the 3D glTF models into your own websites using JavaScript according to the instructions (as on the Dlubal website Models to Download): "Easily display interactive 3D models on the web & in AR" .

Activation of Camera Flight Mode in RFEM

With the Camera Fly Mode view option, you can fly through your RFEM and RSTAB structure. Control the direction and speed of the flight with your keyboard. Additionally, you can save the flight through your structure as a video.

"Update only Materials, Thicknesses, and Cross-Sections" Export Option

The direct interface with Revit allows you to update the Revit model according to the changes you have made in RFEM or RSTAB. Depending on the modification, the Revit objects may have to be regenerated (deleting the object and subsequent regeneration). The regeneration is performed on the basis of the RFEM/RSTAB model.

If you want to avoid this regeneration, activate the check box 'Update only materials, thicknesses, and sections'. In this case, only the properties of the objects will be adjusted. Changes different from those in material, surface thickness, and section are, however, not considered in this case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where can I find the update reports for RFEM 5, RSTAB 8, SHAPE-THIN, SHAPE-MASSIVE, RX-TIMBER, CRANEWAY, PLATE-BUCKLING, COMPOSITE-BEAM?

For my NVIDIA graphics card, I need to select between a driver from the "Production Branch" and a "New Feature Branch." Which driver is best suited for RFEM/RSTAB?
Why do the min/max values of the total displacement not match the deformations when working with result combinations?
Can I display node coordinates in my model?
Can I use SHAPE-THIN 9 in combination with RSTAB 8?
Has the RF-TOWER add-on module for RFEM 5 already been added to RFEM 6?
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