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Installation Procedure Process
RFG’s refusal repair fixtures are designed to add uplift and lateral support to driven or partially driven piles. On partially driven piles (refusals or rejections) our installed fixtures with 4 micropiles provide more support per foot of depth than the original pile. For eroded or storm damaged piles in existing solar installations, our saddle fixtures stabilize straightened piles to realign the PV panels to their original or intended tilt angle. Each kit includes galvanized fixture(s); bolts, washers, and nuts; and micropiles suited to soil type and specified engineering requirements to meet/exceed system uplift and lateral design
loads.
First Step
Identify the pile to be stabilized
Locate underground utilities or potential obstructions to driven micropiles. This step is critically important for worker safety in existing solar sites.
Second Step
Drill matching holes in the pile flange or C-channel wall for mounting fixture(s) as close to ground surface as possible to maximize embedded length of micropiles. Bolt fixtures in place with washers and nuts Verify vertical plumb or straighten pile to vertical plumb.
Third Step
Slide micropiles through each sleeve and use hand-held post driver to set in place Using breaker hammer, drive micropiles until pipe driver attachment contacts top of sleeves. Use sledgehammer to finish / drive micropiles to tops of sleeves.
Fourth Step
Secure Tek screws through pilot holes in sleeve and through micropile wall
6.10 Record pile location and depth/ length of micropile used for reference
Trouble Shooting
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Before installation begins, locate, and evaluate any underground service or obstruction that may interfere with driven micropiles. Evaluate the possibility of moving the fixture up the plie (reducing micropile embedment and effectiveness) or shallow digging to move fixture further down the pile (increasing embedment and effectiveness) – to avoid obstruction or service lines.
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Rock floaters and tree roots: Small rocks or floaters may slow down embedment or stop embedment progress completely. Try using a sledgehammer with a few sharp blows. If the micropile bounces, the obstruction may be impassable. If rocks are near the ground surface, you may be able to drill through the rock with an impact drill and long masonry bit. Tree roots may be driven through or may eliminate further embedment of the micropile.
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Partial micropile embedment may be adequate for required support of the stabilization fixture. If so, the remaining micropile length can be cut off with grinder and metal cutting blade. If micropile embedment is minimal, alternative stabilization methods may be required.
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