PE_stamped_-_Royal_Oak_structural_review_7-21-2025.pdf

This document is a Roof Structural Analysis report prepared by NOVA Consultants, Inc. for the Royal Oak Public Library located at 222 E. 11 Mile Road in Royal Oak, Michigan. The report reviews the structural feasibility of installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the library's rooftop. The analysis is based on existing building plans from Smith+Smith Associates (1961) and TMP Associates (2005 renovation plans), which indicate the building has a structure comprised of steel trusses, steel girt trusses, steel beams, and a single-ply membrane roof system with steel roof decking and insulation.

The structural analysis concludes that the roof is in good condition and capable of supporting the proposed solar panel installation. Specifically, the report notes that the uniform dead load from the solar PV system (estimated at 4 to 8 psf) is well within the building's design specifications of a 20 psf uniform live load and 300 lbs concentrated load. The solar panels will be installed with less than 24 inches of space between the panels and the rooftop, which makes the area "inaccessible" according to building codes. NOVA Consultants recommends evenly distributing construction materials during installation and not stockpiling them in one location. The professional opinion is that the roof can successfully sustain the additional loads from the solar PV system.