Designlux Solar Structure Calculator

📖 Designlux Structural Engine Guide

1. Span Modes

• Auto Mode: The engine ignores the columns/rows you input and mathematically calculates the exact minimum number of legs required to prevent the steel from bending under the selected Wind Gust speed.
• Manual Mode: You force the exact grid (e.g. 3 columns x 2 rows) and the exact distances between them. *Warning: If your manual span is too wide, the Rafter or Purlin Bending status will FAIL.*

2. Active Panels System

If you have an irregular array (e.g., 7 panels on a 2x4 grid), simply uncheck the missing panel in the 'Active Panels' UI. The engine will instantly deduct its surface area, lowering the wind load and improving your Factor of Safety.

3. Mounting Types

• Direct Anchor to RCC Roof: The Fasteners drill into the roof. The hold-down strength combines the weight of the structure + the concrete ballast + the pull-out strength of the anchors.
• Precast RCC Block: The Fasteners only drill into the loose block. The structure relies 100% on dead weight. You will need much larger concrete blocks to prevent overturning.

4. Troubleshooting Failures

• Overturning FS FAIL (< 1.5): Add more concrete ballast, widen the Front-to-Back stance, or switch to Chemical Anchors.
• Rafter Bending FAIL: Turn ON "Knee Bracing" (Struts) to cut the bending span in half, or increase the Rafter material thickness.