In Tennessee, the most common solar foundation systems include pipe piles (ASTM A252 Grade 3) for high vertical and lateral loads,
H/I-beam piles (ASTM A992) for tracker systems in mixed soils,
helical piers for soft or rocky transition zones, and concrete piers for permanent heavy-duty support.
Selection depends on soil borings, slope stability, and long-term corrosion risk.

Yes. We conduct ASTM D1586 Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) to understand local geology —
including Appalachian rock layers in East TN, loess soils in West TN, and variable karst conditions in Middle TN.
This data drives foundation design that complies with TDOT,
AASHTO LRFD, and local code requirements.

We perform full-scale field testing per ASTM D1143 (compression),
ASTM D3689 (tension/uplift),
and ASTM D4945 (dynamic PDA).
This validates pile capacity before mass installation.

Embedment depth usually ranges from 8–12 feet, but can extend deeper in areas with soft loess soils or karst voids.
Test piles and torque monitoring are used to confirm actual capacity during construction.

Tennessee projects must account for karst voids and sinkhole risk in Middle TN,
loess and soft alluvial soils in West TN,
and shallow rock with high refusal in East TN.
Wind speeds up to 140 mph per ASCE 7-22 and high moisture content also affect design.

With hot-dip galvanizing (ASTM A123), protective coatings, and site-specific corrosion mitigation,
solar piles are engineered for a 25–30 year service life consistent with
U.S. DOE and
NREL standards.

Yes. Foundation Masters provides PE-stamped plans, pile test documentation, and full permit submittals
to meet requirements of TDOT, county building departments, and local floodplain or stormwater agencies.

Absolutely. We’ve installed tens of thousands of piles across the Southeast,
including accelerated builds for large solar farms in TN.
Our team offers soil investigation, PE design, pile installation, and QA/QC under one contract.