News,
In June 2026, the Novatest Engineering team supported an international client in planning and carrying out a Pull-Out Test (POT) campaign on steel foundation profiles for photovoltaic installations.
The testing campaign was conducted in Sicily on clay soils affected by prolonged drought conditions, with the objective of evaluating the performance of the foundation systems under the site’s actual geotechnical conditions.
Novatest Engineering supported the client throughout every stage of the project, from defining the testing plan to on-site data acquisition and the subsequent analysis and interpretation of the results.
Our goal is not only to provide technical data, but also to share expertise by helping clients understand the testing methodology and the engineering principles behind each design decision.
This collaborative approach transforms every field activity into an opportunity for technical knowledge transfer and professional growth.
The long-term stability of a photovoltaic plant largely depends on the ability of its foundation profiles to withstand operational loads throughout the life of the installation.
Pull-Out Tests provide direct field verification by applying vertical tension, horizontal tension and compression loads to installed steel profiles before construction begins.
The results support key engineering decisions, including:
The testing campaign was carried out using a crawler excavator as the loading device, a dedicated load cell and a real-time data acquisition system.
The geological conditions of the site played a crucial role. The clay soil, affected by significant drought, exhibited mechanical properties considerably different from those observed under saturated conditions.
This highlights the importance of performing field tests under the actual environmental conditions of the project site rather than relying exclusively on theoretical assumptions or standardized scenarios.
Projects such as this enable Novatest Engineering to continuously strengthen its expertise through direct experience on complex construction sites, diverse geological environments and international projects.
The knowledge gained is then transferred to customers through engineering consultancy, technical support and specialized training, helping developers and engineering firms make more informed decisions during the planning and construction of photovoltaic plants.
If you are planning a photovoltaic project and require technical guidance on site geotechnical characterization or Pull-Out Testing, the Novatest Engineering team is ready to support you with specialized expertise and field-proven experience.
Fill out the form with your details specifying what you need in the request type section. Our team is at your disposal to find the best solution to you needs.
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Via Albertini, 36/F8
Gross Ancona
60131 Ancona (AN) - IT
