Overview
PVX.AI allows full customization of fixed rack designs. Switch the Rack Design block to Manual and you can set pile counts, individual pile spacings, and overhangs yourself. This mode is ideal for non-standard structural requirements.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Switch to manual pile configuration
Open Rack Design on the Layout panel, click Create Fixed, and in Fixed Settings toggle the Rack Design block from Automatic to Manual.
2. Define the rack dimensions
Set the module grid with Columns and Rows (for example 2×12), then set Pile Columns and Pile Rows, the pile counts across and along the table.
3. Customize pile spacing
Use Pile Pair and Distance to set the horizontal spacing between each adjacent pile pair individually, or click Set All to apply one value to every pair. Use Row Pair and Distance for the spacing between the front and rear pile rows.
4. Set the front and back overhang
Front Pile and Back Pile set the overhang from the front and rear pile rows to the panel edges. The back pile auto-balances to equalize the overhangs.
5. Set heights and lateral overhang
Set Height Bottom for the ground clearance at the lowest panel edge (Height Top is computed from it) and Underground Pile Depth for the embedment. Overhang Left sets the lateral overhang from the outer piles to the panel edge, and Overhang Right auto-balances.
6. Save the design
Click Save to store the custom rack configuration in the catalog.
Tips & Recommendations
- Use manual configuration to match manufacturer mounting guides precisely.
- Determine pile distances from structural calculations, and consider wind and snow loads.
- Save different configurations as separate rack types for comparison.
- Tracker racks have their own manual pile configuration with the same Pile Pair and overhang controls.