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Snow Load Design for Engineers

This document provides calculations for snow drift loads on various roof configurations. It summarizes calculations for drift loads on a lower roof due to snow blowing from an upper roof, resulting in a design drift width of 4.93 feet and a total snow load of 108.20 psf. It also calculates drift loads at a parapet wall of 1.25 feet width and 52.31 psf total load. Finally, it calculates drift loads at a roof projection of 1.32 to 1.17 feet width for the two sides, with total loads ranging from 37.03 to 39.13 psf depending on wind direction.

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Sikha Srikanth
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319 views11 pages

Snow Load Design for Engineers

This document provides calculations for snow drift loads on various roof configurations. It summarizes calculations for drift loads on a lower roof due to snow blowing from an upper roof, resulting in a design drift width of 4.93 feet and a total snow load of 108.20 psf. It also calculates drift loads at a parapet wall of 1.25 feet width and 52.31 psf total load. Finally, it calculates drift loads at a roof projection of 1.32 to 1.17 feet width for the two sides, with total loads ranging from 37.03 to 39.13 psf depending on wind direction.

Uploaded by

Sikha Srikanth
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as XLS, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Snow Drift Load Design Aid - Roofs and Sliding Snow: This section provides detailed calculations for snow drift loads on roofs and the effects of sliding snow, using specific architectural parameters.
  • Drifts at Parapet Walls: Outlines calculations for determining snow drifts at parapet walls using designated drift parameters and architectural details.
  • Drifts at Roof Projections: Focuses on calculations of snow drifts at roof projections, accommodating for snow blowing from left to right.
  • Drifts to Lower Roofs: Provides calculations for snow drifts descending to lower roofs based on building codes and architectural design.
  • Drifts to Canopies: Calculates snow drift loads impacting canopies, factoring in overhang and specific drift widths.
  • Roof Obstructions and Parapets: Details calculations for snow drift impacts on roof obstructions and parapets, using standard codes.
  • Reference Codes and Calculations - Part 1: Lists and explains reference codes and methodologies used in the calculation of snow drift impacts, part one.
  • Reference Codes and Calculations - Part 2: Continues the listing and explanation of reference codes, further detailing the methodologies applied.
  • Reference Codes and Calculations - Part 3: Conclusion of the reference codes and methodologies sections, finalizing the examples used for calculation specifics.
  • Usage Instructions: Instructions for utilizing the snow drift calculator tool, including history of revisions and intended application scope.
  • End of Document: Blank page or page used as a document separator.

Snow Drift Calculator

Job No.
Page:
Snow Drift Load Design Aid Date: 07/12/22
Drifts on Lower Prepared By:
Roofs and Sliding Snow Reviewed By:
Rev 10: 12/02/04
Note:
Building Code >> IBC 2000 Pg (psf)
30

UPPER ROOF Separation LOWER ROOF


PrU (psf) H1 (ft) lu (ft) Wu (ft) Roof Pitch / 12 S (ft) PrL (psf) H2 (ft) WL (ft) Roof Pitch / 12
21 20 100 200 1 0 20 10 30 1
✘ Slippery
1 Roof (ASCE7-02 or newer)
For endwall drift enter zero pitch

lu (ft) = 100.00
WL (ft) = 30.00
Wu (ft) = 200.00
Wd (ft) = 14.08

hb
hd
hr

H1 = 20.00 (ft) 0.00 (ft) H2 = 10.00 (ft)


Upper Roof Lower Roof

Snow Density g (pcf) = 17.90

hbU (ft) = 1.17


hb (ft) = 1.12
hr (ft) = 10.00

Calculated hd (ft) = 3.52 due to snow blowing from upper roof


Calculated hd (ft) = 1.40 due to snow blowing from lower roof

Use Drift hd (ft) = 3.52 due to snow blowing from upper roof
Additional hd (ft) = 1.41 due to sliding snow (Based on the 96 MBMA method)
Design hd (ft) = 4.93

Wd (ft) = 14.08
Ws (ft) = 15.00 sliding snow width
Pdrift (psf) = 63.00
Psliding (psf) = 25.20
Pbase (psf) = 20.00
Ptotal (psf) = 108.20 due to roof + drift + sliding

Lower Roof
600459121.xls

Job No.
SNOW DRIFT LOAD DESIGN AID Page:
Date: 07/12/22
Drifts at Parapet Walls
Prepared By:
Reviewed By:
Rev 8, 03/05/2004
Note:

Parapet
Pg (psf) Pr (psf) Length (ft) Height (ft) W (ft) Roof Pitch Method Based on
30 30 15 5 5 0 : 12 IBC 2000

W (ft) = 5.00

Wd1 (ft)
hb
hr
hd

Snow Density g (pcf) = 17.90

hb (ft) = 1.68
hr (ft) = 5.00

Calculated hd (ft) = 1.25


Use Drift hd (ft) = 1.25

Wd (ft) = 4.99

Pdrift (psf) = 22.31


Pbase (psf) = 30.00
Ptotal (psf) = 52.31 due to roof snow + drift

Parapet Walls
600459121.xls

Job No.
SNOW DRIFT LOAD DESIGN AID Page:
Date: 07/12/22
Drifts at Roof Projections
Prepared By:
Reviewed By:
Rev 8, 03/05/2004
Note:

Projection
Pg (psf) Pr (psf) Length (ft) Height (ft) W1 (ft) W2 (ft) Roof Pitch
4 20 20 4.875 60 50 0 : 12

Method Based on
IBC 2000

W1 (ft) = 60.00 W2 (ft) = 50.00

Wd1 (ft) Wd2 (ft)

hd1 hd2 hb

hr

Snow Density g (pcf) = 14.52

hb (ft) = 1.38
hr (ft) = 4.88

Drift loads due to snow blowing left to right


Calculated hd1 (ft) = 1.32 Use Drift hd1 (ft) = 1.32 Wd1 (ft) = 5.27
Calculated hd2 (ft) = 1.32 Use Drift hd2 (ft) = 1.32 Wd2 (ft) = 5.27

P1drift (psf) = 19.13 P2drift (psf) = 19.13


P1base (psf) = 20.00 P2base (psf) = 20.00
P1total (psf) = 39.13 P2total (psf) = 39.13

Drift loads due to snow blowing right to left


Calculated hd1 (ft) = 1.17 Use Drift hd1 (ft) = 1.17 Wd1 (ft) = 4.69
Calculated hd2 (ft) = 1.17 Use Drift hd2 (ft) = 1.17 Wd2 (ft) = 4.69

P1drift (psf) = 17.03 P2drift (psf) = 17.03


P1base (psf) = 20.00 P2base (psf) = 20.00
P1total (psf) = 37.03 P2total (psf) = 37.03

Note: A rain on snow surcharge of 5 psf is required for these conditions.

Roof Projections
600459121.xls

Job No.
SNOW DRIFT LOAD DESIGN AID Page:
National Building Code of Canada 1995 Date: 07/12/22
Drifts to Lower Roofs
Prepared By:
Reviewed By:
Rev 0, 12/09/98
Note:
Ss (psf) Sr (psf) g (pcf) H1 (ft) Wu (ft) Lu (ft) H2 (ft) WL (ft) LL (ft) a (ft) hp (ft)
50 8.35 19.03 25 50 100 15 25 100 0 0
Ss (kPa) Sr (kPa) g (kN/m^3) H1 (m) Wu (m) Lu (m) H2 (m) WL (m) LL (m) a (m) hp (m)
2.395 0.40 3.00 7.620 15.239 30.479 4.572 7.620 30.479 0.000 0.000

Lower Roof Pitch Can snow & ice slide completely Width of upper roof than can
0.5 : 12 off of the lower roof? Yes contribute sliding snow 25
Upper Roof Pitch
0.5 : 12

Wu (ft) = 50.00 WL (ft) = 25.00

X (ft) = 24.53
hp (ft) = 0.00

H2 (ft) =
Upper Roof 15.00 Lower
Lower
Roof
Roof

H1 (ft) = 25.00
a (ft) =
0.00

L* (m) = 22.859 L* (ft) = 75.00

Ca = 1.00
Cs = 1.00
F= 2.67

X (m) = 7.475 X (ft) = 24.53


drift width (m) = 7.475 drift width (ft) = 24.53

Ca (0) = 3.34

Pdrift (kPa) = 4.485 Pdrift (psf) = 93.65


Psliding (kPa) = 0.000 Psliding (psf) = 0.00
Pbase (kPa) = 1.916 Pbase (psf) = 40.00
Prain (kPa) = 0.40 Prain (psf) = 8.35
Ptotal (kPa) = 6.801 Ptotal (psf) = 142.00

95 NBC Lower Roof


600459121.xls

Job No.
SNOW DRIFT LOAD DESIGN AID Page:
National Building Code of Canada 1995 Date: 07/12/22
Drifts to Canopies
Prepared By:
Reviewed By:
Rev 0, 12/09/98
Note:
Ss (psf) Sr (psf) g (pcf) Hr (ft) Wr (ft) Lr (ft) Hc (ft) Wc (ft) Lc (ft) hp (ft)
50 8.35 19.03 25 50 100 10 4 5 0
Ss (kPa) Sr (kPa) g (kN/m^3) Hr (m) Wr (m) Lr (m) Hc (m) Wc (m) Lc (m) hp (m)
2.395 0.40 3.00 7.620 15.239 30.479 3.048 1.219 1.524 0.000

Canopy Pitch Can snow & ice slide completely Width of roof than can
0.5 : 12 off of the canopy? Yes contribute sliding snow 0
Upper Roof Pitch
0.5 : 12

Wr (ft) = 50.00

Xd (ft) = 24.53
hp (ft) = 0.00

Hr (ft) = 25.00 Wc (ft) = 4.00

Hc (ft) = 10.00

L* (m) = 22.859 L* (ft) = 75.00

Ca = 1.00
Cs = 1.00
F= 2.67

drift width (m) = 7.475 drift width (ft) = 24.53

Ca (0) = 3.34

Pdrift (kPa) = 4.485 Pdrift (psf) = 93.65


Psliding (kPa) = 0.000 Psliding (psf) = 0.00
Pbase (kPa) = 1.916 Pbase (psf) = 40.00
Prain (kPa) = 0.40 Prain (psf) = 8.35
Ptotal (kPa) = 6.801 Ptotal (psf) = 142.00

Note: The drift width is greater than the lower roof width.
The load at the lower end of the drift = 78.38 psf due to drift + sliding snow.

95 NBC Canopies
600459121.xls

Job No.
SNOW DRIFT LOAD DESIGN AID Page:
National Building Code of Canada 1995 Date: 07/12/22
Roof Obstructions and Parapets
Prepared By:
Reviewed By:
Rev 0, 12/09/98
Note:
Ss (psf) Sr (psf) g (pcf) h (ft) b(ft) Lr (ft) Wr (ft)
50 8.35 19.03 5 50 100 50
Ss (kPa) Sr (kPa) g (kN/m^3) h (m) b (m) Lr (m) Wr (m)
2.395 0.40 3.00 1.524 15.239 30.479 15.239

Roof Pitch Can snow & ice slide completely


0.5 : 12 off of the roof? Yes

Projection

h
b

Xd (ft) =
10.00

L* (m) = 22.859 L* (ft) = 75.00

Ca = 1.00
Cs = 1.00

drift width (m) = 3.048 drift width (ft) = 10.00

Ca (0) = 2.39

Pdrift (kPa) = 1.148 Pdrift (psf) = 23.96


Pbase (kPa) = 1.916 Pbase (psf) = 40.00
Prain (kPa) = 0.40 Prain (psf) = 8.35
Ptotal (kPa) = 3.463 Ptotal (psf) = 72.31

95 NBC Projections
Referenced Code Pg (min) g Index g (max) hd (ft) Index wd (ft) Index
Code 16
ASCE 7-88 <10.00 0.13 * Pg + 14 1 35 0.43 * (Lu)^(1/3) * (Pg + 10)^(1/4) - 1.5 1 min(4 * hd,4*(hr-hb)) 1
4 * hd if hd <= hc else
ASCE 7-95 <5.00 0.13 * Pg + 14 1 30 0.43 * (Lu)^(1/3) * (Pg + 10)^(1/4) - 1.5 1 2
4*hd^2/hc<=8hc
BOCA 96 <= 10.00 0.13 * Pg + 14 1 35 0.43 * (Lu)^(1/3) * (Pg + 10)^(1/4) - 1.5 1 min(4 * hd,4*(hr-hb)) 1
4 * hd if hd <= hc else
ASCE 7-95 BOCA 98* <= 5.00 0.13 * Pg + 14 1 30 0.43 * (Lu)^(1/3) * (Pg + 10)^(1/4) - 1.5 1 2
4*hd^2/hc<=8hc
MBMA 86 0 0.24 * Pg + 9 2 35 (Lu * Pr / (8 * g))^0.5 2 min(4 * hd,4*(hr-hb)) 1
4 * hd if hd <= hc else
MBMA 96 <5.00 0.13 * Pg + 14 1 30 0.43 * (Lu)^(1/3) * (Pg + 10)^(1/4) - 1.5 1 2
4*hd^2/hc<=8hc
UBC 88 0 0.24 * Pg + 9 2 40 (Lu * Pr / (8 * g))^0.5 2 min(4 * hd,4*(hr-hb)) 1
UBC 94 0 0.13 * Pg + 14 1 35 0.43 * (Lu)^(1/3) * (Pg + 10)^(1/4) - 1.5 1 min(4 * hd,4*(hr-hb)) 1
ASCE 7-88 SBC 94 <10.00 0.13 * Pg + 14 1 35 0.43 * (Lu)^(1/3) * (Pg + 10)^(1/4) - 1.5 1 min(4 * hd,4*(hr-hb)) 1
4 * hd if hd <= hc else
ASCE 7-95 SBC 97 <5.00 0.13 * Pg + 14 1 30 0.43 * (Lu)^(1/3) * (Pg + 10)^(1/4) - 1.5 1 2
4*hd^2/hc<=8hc
ASCE 7-88 NC 96 <10.00 0.13 * Pg + 14 1 35 0.43 * (Lu)^(1/3) * (Pg + 10)^(1/4) - 1.5 1 min(4 * hd,4*(hr-hb)) 1
OH 98 0 0.13 * Pg + 14 1 35 0.43 * (Lu)^(1/3) * (Pg + 10)^(1/4) - 1.5 1 min(4 * hd,4*(hr-hb)) 1
UBC 97 0 0.13*Pg+14 1 35 0.43 * (Lu)^(1/3) * (Pg + 10)^(1/4) - 1.5 1 min(4 * hd,4*(hr-hb)) 1
4 * hd if hd <= hc else
ASCE 7-98 BOCA 99 <= 5.00 0.13 * Pg + 14 1 30 0.43 * (Lu)^(1/3) * (Pg + 10)^(1/4) - 1.5 1 4*hd^2/hc<=8hc 2
4 * hd if hd <= hc else
ASCE 7-98 0 0.13*Pg+14 1 30 0.43 * (Lu)^(1/3) * (Pg + 10)^(1/4) - 1.5 1 4*hd^2/hc<=8hc 2
4 * hd if hd <= hc else
IBC 2000 0 0.13*Pg+14 1 30 0.43 * (Lu)^(1/3) * (Pg + 10)^(1/4) - 1.5 1 4*hd^2/hc<=8hc 2
4 * hd if hd <= hc else
ASCE 7-02 ASCE 7-02 0 0.13*Pg+14 1 30 0.43 * (Lu)^(1/3) * (Pg + 10)^(1/4) - 1.5 1 4*hd^2/hc<=8hc 2
4 * hd if hd <= hc else
IBC 2003 0 0.13*Pg+14 1 30 0.43 * (Lu)^(1/3) * (Pg + 10)^(1/4) - 1.5 1 4*hd^2/hc<=8hc 2
4 * hd if hd <= hc else
NFPA-5000 (2003) 0 0.13*Pg+14 1 30 0.43 * (Lu)^(1/3) * (Pg + 10)^(1/4) - 1.5 1 4*hd^2/hc<=8hc 2

*1998 supplement to the BOCA 96

IBC 2000 0 0.13*Pg+14 1 30 0.43 * (Lu)^(1/3) * (Pg + 10)^(1/4) - 1.5 1 4 * hd if hd <= hc else 4*hd^2/hc<=8hc 2
Lu (ft) (drift to lower) Projection Lu (ft) fraction of full drift Windward Intersecting Min. Slope to Consider Method of
min max min (ft) max (ft) projection parapet Drifts? Drifts Sliding Snow (deg) Calculation
25 NA 25 NA 1 0.5 No NA 0 100% of upper roof
25 NA 25 NA 0.5 0.5 Yes NA 100% of upper roof
0
25 NA 25 NA 1 1 No greater of two individual drifts 20 add 40% to hd

25 NA 25 NA 0.5 0.5 Yes NA 100% of upper roof


0
50 900 0 50 1 1 No greater of two individual drifts 9.463 add 40% to hd

25 NA 25 NA 0.5 0.5 Yes greater of two individual drifts 10 add 40% to hd


50 500 0 50 1 1 No greater of two individual drifts 9.463 add 40% to hd
50 500 0 50 1 0.5 No greater of two individual drifts 9.463 add 40% to hd
25 NA 25 NA 1 0.5 No NA 0 100% of upper roof

25 NA 25 NA 0.5 0.5 Yes NA 100% of upper roof


0
25 NA 25 NA 1 0.5 No NA 0 100% of upper roof
25 NA 25 NA 1 1 No greater of two individual drifts 20 add 40% to hd
50 500 0 50 1 0.5 No greater of two individual drifts 9.463 add 40% to hd

100% of upper roof


25 NA 25 NA 0.75 0.75 Yes NA 0

100% of upper roof


25 NA 25 NA 0.75 0.75 YES NA 0
100% of upper roof
25 NA 25 NA 0.75 0.75 YES NA 0
40% of upper roof
25 NA 25 NA 0.75 0.75 YES NA 1.194
40% of upper roof
25 NA 25 NA 0.75 0.75 YES NA 1.194
40% of upper roof
25 NA 25 NA 0.75 0.75 YES NA 1.194

25 NA 25 NA 0.75 0.75 YES NA 0 100% of upper roof


Max. Roof Separation Index Rain on Snow Max P ground Index Lower Roof Blow Combine
for Sliding Snow Required? surch. (psf) Pitch :12 max (psf) Fraction Drift+Sliding
1 Maybe 5 0.5 NA 3 0.5 1
1 Yes 5 0.5 20 2 1
0.5
greater of hr or 20 ft 2 No 0 0 NA 1 0.5 1

0 1 Yes 5 0.5 20 2 1
0.5
greater of hr or 20 ft 2 No 0 0 NA 1 0 1

greater of hr or 20 ft 2 No 5 0.5 50 1 1
0.5
greater of hr or 20 ft 2 Maybe 5 0.5 50 3 0 1
greater of hr or 20 ft 2 Maybe 5 0.5 50 3 0 1
0 1 Maybe 5 0.5 NA 3 0.5 1

0 1 Yes 5 0.5 20 2 1
0.5
0 1 Maybe 5 0.5 NA 3 0.5 1
greater of hr or 20 ft 2 No 0 0 NA 1 0.5 1
greater of hr or 20 ft 2 MAYBE 0 0.500000001 50 3 0 1

0 1 YES 5 0.5 20 2 0.75 1

0 1 YES 5 0.5 20 2 0.75 1

0 1 YES 5 0.5 20 2 0.75 1

0 3 Yes 5 0.5 20 2 0.75 0

0 3 Yes 5 0.5 20 2 0.75 0

0 3 Yes 5 0.5 20 2 0.75 0

0 1 YES 5 0.5 20 2 0.75 1


Snow Drift Calculator.xls
Author: AE (R&D)
Sv. Center: Memphis
Created: 1998

Usage Instructions
This spreadsheet is used to calculate or verify various types of snow loads, especially for drifting and sliding snow loads.
Various spreadsheets are used to deal with lower roofs, parapets or roof projections
Spreadsheet requires only simple input which uses mostly the building code nomenclature

Revision History
prior to 12/01/2004 program changes documentation and verification kept at AE Memphis

Date Rev Worksheet Descritpion Verified By


Pdrift adjustment for separation distance S applied to final drift after it is checked against the hr-hb limit.
12/2/2004 10 Lower Roof Also, Wd adjusted for separation S and lower roof length. AE

Snow Drift Calculator Lower Roof Job No. Page: Date: 07/12/22 Prepared By: Reviewed By: Rev 10: 12/02/04
600459121.xls Parapet Walls Job No. Page: Date: 07/12/22 Prepared By: Reviewed By: Rev 8, 03/05/2004 Note: Parap
600459121.xls Roof Projections Job No. Page: Date: 07/12/22 Prepared By: Reviewed By: Rev 8, 03/05/2004 Note: Pr
600459121.xls 95 NBC Lower Roof Job No. Page: Date: 07/12/22 Prepared By: Reviewed By: Rev 0, 12/09/98 Note: H1
600459121.xls 95 NBC Canopies Job No. Page: Date: 07/12/22 Prepared By: Reviewed By: Rev 0, 12/09/98 Note: 50 8.
600459121.xls 95 NBC Projections Job No. Page: Date: 07/12/22 Prepared By: Reviewed By: Rev 0, 12/09/98 Note: h
Referenced Code Pg (min) g Index g (max) hd (ft) Index wd (ft) Index Code 16 ASCE 7-88 <10.00 0.13 * Pg + 14 1 35 0.43 * (Lu)
Lu (ft) (drift to lower) Projection Lu (ft) fraction of full drift Windward Intersecting Min. Slope to Consider Method of min
Max. Roof Separation Index Rain on Snow Max P ground Index Lower Roof Blow Combine for Sliding Snow Required? surch. (psf) Pi
Snow Drift Calculator.xls Author: AE (R&D) Sv. Center: Memphis Created: 1998 Usage Instructions This spreadsheet is used to c

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