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s w b
B
S C C
d = ; where
= density of snow ~ 3.0 kN/m
3
)
iv) The load case considered does not involve the of
snow from adjacent surfaces, such as cases involving unbalanced snow
loads on gable and arch roofs.
b w s
B
C C S
d
=
Estimation of Loads 3-24
CE 321.3 Structural Systems and Materials
Roof Slope Factor: C
s
The loss of snow due to sliding combined with more efficient drainage of melting
snow and rain tends to reduce the snow load on steep roofs as compared to
that on flatter roofs. The effects of roof slope are incorporated using the slope
factor, C
s
.
The value of C
s
depends on the angle of the roof slope, o , and is given in
NBCC 2010 Clause 4.1.6.2, sentences (5), (6), and (7):
i) Non-Slippery Roofing Systems: (shingles, tiles, etc.)
0 . 1 =
s
C for s30 o
0 . 0 =
s
C for >70 o
( ) = 40 70 o
s
C for s < 70 30 o
ii) Slippery Unobstructed Roofing Systems: (glass, metal, etc.)
0 . 1 =
s
C for s15 o
0 . 0 =
s
C for >60 o
( ) = 45 60 o
s
C for s < 60 15 o
A value of 0 . 1 =
s
C should be used for snow accumulations in roof valleys and
for accumulations due to snow sliding from adjacent roofs.
Estimation of Loads 3-25
CE 321.3 Structural Systems and Materials
Shape Factor: C
a
The shape factor takes into account possible drifting and redistribution of snow
due to wind action. The factor depends on the of the roof
and the presence of any nearby .
Where appropriate for the shape of the roof, other values for C
a
should be
assigned to account for such factors as:
snow loads on gable, arched or curved roofs and domes
increased snow loads in
from adjacent or nearly adjacent higher level roofs
(i.e. within 5 m of the roof being considered)
increased non-uniform snow loads on areas adjacent to roof projections (e.g.
equipment, chimneys)
increased snow or ice loads due to snow sliding or drainage of melt water from
adjacent roofs
Suggested shape factors for non-flat roof profiles are provided in Structural
Commentary G:
Gable, flat, and shed roofs - Fig. G-1
Simple arches or curved roofs - Figs. G-2 & G3
Increased snow loads in roof valleys - Fig. G-4
Lower levels of adjacent or nearly adjacent roofs - Fig. G-5
Lower roofs adjacent to sloping upper roof - Fig. G-7
Areas adjacent to roof obstructions - Fig. G-8
Estimation of Loads 3-26
CE 321.3 Structural Systems and Materials
Use of Figures in Commentary G:
At first glance, the calculations shown in the figures in Commentary G appear
very complicated or even without logical basis. However, further investigation
shows that the procedures are very logical and are based on the consideration of
the depths of snow likely to accumulate on roofs of different shapes.
Drift loads on lower level roofs adjacent to higher levels (Fig. G-5):
As an example of how the figures are applied, consider Fig. G-5, used to
calculate the drift load on a lower level roof adjacent to a higher level roof on the
same or nearby building.
Underlying assumptions:
Drift load is controlled by
i) between the lower and upper levels
ii) from the upper level
iii) the presence of on the upper level, which serve
to trap snow on the upper level and reduce drift loads on the lower level
The drift is triangular in shape and has a slope of 1:5 (vertical:horizontal)
A drift will not form if
i) the distance, a, between adjacent buildings is greater than
ii) the difference in height, h, between roof levels is less than