ASCE-7

roof snow load

What’s the difference between ground and roof snow load for patio covers?

Ground vs. Roof Snow Load Many don’t understand that the snow load that’s rated for an area typically refers to the snow accumulating on the ground surface.  There are many variables that come into play when converting from ground to roof snow load.  This article explains those factors for uniform snow-loading conditions. Ground Snow Load Defined …

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snow buildup on trellis example

Snow Build-Over On Pergolas, Trellises & Mechanically Louvered Roofs (Cornice)

Beware of Snow Buildup On Open Roofs An important and frequently overlooked requirement for checking snow loads on open roof systems such as pergolas, trellises, and mechanically louvered roofs is the snow ‘buildover’ effect.  This occurs when the snow accumulates on open patio roof components to the point where it builds ‘up and over’, touching the …

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Instructions for proper use of rooftop equipment wind pressure calculator

HELP PAGE For the Engineering Express® Rooftop Equipment Wind Pressure Calculator Note: See Limitations & Conditions of Use at the end of this article. Quick Links Access The Calculator View The Glossary Learn Even More   Calculator Inputs 1) Ultimate Wind Velocity (Vult): This is the peak 3-second Ultimate gust wind speed. Consult your building …

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ASCE 7 Wall Zones Explained

ASCE 7-16 has expanded on the definition of component & cladding wind zones from previous ASCE 7 standards. ASCE 7-22 continues with this definition.   Per ASCE 7-22 &16, buildings are composed of 5 different zones, depending on the wind loading they are subjected to. Zones ‘4’ & ‘5’ relate to wall zones & are …

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ASCE 7 Least Horizontal Dimension – Minimum Building Width

From ASCE 7 (ASCE 7-22,16, 10 & previous standards):   The “Least Horizontal Dimension” can be taken as the shortest possible distance that can be taken between two parallel lines that fully encompass the building The Least Horizontal Dimension is further demonstrated as follows: Where ‘B’ is the Least Horizontal Dimension.   For further reference, see our …

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ASCE 7 Basic Wind Speed

Per definition by ASCE 7-22, ASCE 7-16 & ASCE 7-10, Section 26.2 is defined as:   BASIC WIND SPEED (V): Three-second gust speed at 33ft above the ground in Exposure C (see Exposure Categories) as determined in accordance with ASCE-7  Section 26.5.1. The wind shall be assumed to come from any horizontal direction. The basic …

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ASCE 7 Risk Categories Explained

ASCE 7 Risk Category Background Building codes require that buildings be classified by their level of importance in determining the risk taken with safety factors against their failure under critical design loads. Calculations for the structure’s overall stability, flexure, and fatigue are all based on the assumption of a given risk category design level.  ASCE …

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Glossary of Engineering Terms

Glossary of Building Component Engineering Terms & Abbreviations These terms are published by Engineering Express to coincide with help menus for our online tools & published articles and as they relate to the Building Component Design industry. See also our FLOOD ENGINEERING GLOSSARY for more terms related to flood engineering. See Also SUNROOM TERMINOLOGY for …

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