Wind load on large potted plants/trees.
Wind load on large potted plants/trees.
(OP)
We've got a project where 'someone' is attempting to do 'something' unconventional and I need to figure out how to account for wind loads of large potted plants. Code is ASCE 7-05. Plants are unknown at this time, but we should have something on that soon. Are there any published data (or best practical guesses by members here) for what Cf and Af I should use for design. Conservatively I could go with solid walls/signs, but that seems like it might be punitive. Or it might not...some plants are pretty dense.
Another worry is how do I limit or design for growth? I can put limits and maximums on the drawings, but the plants won't care. Are there data on how tall plant X will grow in pot of size Y?
Input appreciated. Feel free to ask questions.
Another worry is how do I limit or design for growth? I can put limits and maximums on the drawings, but the plants won't care. Are there data on how tall plant X will grow in pot of size Y?
Input appreciated. Feel free to ask questions.






RE: Wind load on large potted plants/trees.
As a side note, make sure the plants are not allowed to be replanted to bigger pots - they frequently are to prevent them from becoming rootbound.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
http://mmcengineering.tripod.com
RE: Wind load on large potted plants/trees.
RE: Wind load on large potted plants/trees.
RE: Wind load on large potted plants/trees.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
http://mmcengineering.tripod.com
RE: Wind load on large potted plants/trees.
RE: Wind load on large potted plants/trees.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If it's not safe ... make it that way.
RE: Wind load on large potted plants/trees.
RE: Wind load on large potted plants/trees.
Let me rephrase the question.
I guess the planters would tend to hold the roof down in the high winds.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If it's not safe ... make it that way.
RE: Wind load on large potted plants/trees.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
http://mmcengineering.tripod.com
RE: Wind load on large potted plants/trees.
RE: Wind load on large potted plants/trees.
The information I have has evolved over the last several days.
First, this is a temporary display with a maximum 60 day life. Therefore (theoretically) I will have control over the size of the plants.
Second, the plants will be anchored to my structure. They are in a place that they can't be allowed to tip and fall.
So I guess my questions have changed somewhat. I'll likely use the projected area with a sign/parapet for design. However, for a short term load, would anyone recommend (allow) using lower wind speed or reduced safety factor? It's a situation where I'm trying to balance a short term additional dead load where wind loads (especially at a 50 year event) will contribute very significantly to design loads. However, I also need to be balance all this with the possible scenario that someone would like to make these permanent. Man...I didn't like writing that because I then lose control of my plant size too.... Perhaps I've answered my own question.
RE: Wind load on large potted plants/trees.
not sure how you can anchor the plants to your structure. sure you can restrain the pot, but are you putting a collar around the stem of the plant and anchoring that to the supporting structure ? then are you looking at the stem breaking at the collar ? getting an allowable moment on the stem based on diameter and tensile strength, then relating this moment to wind load and a wing speed (or of course the other way 'rounf ... wind speed, airload, moment, stress)