Snow Load Increase
Snow Load Increase
(OP)
We do a very few buildings in Arizona. We had done a building in 2013 and we had contacted the city and confirmed the ground snow load to be 40 psf. We have the pdf design criteria from the city that shows the ground snow to be 40 psf. We are doing a new job in the city and we downloaded the same pdf and now it shows the roof snow to be 40 psf. Should we be concerned for the building done in 2013? The city is Williams.






RE: Snow Load Increase
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: Snow Load Increase
RE: Snow Load Increase
RE: Snow Load Increase
RE: Snow Load Increase
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: Snow Load Increase
RE: Snow Load Increase
Sometimes code officials don't the difference between ground snow load and roof snow load.
A call to the jurisdiction is in order. Of course, you will probably get a receptionist who falls into the latter category. Try to email the building official and get it in writing.
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RE: Snow Load Increase
I wouldn't be concerned about the 2013 building.
RE: Snow Load Increase
That's been my experience - some AHJ's don't understand the difference.
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RE: Snow Load Increase
RE: Snow Load Increase
If you are able to get an answer, GET IT IN WRITING.
RE: Snow Load Increase
RE: Snow Load Increase
RE: Snow Load Increase
Williams is about 35 miles from Flagstaff which changed their roof requirement as a result of a snow event around 2010. I don't know if this applies to Williams too. It's not impossible that the requirement changed from 40 psf ground in 2013 to the current 40 psf roof. See attached report.
RE: Snow Load Increase
In my state, we have over 100 years of data in some sites. Some building departments use values that are way over conservative. Others, are right on and match the data.
RE: Snow Load Increase