Applying Snow Load and Load Case Manager - VisualAnalysis
Applying Snow Load and Load Case Manager - VisualAnalysis
(OP)
I have a 8.5 Feet Aluminum tube O.D 1.9" with I.D of 1.5" and I want to see if it can pass a specific snow load (Thunder Bay, Ontario)
My snow load (SLS) for Thunder Bay is at 2.45 kPa. (51.1 psf) Using VisualAnalysis, I was able to find the appropriate member. I then selected fixed supports on both ends of my aluminum member.
I want to know how to apply the correct snow load formula from the Load Case Manager. If I am not mistaken, I can use ASCE 7-10 ASD Code. What is the proper combination that I should use. What safety factors are used in such case.
If it helps understand this better, please check out the rough sketch.
Also, how can I incorporate deadload to this? I would appreciate any advice.
My snow load (SLS) for Thunder Bay is at 2.45 kPa. (51.1 psf) Using VisualAnalysis, I was able to find the appropriate member. I then selected fixed supports on both ends of my aluminum member.
I want to know how to apply the correct snow load formula from the Load Case Manager. If I am not mistaken, I can use ASCE 7-10 ASD Code. What is the proper combination that I should use. What safety factors are used in such case.
If it helps understand this better, please check out the rough sketch.
Also, how can I incorporate deadload to this? I would appreciate any advice.






RE: Applying Snow Load and Load Case Manager - VisualAnalysis
The load combinations and factors are in the National Building Code of Canada Part 4 of division B. Generally you would want to try multiple load combinations to find the worst case. Deadloads would be the weight of the assemblies - you know the materials, volumes, and densities. You should be able to create a UDL from the self weight. If you anticipate permanent loads on the structure (like heavy machinery that doesn't move) that would be included in dead load as well.
RE: Applying Snow Load and Load Case Manager - VisualAnalysis
You should be designing to loading and combinations as per the Ontario Building Code and if you're using structural aluminium your design code would be CAN/CSA-S157.