3 layer circular plate top unbalanced snow question?

[chrislaope]

For a monument with 3 layers of round plate on top of a column as shown in figure (a) of attached document, when considerring unbalanced snow load, which case do you consider as appropriate? case (b), or case (c)?

i.e. do you consider the unbalanced snow load only on top first layer of the round plate, or you will consider the unbalanced snow load on all 3 layers of the round plate in attached document?

Thanks.

 

[rb1957]

i like b).

i see the conservatism of c), but it looks extreme to me. maybe a 45deg pile of snow along the edge for say a semi-circle.

 

[ishvaaag]

Blizzard may push snow inside the tiers then a more proper view is to consider the 3 layers loaded; it depends of course on the viability of the snow going as deep horizontally but with no restrain against it, that could happen.

Not to forget as well icicles forming in the rim. I remember some spectacular photos of some hailstorm at Genéve around 2005 or so covering everything with mantles, sheets and banners of ice, and I muse there are worse places for that in the world.