Applying Snow Load and Load Case Manager - VisualAnalysis

[Mustafinho]

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.

 

[allgoodnamestaken]

It seems unlikely that using ASCE codes for Thunder Bay snow loads is appropriate. I'll assume your 2.45 kpa SLS value for snow loading is ok (it's pretty reasonable for a small structure in Thunder Bay).

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.

 

[TLHS]

Using ASCE-7 wouldn't be acceptable to the local building authorities. Also, ASD isn't a recognized design methodology in Canada.

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.