What are IBC 2000 agricultural building roof live loads 1

[crozroz0000]

In IBC 1607.11.2.1 greenhouses require a roof live load of 10psf. I am not designing a greenhouse, but an agricultural building. Is it possible to reduce the live load if it is for agricultural use? Currently I am using Equation 16-4 (Lr=20R1R2 ...) to calculate live load for ag buidlings. I would like to get the liveload down as low as possible. Is there another code I can use that will get me lower loads.

 

[JAE]

Where is the building located?

 

[crozroz0000]

It is located in Suches, Georgia

 

[JAE]

So no snow loading...

I believe that the greenhouse live load is low due to the fact that the glass cannot directly hold individuals walking on it and thus, only supports rain.

If its a typical roof, where you can get individuals on it, I would think you'd still need to design for the required code roof live load - 20 psf reducable per tributary area. (EQ 16-4).

Now this assumes that you are in an area that has an adopted building code and building authority. This can be a city, county or state code. In some agricultural settings, there is no mandated code or code authority. If so, you can technically design for whatever you want but you would be especially liable if you designed for a low live load and the roof collapsed and hurt someone.

 

[crozroz0000]

You answered my question fully. Thank you much.

 

[RARWOOD]

I would not use less than 20 p.s.f. You also want to make sure you look closely at the wind loading.

In the past Minnesota exempted Ag. buildings from the State Building Code. However as JAE pointed out, that does not relive the engineer of design responsiblities. In most states you are required to meet the standard of practice common in the industry. In most cases that would be the IBC or ASCE-7.

 

[crozroz0000]

RARSWC,

Thank you for the help. I am a young engineer and can use all the help I can get. You've both helped me a lot. My first post on ENG-TIPS has been a sucess thanks to you both.