Roof Snow Loads
Chris Johnson - FIOANH Training
We have shared this information about snow loads on structures and roofs in the past, but with the two feet of fresh snow that most of the state received in the past week followed by the expected rain and warmer temperatures coming I thought it would be of value to pass on again.
Attached is an article shared by Lt. Bill Greenwood from Keene Fire & owner of FETC Services that offers some tactical considerations for fire ground operations under a heavy snow load. This article was also recently posted by Fire Engineering: http://community.fireengineering.com/profiles/blog/show?xg_source=activity&id=1219672%3ABlogPost%3A592076
Also attached is a document that was prepared by Deputy Chief Sean Toomey from Concord Fire, who is also a certified engineer. Concord Fire has used this document for the past several years as a guideline when conducting structural risk analysis of buildings. Obviously as firefighters we are not structural engineers, and are operating at the "awareness level", so to speak, but this document gives us a reasonable idea of the collapse risk or potential when we are asked to assess a situation. In the event we feel there is even a slightly elevated risk we should always request consultation from the local building inspector or other certified authority. The NH State Fire Marshal's Office also released a snow load warning today which offers assistance with specific concerns. That press release is on their Facebook page.
Finally, the Structural Engineers of New Hampshire (www.senh.org) have a very detailed US Army Corps of Engineers PDF report available on their website which gives a snow load guideline by jurisdiction in the state. We all know that the average storm in Jaffrey is considerably different than Hampton or Berlin, so browsing their research paper may give you better local insight to work with. Here is that report: http://www.senh.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/tr02-6.pdf
Please feel free to share this info with others and, as always, be safe!
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