Close

A classic roof step: The FAE method takes the orientation of a roof step relative to prevailing winter drifting winds into account.

Prev Next

  • Comprehensive Snow Loading Overview

    Our proprietary Finite Area Element (FAE) method is a comprehensive snow loading simulation that combines the results of a wind tunnel study with a computer model and decades of meteorological data. The project receives detailed design snow loads that replace simplified code calculated loads.  In effect, we are able to observe how snow would have accumulated on the building and the resulting snow loads for all of the years on record. This allows structural engineers to optimize their design to support snow loads. This simulation is the only method available wherein lower-than-code snow loads can be recommended for structural design. 
       
    While typically employed on large roofs such as stadiums, the FAE has been utilized successfully with complex roof geometries, where the code factors cannot accurately account for the intricacies of the design.  It has also been used in forensic analysis, to determine the loads contributing to a roof collapse.

    The FAE method has been used to revise the recommended snow load requirements in the National Building Code of Canada (1995 and 2005 editions).

  • Benefits

    Optimize design through loading:  As the FAE can give loads accurate to the site and proposed building shape there, is the potential for loads that are less than those recommended in building codes and standards.

    Forensic analysis:  can be used to determine the snow loads on a roof prior to collapse.

    Increased roof insulation:      Anecdotal evidence has illustrated that increased roof insulation will result in higher snow loads on the roof.  Currently, some codes and building standards are unable to account for this.

    Roof drainage:  The FAE can calculate the maximum drainage flow rates including rain and melt water.

    Peak loads: In most cases, the design load occurs late in a cold winter where snow has accumulated and has not had the opportunity to melt.  Peak loads are often associated with a late season rain event.