Roof snow load case studies gathered throughout the United States over a three-year period are analyzed. The objective of the analysis is to determine a relationship between the snow load on the ground and the corresponding uniform snow load on flat and sloped roofs. The main parameters considered are the thermal characteristics of the roof, the roof slope and the exposure of the structure. Exposure has the strongest effect on the ratio of ground to roof snow loads. Comparisons are made with existing and proposed building codes and standards. (Author).

Roof snow load case studies gathered throughout the United States over a three-year period are analyzed. The objective of the analysis is to determine a relationship between the snow load on the ground and the corresponding uniform snow load on flat and sloped roofs. The main parameters considered are the thermal characteristics of the roof, the roof slope and the exposure of the structure. Exposure has the strongest effect on the ratio of ground to roof snow loads. Comparisons are made with existing and proposed building codes and standards. (Author).

Michael O'Rourke provides an detailed and authoritative interpretation of the snow load provisions of Standard ASCE/SEI 7-16, accompanied by 35 practical design examples.