Snow Loads on Non-Building Structures

Abstract

It is not uncommon to have petrochemical facilities such as refineries, natural gas processing facilities and pipe line projects located in cold and arctic regions. The snow and ice considerations of the non-building structures and the components present unique design considerations for engineers. Non-building structures such as pipe bridges, pipe racks, multi level open equipment structures, storage tanks, electrical cable tray, air coolers, and equipment supporting structures retain snow differently than buildings. ASCE 7 does not have specific provisions for snow and ice on non building structures and components. Process Industry Practices (PI) and American Petroleum Institute (API) recommendations do not give comprehensive design procedures or guidelines for calculating snow and ice loads on non-building structures and components. Engineering judgment is used for adapting the snow and ice provisions for buildings to non-building structures. Calculation of the snow and ice loads becomes even more critical if the facility in a high seismic zone due to the added seismic mass. This paper provides recommendations for calculating the snow and ice loads for non-building structures and components based on the knowledge and experience of the authors. Snow loading on specific non-building structures are examined and recommendations based on current industry practices are presented