This webinar was co-sponsored by ASCE's Structural Engineering Institute and ASCE Continuing Education

Purpose and Background

As architects move further away from “boring” box-like structures, structural engineers frequently encounter roof geometrics or snow loading situations not specifically covered in ASCE 7. Another common problem is a new high level addition adjacent to an existing lower level roof. The desire to avoid the cost and difficulty in reinforcing the “now” lower level roof often leads structural engineers to ask “what if” questions. In both such cases it is useful to have an understanding of snow drifting on roofs with “unusual” shapes. The objective of this webinar is to provide practicing structural engineers with such an understanding. This will be accomplished through case studies of three unusually shaped roofs, as well as various mitigation approaches for a new higher roof adjacent to an existing “lower roof” geometry.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Quantify the benefit of often suggested approaches for the “new” roof step geometry
• Brain-storm potential snow loading scenarios for unusual roof geometries

Webinar Benefits

• Increase confidence and comfort level with one-of-a-kind roofs
• Expand client base to high-end architects
• Increase firm profile through involvement in signature structures
• Facilitate professional growth of employees 

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Intended Audience

Practicing structural engineers involved in building design will benefit from this webinar.

Webinar Outline

The webinar will cover roof snow loading for structures not specifically covered by ASCE 7. Included in the first group are the somewhat common “new addition” roof step, the short canopy, and multiple canopies geometries. The second group includes sample one-of-a-kind roof shapes, specifically “the Slide”, “the Wing” and “Multiple Tent” roof geometries.