What is the ground snow load psf in nova scotia Canada?

Answer 1

1. Use the formula, L = H . D (where L is the snow load in kg/meter squared, H is the height of the snow cover in meters, and D is the density of the snow in kg/meter cubed).

2. Get data from the first link below: Average maximum snow cover in Nova Scotia ~ 50 - 100 cm; average density of freshly fallen snow ~ 100 kg/meter cubed; average density of settled snowpack ~ 200 to 300 kg/meter cubed.

3. Convert result from metric to English units, using 1 kg = 2.2 lbs, and 1 meter squared = 10.76 square feet.

4. This gives, for example, the following range of snow loads for Cape Breton, Nova Scotia: (a) 10 psf for freshly fallen snow of depth 50 cm; (b) 60 psf for settled snowpack of 100 cm depth with a maximum density of 300 kg/meter cubed; (c) 50 psf for settled snowpack of 100 cm depth average density 250 kg/meter cubed.

5. This compares with the result of 46 psf listed for Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the second link below.

These results are for snow laying on the ground. On a rooftop, the results would depend on the shape of the roof and other factors identifed, for example, in the third link below. This source also presents graphs showing experimental measurements of snow load, for different snow conditions.

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http:/atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/environment/climate/snowcover

http:/www.canadiangeographic.ca/Magazinejf03/alacarte.asp

www.aij.or.jp/jpn/symposium/2006/loads/Chapter5_com.pdf