Summary
Snow loads on the roofs of structures for agricultural use have been discussed using return period expectation of snow cover depth obtained statistically.HomePage
Statistical properties of the annual snow cover depth of the ground obtained from eighty-nine points in Hokkaido were analyzed. Thomas plot technique with Gumbel's least squares method offered comparatively better return period expectation values for most of the points. Hazen plot technique with Gumbel's moment method was also available.
By means of the statistical properties obtained, return period expectation corresponding to fifteen years and fifty years which are the assumed life of temporary structures and of general structures, were calculated. The fifteen year return period expectation of snow cover depth was about 75 to 89 % of the fifty year return period expectation.
Snow loads on the roofs were calculated according to the Japanese Building Standard and Design Recommendations for Loads on Structures. Assuming that the life of the structures for agricultural use is fifteen years and if we use a fifteen year return period expectation for snow cover depth to calculate loads on roofs, snow loads can be reduced about 20 % compared to the loads for general structures.