ASME VIII roof loads

[goMSUfootball]

I've been trying to develop safe access to roofs of the tanks and vessels on our site. API 650 and 620 have very clera language about minimum live loads for maintenace access. However I have 2 vessels the prints say were designed to the ASME VIII external pressure. I went through ASME VIII and have found no reference other than "wind, sesimic and other applicable live loads should be considered."

Ami I missing something? All other major codes have a minimum Live Load. I understand ASME VIII has a wider scope than API but still - no minimun requiremetns spelled out?

 

[TGS4]

Probably not he best forum for posting this - try forum794. However, to answer your question, none of ASME Section VIII, Division 1, 2 or 3 have minimum requirements for external loads, other than pressure. The purpose of the Code is pressure integrity. What people choose to hang off the vessel, load on the vessel, etc, is extra.

 

[JStephen]

And to what external pressure were they designed?

Generally, this isn't an issue as an ASME vessel will be adequate for a whole lot more localized loading than the roof of an atmospheric tank. Also, vessels are more likely to be treated as mechanical items, which don't normally have allowable live loads. What's the allowable live load on your car hood?