RTU screens with gap below, snow still to pile? 1

[Echo26]

If you have RTU screens, snow could pile around the RTU screen but if you have a gap let's say 2'-0", wouldn't that change snow piling. Snow will hit the upper portion of the screen, but the wind could blow it off so is it safe to say that there won't be snow piling. Is there a commentary in the building code where it covers this type of roof obstruction?

 

[Echo26]

Sketch attached.

 

[canwesteng]

I don't follow the sketch. What code are you looking for answers from? ASCE 7 has some provisions for snow loading on open structures which might be the closest to what you are describing.

 

[Once20036]

ASCE 7-16 has provisions that define the vertical clearance required in order to ignore drift loads.
I believe that it's 2' (or maybe 3') above the flat roof snow height.

This snow could still drift against the RTU inside the enclosure. If you meet the height requirements, I`d ignore the enclosure when applying drift to the unit.