Snow load on multi-level process structure

[BamaStrucPESE]

Any advice/experience on applying snow loads to a multi-level process structure with floor plate? It's obvious the top level would see a full snow load, but I can't find any info on applying snow to the lower levels that would be blocked a certain amount. I'm thinking applying it to the first 5' or so at the perimeter for wind blown snow.

 

[steellion]

If snow can get there (i.e. it's not an interior space), then you should assume it can get there and design for it. The snow often blows sideways here in a storm. Your snow drifts at changes in elevation may also be quite large.

 

[thaidavid40]

If the sides of the lower levels are open, and you have process equipment providing wind "shadows", then I take the windward snow drift loads and apply them to the most critical side, putting them against the sides of the exposed equipment. I don't place any balanced snow load past that, as the floor plate above shields the majority of the floor below. If the floor above is open grating however, I (conservatively, I hope) place 50% of the balanced snow load on the next level down from the top, to account for snow filtering through, and none below that level.
Dave

Thaidavid