SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 29 April 2022
STP163520210035

Evaluation Methods, Hazard Risk Assessment and Mitigation of Building Enclosure Design Elements that are Prone to Ice and Snow Collection and Release

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The collection of ice and snow on a building enclosure can have multiple impacts on design that require consideration. This includes the design of a building's structural snow and ice load capacity, accessibility or egress due to drifting snow, infiltration of snow into openings or accesses, as well as the potential for blockage of mechanical intakes and exhausts by snow. In addition, a key safety consideration is the potential for ice and snow to accumulate and release from a building enclosure, creating a potential hazard to people or damage to property. To address these impacts, microclimate consultants have developed methods of evaluating architectural designs through the analysis of historical meteorological data and site surroundings, in combination with a review of the proposed architectural design details and their exposures. However, given the limited existence of published industry research, guidelines, standards, and building codes on the topic, these types of assessments remain highly experience‐based and therefore rely on the knowledge, expertise, and skill of the evaluator to identify potential design impacts and effectively communicate risk, as well as the relative effectiveness of mitigation and management strategies. Addressing these points, a discussion of current and past practices, evaluation methods, problem and risk identification, as well as mitigation strategies will be presented, along with a case study reviewing a common architectural facade element that is prone to ice and snow collection and release.

Author Information

Carter, Michael
Microclimate Ice & Snow Inc., Cambridge, ON, CA
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Details
Pages: 283–297
DOI: 10.1520/STP163520210035
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-7717-8
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-7716-1