A numerical verification of analytical simulation of roof snow drifts

Abstract

This thesis evaluates and verifies a numerical method proposed to simulate roof snow drifts. The verification process entails a quantitative comparison of the analytical predicted drift size with data procured from a collection of full scale case histories.

The analytical method used in this research is developed by O'Rourke et al. The method is based primarily on the physical principles that govern drift formation. The parameters needed to predict the size of a snow drift analytically include; wind velocity, snow fall, roof geometry and orientation. Herein, the predicted values are compared with those observed in the field. The ratio of the observed and predicted values is characterized probabilistically. The results generated from this study show a reasonable concordance between those values that were measured and those predicted analytically using the simulation model.