BS EN 1991-1-3 is a series of European standards on actions on structures that discusses the best procedures for measuring snow load on structures. BS EN 1991-1-3 gives guidance to determine the values of loads due to snow to be used for the structural design of buildings and civil engineering works. BS EN 1991-1-3 does not apply for sites at altitudes above 1 500 m unless otherwise specified.
BS EN 1991-1-3 on actions on structures is relevant to:
Snow load is the downward force on a building's roof by the weight of accumulated snow and ice. The roof or the entire structure can fail if the snow load exceeds the weight the building was designed to shoulder. Or if the building was poorly designed or constructed. BS EN 1991-1-3 provides guidance on design situations, snow load on the ground, snow load on roofs, local effects.
As a user of BS EN 1991-1-3, you can be ensured of snow load on a building's roof. BS EN 1991-1-3 gives information on different design situations and load arrangements that should be used for different locations. With obedience and compliance to BS EN 1991-1-3, you can efficiently design a building structure that could handle snow loads. BS EN 1991-1-3 defines various parameters including the characteristic values of snow loading on the ground and the shape coefficients that should be used for roof treatments for both undrafted and drifted snow as well as for exceptional snow drifts.
EN 1991-1-3:2003/A1:2015