Item: Large-Scale Measurements of Snowdrifts Around Flat Roofed and Single Pitch Roofed Buildings
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Title: Large-Scale Measurements of Snowdrifts Around Flat Roofed and Single Pitch Roofed Buildings
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 1998 International Snow Science Workshop, Sunriver, Oregon
Authors:
- Thomas K. Thiis [ Narvik Institute of Technologyrrhe University Courses on Svalbard ]
- Yngvar Gjessing [ The University Courses on Svalbard, Norway ]
Date: 1998
Abstract: Snowdrifts around buildings can cause serious problems when formed on undesirable places. The formation of snowdrifts is highly connected to the wind pattern around the building, and the wind pattern is again dependent on the building design. The snowdrifts around three different model buildings are investigated. The buildings have the same floor space, 2500 x 2500 mm but different rooftops. The buildings were placed in a valley 3 km wide and 20 km long on Spitsbergen, Norway. The wind in this valley is blowing in the same direction approximately 90% of the time during winter and the site is well suited for studies of snowdrifts and snowdrifting. The wind direction and vertical wind profile is measured. The snowdrift height around each building were surveyed in approximately 200 points and contour maps produced. The different roof designs proved to have a significant influence on the size of the snowdrifts produced. A flat roof gives larger snowdrifts than a single pitch roof, and a single pitch roof tilted upstream the wind gives a larger snowdrift than a single pitch roof tilted downstream the wind. The results can be used to improve building design in areas with snowdrifting conditions.
Language of Article: English
Presenters: Unknown
Keywords: snowdrifting, snow accumulation, snow, buildings
Page Number(s): 67-72
Subjects: snow drifting snow accumulation wind
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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