Green Roof Structural Loads

With one of north america s first certified green roof professionals as well as a leed ap on staff combined with our expertise in roof consulting and structural engineering.

Green roof structural loads.

Astm e2397 is the established standard procedure for determining the dead and live loads associated with green roof systems. Structural loads weight of green rooftops. They are usually accessible. One cubic foot of dry agricultural dirt or loam typically used for a green roof weighs between 75 and 81 pounds.

Height of the green roof systems which will affect upstand requirements weight range of each system which may determine the structural support you need maintenance needs for green roofs and. Semi intensive green roofs include features of both. Of green roofs and recommended structural design specifications and strategies will also be presented. Suitable applications for each green roof system.

The load bearing capacity of a building must be known before planning a green roof wall or facade. Saturated with water the weight can increase by as much as 35 to around 100 to 110 pounds per cubic foot. Intensive green roofs have more soil and a deeper growing medium sometimes several feet that can support a more diverse plant selection including small trees. Structural engineers determine the loading requirements of a roof to resist live loads forces such as snow rainwater rooftop equipment green roofs and maintenance crews as well as dead loads the basic roofing structure and materials.

Sullivan engineering is uniquely qualified in green. Thus they have more substantial structural loads and need more frequent maintenance and watering. Note that the use of soil load h in the asce load combinations was intended to cover lateral earth pressures. The dead load of a green roof assembly should be determined on a project specific basis because growth medium composition varies from job to job.

A structural engineer s advice is essential to ensure comprehensive design development based on the building s construction condition and weight loading capacity. Is to assume that the green roof is a soil load rather than a dead load. Specification drivers for green roofs.