Green Roof Structural Loads

Specification drivers for green roofs.

Green roof structural loads.

One cubic foot of dry agricultural dirt or loam typically used for a green roof weighs between 75 and 81 pounds. Thus they have more substantial structural loads and need more frequent maintenance and watering. Sullivan engineering is uniquely qualified in green. Semi intensive green roofs include features of both.

Suitable applications for each green roof system. Note that the use of soil load h in the asce load combinations was intended to cover lateral earth pressures. 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. 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.

The load bearing capacity of a building must be known before planning a green roof wall or facade. Is to assume that the green roof is a soil load rather than a dead load. Of green roofs and recommended structural design specifications and strategies will also be presented. Structural loads weight of green rooftops.

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. They are usually accessible. 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. 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 vast array of systems are available depending on the owner s budget intended use and roof deck load capacity. A structural engineer s advice is essential to ensure comprehensive design development based on the building s construction condition and weight loading capacity. Saturated with water the weight can increase by as much as 35 to around 100 to 110 pounds per cubic foot.