Practice Question: Factor(s) Influencing Snow Loads

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Solution

Elevation affects snow loads as higher elevations typically experience heavier snowfall. ASCE-7 takes elevation into account when determining design snow loads for different regions.

Technically, ASCE-7 employs elevation as a parameter in the calculation of ground snow loads. Higher elevations experience lower temperatures, leading to more prolonged snow cover and, consequently, heavier snow loads. This elevation factor adjusts the basic ground snow load prescribed in the code for a particular location, accounting for the elevation's impact on snow accumulation.

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