Glossary · Snow and wind

Reliability factor for the limit value γfm

The multiplier on S₀ and W₀ that depends on the mean return period T: 1.00 at 50 years, 1.14 at 100 years (Tables 8.1, 9.1).

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Definition

In DBN V.1.2-2:2006 the characteristic S₀ and W₀ refer to a 50-year period. If a structure is meant to last longer or shorter, the limit value is adjusted with γfm. For snow it comes from Table 8.1 (cl. 8.11), for wind from Table 9.1 (cl. 9.14). Intermediate values are interpolated linearly.

T, yearsγfm, snow (Table 8.1)γfm, wind (Table 9.1)
100.690.69
400.960.96
501.001.00
1001.141.14
1501.221.22

For mass construction the norm allows the mean return period to be taken equal to the structure’s service life. For structures of higher importance T is computed as Tef · Kp (formulae 8.6 and 9.6) from the required probability of non-exceedance.

Example: Kyiv

For Kyiv at T = 50 years the limit snow load on a flat surface equals S₀ = 1,550 Pa. At T = 100 years it is 1,550 · 1.14 = 1,767 Pa. If you plan a 25-year plant, the wind γfm is 0.87 (listed in Table 9.1) and the snow one is interpolated between 20 and 40 years: ≈ 0.86.

How Solispec applies it

In Solispec the service life is a separate input, 50 years by default, so γfm = 1.00. The engine interpolates Tables 8.1 and 9.1 linearly and applies the two factors to Sm and Wm separately, since the snow and wind tables differ slightly.

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Solispec’s calculation is preliminary: for a design it has to be checked by an engineer. The values and clauses follow the current editions of the norms on the date of the page.