Client: Structural Engineer’s Association of Colorado
Completion Date: 2016
Services: Research and Development, Building Codes and Standards

Summary:

JRH played a critical role in the development of revised design snow loads for structural engineering applications in Colorado, as part of the Structural Engineers Association of Colorado (SEAC) Snow Load Committee. This effort aimed to transition from a uniform hazard approach to a uniform risk approach, ensuring consistent structural safety across varying climates and elevations. JRH contributed to data analysis, reliability assessments, and the development of probabilistic models to predict snow loads, incorporating over 300 snow sites across the state. The study resulted in improved snow load mapping methods based on altitude, historical snow accumulation data, and structural reliability targets aligned with ASCE/SEI 7 national standards. Additionally, the work provided guidance for risk-based structural design, serviceability considerations, and future improvements in snow load assessments.