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Structural Engineering, Wind/Snow Load & FEA Calculations

Every Spanbest building is mathematically simulated using advanced 3D FEA (Finite Element Analysis) software. We calculate site-specific wind velocity pressures, snow drifting loads, seismic factors, and thermal expansion strictly to ASCE 7-16 (US), Eurocode EN 1991 (EU), and AS/NZS 1170 (Australia).

✓ Site-Specific FEA Simulation

✓ ASCE 7-16, Eurocode & AS/NZS 1170

✓ Jurisdiction-Specific Engineer Review Available

✓ Full Foundation Reaction Force Tables

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3D FEA STRESS SIMULATION & STAMPED DRAWINGS

Heavy Clear-Span Industrial Hangar 3D Finite Element Analysis Simulation

60m Column-Free Space-Frame Truss with Site-Specific Reaction Calculations

TBD

Site-Specific Design Wind

TBD

Site-Specific Ground Snow

FEA 3D

Finite Element Analysis

Engineer Reviewed

Certified Drawings

Site-Specific Structural Assurance

Do Not Worry About Wind or Snow Loads — We Calculate the Building Around Your Site.

Spanbest does not rely on a generic wind or snow number. We establish the governing code and site actions, calculate pressure and snow patterns, analyze the full structural system, report utilization and deflection, and issue foundation reactions for local civil coordination.

01 · INPUT

Confirm Site & Operation

Location, coordinates, altitude, terrain, building geometry, doors, use, collateral equipment and soil report.

02 · ACTIONS

Calculate Wind & Snow

Code-specific velocity pressure, external/internal pressures, uplift, balanced/unbalanced snow and drifting patterns.

03 · ANALYSIS

Run 3D Structural Model

ULS/SLS load combinations, P-Delta, buckling, member utilization, connection forces and serviceability.

04 · DELIVER

Issue the Calculation Package

Calculation report, model views, reactions, member schedules, deflections, drawings and agreed engineer certification.

View Calculation Book Template Download PDF Template

Required Client Information

What We Need to Start the Calculation

If some inputs are unavailable, our team will identify them as TBD and help establish the appropriate design basis before fabrication.

Site & Code

Project address and coordinates
Elevation and terrain photographs
Required local code and national annex
Risk/importance category and design life

Building Geometry

Span, length, eave and apex clearance
Bay spacing and end-wall configuration
Door type, size and open-door operation
Equipment, crane and access envelopes

Ground & Environment

Wind and snow authority data if available
Nearby buildings, parapets and drift obstructions
Soil report and allowable bearing pressure
Frost, groundwater and seismic information

Transparent Calculation Workflow

Wind Load — Step-by-Step Calculation Record

1. Establish Design Wind Basis

Confirm code edition, return period, risk category, basic/design wind speed basis, exposure/terrain, altitude and topographic effects. Each source and coefficient is recorded.

2. Calculate Velocity Pressure

Use the governing code expression for height-dependent velocity pressure. The report lists every coefficient and unit. All project values remain TBD until location is confirmed.

3. Determine Surface Pressures

Calculate external coefficients for roof, walls, corners and end zones; determine internal pressure from enclosure and dominant-opening conditions, including open-door operation.

4. Generate Wind Cases

Resolve net pressures, uplift and suction for principal and oblique directions, then apply the governing cases to the analytical model and envelope the reactions.

Balanced, Unbalanced & Drifted Patterns

Snow Load — Step-by-Step Calculation Record

1. Confirm Ground Snow

Identify governing map/authority value, altitude adjustment, climatic region and jurisdictional amendments. Site ground snow remains TBD until confirmed.

2. Apply Exposure & Thermal Factors

Record exposure, thermal condition, importance and roof-shape factors from the selected code and national annex.

3. Model Snow Patterns

Check balanced loading, asymmetric/unbalanced loading, sliding snow and drifts at steps, parapets, adjacent buildings, doors and rooftop equipment.

4. Combine & Verify

Build governing ULS/SLS combinations, verify members, membranes/cables, connections, deflection, stability, anchors and foundation reactions.

Calculation Package Contents

What the Client Receives

Design Basis

Codes, site data, assumptions, geometry, materials, actions and complete load-combination tables.

Analysis Results

3D model views, displacement plots, utilization tables, stability checks and governing cases.

Foundation Reactions

Compression, uplift, shear and moment envelopes by support for local foundation design.

Drawing Package

General arrangement, elevations, key details and project-specific issue/revision status.

Quality Hold Point: Spanbest issues the calculation basis for client review before fabrication release. Changes to location, openings, equipment or geometry trigger a documented calculation revision.

Distinct Engineering Disciplines

System-Specific Wind & Snow Load Calculations

Open canopies create aerodynamic lift; air domes rely on internal differential pressure; rigid frames resist crane fatigue; aviation hangars account for jet-blast open-door suction. We do not recycle generic load statements.

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ASCE 7-16 Category III / ICAO

Aviation Hangars

Calculates aerodynamic net roof suction under open-door internal overpressurization ($GC_{pi} = +0.55$) combined with tarmac jet-blast dynamic pressures.