In Canada, buildings are designed to environmental loads specified in the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC). In select areas of Newfoundland and Labrador, the NBCC specified snow loads have increased dramatically over the last number of decades. As a major landlord with a number of schools, hospitals, courts, etc., the Province was concerned that some older buildings may not be sufficiently strong to sustain current snow loads.
Dillon conducted a desktop study to consider the theoretical effects of the snow load increase. Strong evidence indicated that some older buildings could have dramatically reduced factors of safety due to load increases.
In select locations, the Province asked Dillon to look at the roof structures of buildings with the greatest snow load increases and do the following:
- Confirm as-built condition of the roofs
- Apply current snow loads to the roof structures
- Conduct structural analysis of roof structures under current snow loads
- Report findings and recommendations of structural upgrades as required.