lumikuorman

Lumikuorma is the vertical force exerted by accumulated snow on structures, most notably roofs. It is a fundamental parameter in structural design, safety assessments, and maintenance planning in regions with substantial snowfall.

The magnitude and distribution of lumikuorma depend on climate and geography (region, elevation, prevailing wind), snow type and density, density changes during thaw, and architectural factors such as roof pitch, surface area, and exposure. Wind can cause drifting, leading to localized increases on windward sides or in valleys and cornices.

In design practice, lumikuorma is expressed as design snow load. Designers derive it from local snow-load statistics and building codes, which provide methods to convert ground snow load to roof conditions, with adjustments for slope, exposure, thermal conditions, and redundancy. The calculation typically involves safety factors to account for uncertainties in snowfall, duration, and structural resistance.

Regulatory context varies by country and region, but most jurisdictions require structures to be designed to withstand expected snow loads plus contingencies. Data sources include meteorological records, snow surveys, and regional climate maps maintained by authorities or standards bodies.

Practical implications include roof design (beam sizes, connections), insulation and ventilation to limit excessive snow accumulation, and drainage strategies to prevent ice dams. In areas with heavy snowfall, regular snow removal and snow guards are common measures to reduce lumikuorma and protect structural elements and occupants.

See also: Snow load, Roof load, Building code, Structural engineering.