Source: Rain, Snow, and Ice Loads: Time-Saving Methods Using the 2018 IBC and ASCE/SEI 7-16,

1st Edition
ISBN: 9781260461527
Authors: David A. Fanella

2. Rain Loads
Click here for the Rain Loads spreadsheet calculator.

2.1. Overview
This chapter contains methods to calculate design rain loads, R, in accordance with IBC 1611 and ASCE/SEI Chapter 8. The
total rain load is equal to (1) the load created by the amount of accumulated rainwater on a roof assuming the primary drainage
system for that portion is blocked plus (2) the uniform load caused by water that rises above the inlet of the secondary drainage
systems at its design flow. Requirements for ponding instability and ponding loads are also covered.

2.2. Notation
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2.2. Notation
A = tributary roof area plus one-half the wall area that diverts rainwater onto the roof (where applicable) serviced by a single
drain outlet in the secondary drainage system, ft2 (m2 )

b = width of channel or closed scupper, in. (mm)

dh = additional depth of water on the undeflected roof above the inlet of the secondary drainage system at its design flow
(that is, the hydraulic head), in. (mm)

dh1 = known hydraulic head from ASCE/SEI Tables C8.3-1 and C8.3-2, in. (mm)
dh2 = hydraulic head to be determined by ASCE/SEI Equation (C8.3-3) for the specified secondary drain, in. (mm)
ds = depth of water on the undeflected roof up to the inlet of the secondary drainage system when the primary drainage
system is blocked (that is, the static head), in. (mm)

D = overflow dam or standpipe diameter, in. (mm)

= diameter of circular scupper, in. (mm)

D1 = overflow dam or standpipe diameter for secondary (overflow) drain corresponding to dh1 for a given flow rate, Q, as
shown in ASCE/SEI Tables C8.3-1 and C8.3-2, in. (mm)

D2 = specified overflow dam or standpipe diameter for secondary (overflow) drain corresponding to dh2 for a given flow
rate, Q, in. (mm)

h = height of channel or closed scupper, in. (mm)

i = design rainfall intensity, in./h (mm/h)
Lp = span of primary members, ft (m)
Lr = length of level roof edge that allows for free overflow drainage of rainwater when the roof edge is acting as the
secondary drainage system, ft (m)

Ls = span of secondary members, ft (m)

Q = flow rate out of a single drainage system, gal./min (m3/s)
R = rain load on the undeflected roof, in lb/ft2 (kN/m2). When the phrase "undeflected roof" is used, deflections from loads
(including dead loads) are not considered when determining the amount of rain on the roof.

S = spacing of secondary members, ft (m)

β = roof rise in inches (mm) per unit run

2.3. Procedure to Determine Rain Load, R

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2.3. Procedure to Determine Rain Load, R
A step-by-step procedure to determine the rain load, R, is given in Fig. 2.1. The sections of this publication referenced in Fig. 2.1
contain additional information needed to calculate R.

Figure 2.1 Procedure to determine rain load, R.

2.4. Rainfall Intensity, i

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2.4. Rainfall Intensity, i
Design rainfall intensity, i, can be obtained by using the map in IBC Figure 1611.1 or by entering an address or the latitude and
longitude of the site in Refs. 3 and 4 (see Table 2.1).

Table 2.1 Resources to Obtain Design Rainfall Intensity, i

Rainfall Event Parameters

Resource Duration (minutes) Return Period (years)

*Reference 4 also contains rainfall event parameters for events with durations and return periods other than those listed in this table.

IBC Figure 1611.1 60 100

ASCE 7 Hazard Tool ( Ref. 3) 15 100

60 100

Precipitation Frequency Data Server ( Ref. 4)* 15 100

60 100

A 60-minute duration/100-year return period rainfall event is specified in IBC 1611 for the design of both the primary and
secondary drainage systems. In ASCE/SEI 8.2, the design of the primary drainage system is to be based on a rainfall intensity
equal to or greater than the 60-minute/100-year return period storm. Also, the design flow rate of the secondary (overflow)
drains (including roof drains and downstream piping) or scuppers and their resulting hydraulic head, dh, is to be based on a
rainfall intensity equal to or greater than the 15-minute/100-year return period storm.

With everything else being equal, i for a 15-minute/100-year event is about 2.0 to 2.5 larger thani for a 60-minute/100-year
return event, which means Q and R are larger for 15-minute/100-year events. It is always good practice to check with the local
jurisdiction to ensure that the proper value of i is used in determining R.

2.5. Flow Rate, Q

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2.5. Flow Rate, Q
The flow rate, Q, of rainwater through a single drainage system is determined by ASCE/SEI Equations (C8.3-1) and (C8.3-1.si):

Q = 0.0104Ai (gal./min)

(2.1)

Q = (0.278 × 10−6)Ai (m 3/s)

(2.2)

The constants in these equations are obtained based on the units associated with the variables in the equations:

in. 1 ft 7.48 gal. 1h

In Eq. (2.1) : Constant = ft2 × × × × = 0.0104
h 12 in. ft3 60 min
mm 1m 1h
In Eq. (2.2) : Constant = m2 × × × = 0.278 × 10−6
h 1,000 mm 3,600 s

The tributary area, A, is equal to the tributary roof area plus one-half the wall area that diverts rainwater onto the roof (where
applicable) serviced by a single drain outlet in the secondary drainage system. Relatively large walls adjacent to roofs have the
potential to divert substantial wind-driven rain flow down the wall to the roof.

2.6. Static Head, ds

The static head, ds, is the depth of water on the undeflected roof up to the inlet of the secondary drainage system and is
determined in the design of the combined drainage system (see Figs. 2.2 through 2.4 below). It is usually specified to be in the
range of 2 to 4 in. (51 to 102 mm) in depth.

Figure 2.2 Determination of dh—Roof edge overflow.

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 Figure 2.3 Determination of dh—Roof drains.

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 Figure 2.4 Determination of dh—Scuppers.

2.7. Hydraulic Head, dh

The hydraulic head, dh, is related to Q and the type and size of the secondary drainage system. Methods to determine dh are
given in the following figures for three types of secondary drainage systems:

Figure 2.2 for roof edge overflow (see ASCE/SEI C8.3)

Figure 2.3 for roof drains (see ASCE/SEI C8.3)

Figure 2.4 for scuppers (see ASCE/SEI C8.3 and Ref. 5)

2.8. Total Head

The total head is defined as the static head (ds) plus the hydraulic head (dh) associated with the design flow rate (Q) for the
specified secondary drainage system. This is the depth of the rainwater used to calculate R.

2.9. Rain Load, R

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2.9. Rain Load, R
The rain load, R, is calculated by IBC Equation (16-35) or ASCE/SEI Equations (8.3-1) and (8.3-1.si):

R = 5.2(ds + dh) (lb/ft2)

(2.3)

R = 0.0098(ds + dh) (kN/m2)

(2.4)

The constants in these equations are equal to the unit load of rainwater, which is the density per unit depth of rainwater:

62.4 lb/ft3
In Eq. (2.3) : = 5.2 lb/ft2/in.
12 in./ft
9.8 kN/m3
In Eq. (2.4) : = (0.0098 kN/m2)/mm
1,000 mm/m

2.10. Ponding Instability and Ponding Loading

Where roofs do not have adequate slope or have insufficient and/or blocked drains to remove water due to rain (or melting
snow), water will tend to pond in low areas, which will cause the roof structure to deflect. These low areas will subsequently
attract even more water, leading to additional deflection. The structural members supporting the roof must be stiff enough so
that deflections will not continually increase until instability occurs, resulting in localized failure.

An analysis for ponding instability must be performed for susceptible bays (ASCE/SEI 8.4). In general, a susceptible bay is any
bay where water is impounded on the roof prior to reaching a secondary drainage system, regardless of the slope of the roof.
The susceptible bays defined in ASCE/SEI 8.4 are illustrated in Figs. 2.5 through 2.8.

Figure 2.5 Example of susceptible bays for ponding evaluation.

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 Figure 2.6 Example of a roof where all bays are susceptible to ponding.

Figure 2.7 Susceptible bays where secondary members are perpendicular to the free draining edge
of the roof.

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 Figure 2.8 Susceptible bays where secondary members are parallel to the free draining edge of the
roof.

The roof slope limits of ¼ in. per ft (1.19 degrees) and 1 in. per ft (4.76 degrees) in ASCE/SEI 8.4 correspond to secondary
members perpendicular and parallel to the free draining edge of a roof, respectively, and are based on a maximum deflection to
span ratio of 1/240 assuming the sidewall (or primary roof member) at the free draining edge is rigid (that is, the vertical
deflection of the sidewall or primary roof member is negligible compared to the deflection of the secondary and other primary
members). The equations in ASCE/SEI C8.4 for the minimum roof rise, β, for a run of 1 foot form the basis of these limits. It is
assumed no water is impounded in a bay where β is greater than or equal to the values determined by the following equations:

For bays with secondary members perpendicular to the free draining edge of the roof:

1 + (Lp/Ls)
β=
10

(2.5)

For bays with secondary members parallel to the free draining edge of the roof:

(Ls/S) + π
β=
20

(2.6)

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Values of β determined by Eq. (2.5) are given in Fig. 2.9 for primary and secondary members with spans ranging from 20 to 60
ft (6.1 to 18.3 m). Similarly, values of β determined by Eq. (2.6) are given in Fig. 2.10 for secondary beam spans and spacings
ranging from 20 to 60 ft (6.1 to 18.3 m) and 3 to 12 ft (0.9 to 3.7 m), respectively.

Figure 2.9 Roof rise, β, for susceptible bays where secondary members are perpendicular to the
free draining edge of the roof.

Figure 2.10 Roof rise, β, for susceptible bays where secondary members are parallel to the free
draining edge of the roof.

For roofs without free draining edges, the primary and secondary structural members must have adequate flexural stiffness to
avoid ponding instability.

In all cases, the dead load, D, and the full design rain load, R, must be used when performing a ponding analysis. A design
method for roof structures considering loads from ponding is given in Ref. 6; this method accounts for the flexural rigidities of
the primary and secondary structural members.

2.11. Examples
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The following examples illustrate the determination of rain loads for various types of secondary drainage systems. The steps in
Fig. 2.1 are used to determine R. In all examples, a rainfall intensity from a 15-minute duration/100-year return period event is
used to calculate R. Examples are also provided on evaluation for ponding instability.

2.11.1. Example 2.1—Calculation of Rain Loads for a Roof with Edge

Overflow
Determine the rain load, R, on the roof in Fig. 2.11 given the design data in Table 2.2. A section at the roof edge is also shown in
Fig. 2.11; the roof edge is at the same elevation on all four sides of the roof and rainwater can flow freely over the edges.

Figure 2.11 Roof plan, Example 2.1.

Table 2.2 Design Data for Example 2.1

Location Schaumburg, IL (Latitude = 42.03°, Longitude = −88.08°)

Secondary roof drainage system Rainwater overflow on two edges

Solution

Step 1—Determine the rainfall intensity, i Refs. 3 and 4

The rainfall intensity for a 15-minute duration/100-year return period event is equal to 6.37 in./h (161.75 mm/h) at this
site.

Step 2—Calculate the flow rate, Q Eqs. (2.1) and (2.2)

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 A = Tributary area to each roof edge = (125 × 60)/2 = 3,750 ft2
Q = 0.0104Ai = 0.0104 × 3,750 × 6.37 = 248.4 gal./min

In S.I.:

A = Tributary area to each roof edge = (38.1 × 18.3)/2 = 348.6 m2

Q = (0.278 × 10−6)Ai = (0.278 × 10−6) × 348.6 × 161.75 = 0.0157 m3/s

Step 3—Determine the static head, ds

From the roof section in Fig. 2.11, ds = 3 in. (76 mm).

Step 4—Determine the hydraulic head, dh Fig. 2.2

Check if the length of the roof edge, Lr, is greater than the limiting values in ASCE/SEI Equations (C8.3-2) and (C8.3-2si):

Lr = 60 ft > Ai/400 = 3,750 × 6.37/400 = 59.7 ft

Lr = 18.3 m > Ai/3,100 = 348.6 × 161.75/3,100 = 18.2 m

Because Lr is greater than the limiting value, dh = 0.

Step 5—Calculate the rain load, R Eqs. (2.3) and (2.4)

R = 5.2(ds + dh) = 5.2 × (3.0 + 0) = 15.6 lb/ft2

R = 0.0098(ds + dh) = 0.0098 × (76 + 0) = 0.75 kN/m2

2.11.2. Example 2.2—Calculation of Rain Loads for a Roof with Drains

(Standpipe System)
Determine the rain load, R, on the roof in Fig. 2.12 given the design data in Table 2.3. The secondary system is similar to that
depicted in the upper portion of Fig. 2.3.

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 Figure 2.12 Roof plan, Example 2.2.

Table 2.3 Design Data for Example 2.2

Location Reno, NV (Latitude = 39.53, Longitude = −119.82°)

Secondary roof drainage system Roof drains Overflow standpipe diameter = 6 in. (152 mm)

Static head, ds Inlet of the overflow standpipe is set 2 in. (51 mm) above the roof surface

Solution

Step 1—Determine the rainfall intensity, i Refs. 3 and 4

The rainfall intensity for a 15-minute duration/100-year return period event is equal to 2.76 in./h (70.21 mm/h) at this
site.

Step 2—Calculate the flow rate, Q Eqs. (2.1) and (2.2)

A = Tributary area to each secondary drain = (145 × 85)/2 = 6,163 ft2

Q = 0.0104Ai = 0.0104 × 6,163 × 2.76 = 176.9 gal./min

In S.I.:

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 A = Tributary area to each secondary drain = (44.2 × 25.9)/2 = 572.4 m2
Q = (0.278 × 10−6)Ai = (0.278 × 10−6) × 572.4 × 70.21 = 0.0112 m3/s

Step 3—Determine the static head, ds

From Table 2.3, ds = 2 in. (51 mm).

Step 4—Determine the hydraulic head, dh Fig. 2.3

From ASCE/SEI Table C8.3-1 for a 6-in. diameter standpipe:dh = 2.5 in. for Q = 200 gal./min > 176.9 gal./min .
From ASCE/SEI Table C8.3-2 for a 152-mm diameter standpipe:dh = 64 mm for Q = 0.0126 m3/s > 0.0112 m3/s.
Step 5—Calculate the rain load, R Eqs. (2.3) and (2.4)

R = 5.2(ds + dh) = 5.2 × (2.0 + 2.5)=23.4 lb/ft2

R = 0.0098(ds + dh) = 0.0098 × (51 + 64) = 1.13 kN/m2

2.11.3. Example 2.3—Calculation of Rain Loads for a Roof with Drains

(Overflow Dam System)
Determine the rain load, R, on the roof in Fig. 2.12 given the design data in Table 2.4. The secondary system is similar to Detail
A in Fig. 2.3.

Table 2.4 Design Data for Example 2.3

Location Overland Park, KS (Latitude = 38.95°, Longitude = −94.72°)

Secondary roof drainage system Roof drains Overflow dam diameter = 12.75 in. (329 mm)

Drain outlet size = 6 in. (152 mm)

Drain bowl depth = 2 in. (51 mm)

Static head, ds Overflow dam height = 2 in. (51 mm)

Solution

Step 1—Determine the rainfall intensity, i Refs. 3 and 4

The rainfall intensity for a 15-minute duration/100-year return period event is equal to 7.60 in./h (193.14 mm/h) at this
site.

Step 2—Calculate the flow rate, Q Eqs. (2.1) and (2.2)

A = Tributary area to each secondary drain = (145 × 85)/2 = 6,163 ft2

Q = 0.0104Ai = 0.0104 × 6,163 × 7.60 = 487.1 gal./min

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 In S.I.:

A = Tributary area to each secondary drain = (44.2 × 25.9)/2 = 572.4 m2

Q = (0.278 × 10−6)Ai = (0.278 × 10−6) × 572.4 × 193.14 = 0.0307 m3/s

Step 3—Determine the static head, ds

From Table 2.4, ds = 2 in. (51 mm).

Step 4—Determine the hydraulic head, dh Fig. 2.3

The hydraulic head is determined by linear interpolation in ASCE/SEI Tables C8.3-1 and C8.3-2 for the given overflow
dam diameter, drain outlet size, drain bowl depth, and Q:

(3.5 − 3.0) × (487.1 − 450)

dh = 3.0 + = 3.4 in. at Q = 487.1 gal./min
500 − 450
(89 − 76) × (0.0307 − 0.0284)
dh = 76 + = 86 mm at Q = 0.0307 m3/s
0.0315 − 0.0284

Step 5—Calculate the rain load, R Eqs. (2.3) and (2.4)

R = 5.2(ds + dh) = 5.2 × (2.0 + 3.4) = 28.1 lb/ft2

R = 0.0098(ds + dh) = 0.0098 × (51 + 86) = 1.34 kN/m2

2.11.4. Example 2.4—Calculation of Rain Loads for a Roof with Drains

(Overflow Dam System with an Overflow Dam Diameter Not Given in
ASCE/SEI Tables C8.3-1 and C8.3-2)
Determine the rain load, R, on the roof in Fig. 2.12 given the design data in Table 2.4 where a 10-in. (254-mm) overflow dam
diameter is specified instead of the 12.75-in. (329-mm) overflow dam diameter given in Example 2.3. All other data are the
same.

Solution

Step 1—Determine the rainfall intensity, i Refs. 3 and 4

The rainfall intensity for a 15-minute duration/100-year return period event is equal to 7.60 in./h (193.14 mm/h) at this
site.

Step 2—Calculate the flow rate, Q Eqs. (2.1) and (2.2)

A = Tributary area to each secondary drain = (145 × 85)/2 = 6,163 ft2

Q = 0.0104Ai = 0.0104 × 6,163 × 7.60 = 487.1 gal./min

In S.I.:

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 A = Tributary area to each secondary drain = (44.2 × 25.9)/2 = 572.4 m2
Q = (0.278 × 10−6)Ai = (0.278 × 10−6) × 572.4 × 193.14 = 0.0307 m3/s

Step 3—Determine the static head, ds

From Table 2.4, ds = 2 in. (51 mm).

Step 4—Calculate the hydraulic head, dh2, for the specified secondary drain Fig. 2.3, Note 1

For weir flow and transition flow regime designations (cells not shaded) in ASCE/SEI Tables C8.3-1 and C8.3-2, calculate
dh2 by ASCE/SEI Equation (C8.3-3):

dh2 = (D1/D2)0.67 dh1

From Step 4 in Example 2.3, dh1 = 3.4 in. (86 mm) for Q = 487.1 gal./min (0.0307 m3/s) and D1 = 12.75 in.
(329 mm).

D2 = 10.0 in. (254 mm)

Therefore,

dh2 = (12.75/10.0)0.67 × 3.4 = 4.0 in.

dh2 = (329/254)0.67 × 86 = 102 mm

Step 5—Calculate the rain load, R Eqs. (2.3) and (2.4)

R = 5.2(ds + dh) = 5.2 × (2.0 + 4.0) = 31.2 lb/ft2

R = 0.0098(ds + dh) = 0.0098 × (51 + 102) = 1.50 kN/m2

2.11.5. Example 2.5—Calculation of Rain Loads for a Roof with Drains

(Overflow Dam System) and an Adjacent Wall Diverting Rainwater onto
the Roof
Determine the rain load, R, on the lower roof of the building in Fig. 2.13 given the design data in Table 2.5. The secondary
system is similar to Detail A in Fig. 2.3.

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 Figure 2.13 Building in Example 2.5.

Table 2.5 Design Data for Example 2.5

Location San Diego, CA (Latitude = 32.72°, Longitude = −117.14°)

Secondary roof drainage system Roof drains Overflow dam diameter = 8 in. (203 mm)

Drain outlet size = 4 in. (102 mm)

Drain bowl depth = 2 in. (51 mm)

Static head, Overflow dam height = 2 in. (51 mm)

Solution

Step 1—Determine the rainfall intensity, i Refs. 3 and 4

The rainfall intensity for a 15-minute duration/100-year return period event is equal to 2.68 in./h (68.07 mm/h) at this
site.

Step 2—Calculate the flow rate, Q Eqs. (2.1) and (2.2)

The adjacent wall diverts rainwater onto the lower roof, so A is equal to the area of the lower roof plus one-half of the wall
area:

A = (100 × 80) + (0.5 × 35 × 80) = 9,400 ft2

Q = 0.0104Ai = 0.0104 × 9,400 × 2.68 = 262.0 gal./min

In S.I.:

A = (30.5 × 24.4) + (0.5 × 10.7 × 24.4) = 874.7 m2

Q = (0.278 × 10−6)Ai = (0.278 × 10−6) × 874.7 × 68.07 = 0.0166 m3/s

Step 3—Determine the static head, ds

From Table 2.5, ds = 2 in. (51 mm).

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 Step 4—Determine the hydraulic head, dh Fig. 2.3

The hydraulic head is determined by linear interpolation in ASCE/SEI Tables C8.3-1 and C8.3-2 for the given overflow
dam diameter, drain outlet size, drain bowl depth, and Q:

(3.0 − 2.5) × (262 − 250)

dh = 2.5 + = 2.6 in. at Q = 262.0 gal./min
300 − 250
(76 − 64) × (0.0166 − 0.0158)
dh = 64 + = 67 mm at Q = 0.0166 m3/s
0.0189 − 0.0158

Step 5—Calculate the rain load, R Eqs. (2.3) and (2.4)

R = 5.2(ds + dh) = 5.2 × (2.0 + 2.6) = 23.9 lb/ft2

R = 0.0098(ds + dh) = 0.0098 × (51 + 67) = 1.16 kN/m2

2.11.6. Example 2.6—Calculation of Rain Loads for a Roof with Drains

(Overflow Dam System with a Drain Bowl Depth Not Given in ASCE/SEI
Tables C8.3-1 and C8.3-2) and an Adjacent Wall Diverting Rainwater
onto the Roof
Determine the rain load, R, on the lower roof of the building in Fig. 2.13 given the design data in Table 2.5 where a 1.5-in. (38-
mm) drain bowl depth is specified instead of the 2.0-in. (51-mm) drain bowl depth given in Example 2.3. All other data are the
same.

Solution

Step 1—Determine the rainfall intensity, i Refs. 3 and 4

The rainfall intensity for a 15-minute duration/100-year return period event is equal to 2.68 in./h (68.07 mm/h) at this
site.

Step 2—Calculate the flow rate, Q Eqs. (2.1) and (2.2)

The adjacent wall diverts rainwater onto the lower roof, so A is equal to the area of the lower roof plus one-half of the wall
area:

A = (100 × 80) + (0.5 × 35 × 80) = 9,400 ft2

Q = 0.0104Ai = 0.0104 × 9,400 × 2.68 = 262.0 gal./min

In S.I.:

A = (30.5 × 24.4) + (0.5 × 10.7 × 24.4) = 874.7 m2

Q = (0.278 × 10−6)Ai = (0.278 × 10−6) × 874.7 × 68.07 = 0.0166 m3/s

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 Step 3—Determine the static head, ds

From Table 2.5, ds = 2 in. (51 mm).

Step 4—Adjust the hydraulic head, dh, for the specified drain bowl depth Fig. 2.3, Note 2

The specified drain bowl depth is less than depth of the tested drain bowl and the flow regime is orifice flow (shaded
portions of ASCE/SEI Tables C8.3-1 and C8.3-2). Therefore, the adjusted hydraulic head is equal to dh from Example 2.5
plus the difference in drain bowl depths:

dh = 2.6 + (2.0 − 1.5) = 3.1 in.

dh = 67 + (51 − 38) = 80 mm

Step 5—Calculate the rain load, R Eqs. (2.3) and (2.4)

R = 5.2(ds + dh) = 5.2 × (2.0 + 3.1) = 26.5 lb/ft2

R = 0.0098(ds + dh) = 0.0098 × (51 + 80) = 1.28 kN/m2

2.11.7. Example 2.7—Calculation of Rain Loads for a Roof with Channel

Scuppers
Determine the rain load, R, on the roof in Fig. 2.14 given the design data in Table 2.6 using four channel scuppers.

Figure 2.14 Roof plan, Example 2.7.

Table 2.6 Design Data for Example 2.7

Location Jacksonville, FL (Latitude = 30.35, Longitude = −81.73°)

Secondary roof drainage system Channel scuppers Scupper width (b) = 24 in. (610 mm)

Height (h) = 12 in. (305 mm)

Static head, ds Inlet of the scuppers is set 2 in. (51 mm) above the roof surface

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Solution

Step 1—Determine the rainfall intensity, i Refs. 3 and 4

The rainfall intensity for a 15-minute duration/100-year return period event is equal to 8.37 in./h (212.65 mm/h) at this
site.

Step 2—Calculate the flow rate, Q Eqs. (2.1) and (2.2)

A = Tributary area to each secondary scupper = (300 × 150)/4 = 11,250 ft2

Q = 0.0104Ai = 0.0104 × 11,250 × 8.37 = 979.3 gal./min

In S.I.:

A = Tributary area to each secondary scupper = (91.4 × 45.7)/4 = 1,044.3 m2

Q = (0.278 × 10−6)Ai = (0.278 × 10−6) × 1,044.3 × 212.65 = 0.0617 m3/s

Step 3—Determine the static head, ds

From Table 2.6, ds = 2 in. (51 mm).

Step 4—Determine the hydraulic head, dh Fig. 2.4

For channel scuppers where dh < h:

Q 2/3 979.3 2/3

dh = ( ) =( ) = 5.8 in. < h = 12.0 in.
2.9b 2.9 × 24.0
2/3 2/3
dh = [ ] =[ ]
(17.65 × 106)Q (17.65 × 106) × 0.0617
= 147 mm < h = 305 mm
b 610

Alternatively, determine dh by linear interpolation in ASCE/SEI Tables C8.3-3 and C8.3-4 for the given scupper width and
Q:

(7 − 5) × (979.3 − 776)
dh = 5.0 + = 5.8 in. at Q = 979.3 gal./min
1,284 − 776
(178 − 127) × (0.0617 − 0.0490)
dh = 127 + = 147 mm at Q = 0.0617 m3/s
0.0810 − 0.0490

Step 5—Calculate the rain load, R Eqs. (2.3) and (2.4)

R = 5.2(ds + dh) = 5.2 × (2.0 + 5.8) = 40.6 lb/ft2

R = 0.0098(ds + dh) = 0.0098 × (51 + 147) = 1.94 kN/m2

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2.11.8. Example 2.8—Calculation of Rain Loads for a Roof with Closed
Scuppers
Determine the rain load, R, on the roof in Fig. 2.14 given the design data in Table 2.6 using four 24-in. (610-mm) wide by 4-in.
(102-mm) high closed scuppers instead of the channel scuppers. All other data are the same.

Solution

Step 1—Determine the rainfall intensity, i Refs. 3 and 4

The rainfall intensity for a 15-minute duration/100-year return period event is equal to 8.37 in./h (212.65 mm/h) at this
site.

Step 2—Calculate the flow rate, Q Eqs. (2.1) and (2.2)

A = Tributary area to each secondary scupper = (300 × 150)/4 = 11,250 ft2

Q = 0.0104Ai = 0.0104 × 11,250 × 8.37 = 979.3 gal./min

In S.I.:

A = Tributary area to each secondary scupper = (91.4 × 45.7)/4 = 1,044.3 m2

Q = (0.278 × 10−6)Ai = (0.278 × 10−6) × 1,044.3 × 212.65 = 0.0617 m3/s

Step 3—Determine the static head, ds

From Table 2.6, ds = 2 in. (51 mm).

Step 4—Determine the hydraulic head, dh Fig. 2.4

For closed scuppers where dh > h:

2 2
979.3
dh = ( ) + 0.5h = ( ) + (0.5 × 4.0) = 7.6 in. > h = 4.0 in.
Q
4.3bh 4.3 × 24.0 × 4.0
2 2
dh = [ ] + 0.5h = [ ]
(12.00 × 106)Q (12.00 × 106) × 0.0617
bh 610 × 102
+ (0.5 × 102) = 193 mm > h = 102 mm

Alternatively, determine dh by linear interpolation in ASCE/SEI Tables C8.3-3 and C8.3-4 for the given scupper size andQ
:

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 (8 − 7) × (979.3 − 924)
dh = 7.0 + = 7.6 in. at Q = 979.3 gal./min
1,012 − 924
(203 − 178) × (0.0617 − 0.0583)
dh = 178 + = 194 mm at Q = 0.0617 m3/s
0.0638 − 0.0583

Step 5—Calculate the rain load, R Eqs. (2.3) and (2.4)

R = 5.2(ds + dh) = 5.2 × (2.0 + 7.6) = 49.9 lb/ft2

R = 0.0098(ds + dh) = 0.0098 × (51 + 194) = 2.40 kN/m2

2.11.9. Example 2.9—Calculation of Rain Loads for a Roof with Circular

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2.11.9. Example 2.9—Calculation of Rain Loads for a Roof with Circular
Scuppers
Determine the rain load, R, on the roof in Fig. 2.14 given the design data in Table 2.6 using eight 12-in. (305-mm) diameter
circular scuppers (four scuppers each face) instead of the channel scuppers. All other data are the same.

Solution

Step 1—Determine the rainfall intensity, i Refs. 3 and 4

The rainfall intensity for a 15-minute duration/100-year return period event is equal to 8.37 in./h (212.65 mm/h) at this
site.

Step 2—Calculate the flow rate, Q Eqs. (2.1) and (2.2)

A = Tributary area to each secondary scupper = (300 × 150)/8 = 5,625 ft2

Q = 0.0104Ai = 0.0104 × 5,625 × 8.37 = 489.7 gal./min

In S.I.:

A = Tributary area to each secondary scupper = (91.4 × 45.7)/8 = 522.1 m2

Q = (0.278 × 10−6)Ai = (0.278 × 10−6) × 522.1 × 212.65 = 0.0309 m3/s

Step 3—Determine the static head, ds

From Table 2.6, ds = 2 in. (51 mm).

Step 4—Determine the hydraulic head, dh Fig. 2.4

The hydraulic head is determined by linear interpolation in ASCE/SEI Tables C8.3-5 and C8.3-6 for the given circular
scupper diameter and Q:

(8 − 7) × (489.7 − 410)
dh = 7.0 + = 7.8 in. at Q = 489.7 gal./min
510 − 410
(203 − 178) × (0.0309 − 0.0259)
dh = 178 + = 198 mm at Q = 0.0309 m3/s
0.0322 − 0.0259

Step 5—Calculate the rain load, R Eqs. (2.3) and (2.4)

R = 5.2(ds + dh) = 5.2 × (2.0 + 7.8) = 51.0 lb/ft2

R = 0.0098(ds + dh) = 0.0098 × (51 + 198) = 2.44 kN/m2

2.11.10. Example 2.10—Determination of Minimum Roof Slope to Avoid

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2.11.10. Example 2.10—Determination of Minimum Roof Slope to Avoid
Ponding Instability
Rainwater is free to drain over the roof edge for the framing system shown inFig. 2.15. Assuming the sidewall is rigid,
determine the roof slope to avoid ponding instability.

Figure 2.15 Roof framing plan, Example 2.10.

Solution

The secondary members are perpendicular to the free draining edge of the roof. Therefore, determine the minimum roof rise,β,
by Eq. (2.5):

1 + (Lp/Ls) 1 + [25.0/(2 × 30.0)]

β= = = 0.14 in. (4 mm)
10 10

Provide a roof slope of at least 0.25 in./ft (1.19 degrees) to avoid ponding instability.

2.11.11. Example 2.11—Determination of Secondary Member Spacing

to Avoid Ponding Instability
Rainwater is free to drain over the roof edge for the framing system shown inFig. 2.16. Assuming the sidewall is rigid,
determine the spacing of the secondary members to avoid ponding instability.

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 Figure 2.16 Roof framing plan, Example 2.11.

Solution

The secondary members are parallel to the free draining edge of the roof. Therefore, determine the spacing,S, by Eq. (2.6):

(Ls/S) + π
β=
20

Solving for S:

Ls 30.0
S= = = 4.4 ft (1.3 m)
20β − π (20 × 0.5) − π

The secondary members are to be spaced at 4 ft-6 in. (1.4 m) on center to avoid ponding instability.

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