How should snow loads on tent and tarpaulin structures be addressed?

Snow load refers to the force exerted by a snow cover on a structure. It is not determined solely by elevation, but by the specific location and other conditions specified for the building’s design.

The value is given in kN/m². A load of 0.7 kN/m² corresponds to approximately 70 kg per square meter. However, this conversion should not be simply equated with the actual depth of the snow layer. Fresh powder snow is significantly lighter than wet, compacted, or icy snow.

The tent structures we manufacture for year-round use are supplied as certified products. Their standard design is rated for snow loads up to 0.7 kN/m².

The exact load-bearing capacity and operating conditions for a specific hall are always specified in the relevant documentation. When planning a hall, it is therefore important to know in advance its location, intended use, and the requirements of the construction project.

If the hall is located in an area with higher snow loads, the operator must monitor the condition of the roof and, when snow accumulates, follow the instructions in the operating documentation without delay.

One of the simplest measures is to slightly heat the interior. Heat prevents snow from freezing to the roof tarp and promotes its gradual sliding off. FORUM tent halls have a roof pitch of 22°, which aids in snow runoff under suitable conditions.

However, you cannot rely on spontaneous snow slide-off under all circumstances. A wet, compacted, or icy layer may remain on the roof for longer periods. Furthermore, snow may accumulate unevenly, for example due to wind or in the vicinity of taller surrounding structures. Therefore, the actual condition of the roof and adherence to the operating instructions for the specific hall are always decisive.

If a customer requires that the structure be designed to withstand a higher snow load, we must be aware of this requirement before production begins. We can then reinforce the structure in several ways according to the specific specifications.

Reducing the modular spacing

The individual support frames are placed closer together. This distributes the roof load across a greater number of structural elements.

Use of a Larger Load-Bearing Profile

More robust aluminum profiles with a higher load-bearing capacity can be used for the main frames. The specific solution depends primarily on the span, height, and overall dimensions of the hall.

Adding Structural Elements

Depending on the hall’s design, the structure can be supplemented with additional bracing and load-bearing elements. Their placement is based on an individual assessment of the specific project.

All of these measures affect the amount of material used, the complexity of production, and the final cost of the hall. The advantage of our custom manufacturing is the ability to adapt the structure to the required dimensions and on-site conditions.

Yes, to a certain extent, the design of a tent hall can also be adapted for areas with higher snow loads. The options always depend on a combination of several parameters:

• the required snow load,
• the span and length of the hall,
• the height of the side walls,
• intended use,
• location and surrounding conditions,
• the requirements of the designer and the building authority.

Therefore, the installation site and the required load must be specified at the time of the inquiry. We will then verify whether the requirement can be met using a reinforced tent hall structure.

For certain combinations of large spans, high side walls, and significant snow loads, a tent structure may no longer be the most suitable solution, either technically or economically.

In such cases, we can offer a prefabricated steel hall with fabric cladding. The robust steel structure allows for larger spans and higher loads, while the hall retains the advantages of lightweight fabric cladding.

The customer thus receives a solution from us that is tailored to the specific dimensions, intended use, and local conditions of the site.

Under the Building Act, a product that serves a structural function may also be considered a structure. The specific permitting requirements for a tent hall therefore depend on its dimensions, duration of installation, intended use, the property, and other project-specific circumstances.

If a permitting process is to be conducted for the hall, proof may be required that the proposed structure complies with the load requirements specified for the given location. It is therefore advisable to address snow load considerations early in the project planning phase, rather than after the hall has been ordered or manufactured.

Not sure how to handle the snow load for your planned tent hall? Let us know the location, the required dimensions, and the intended use. We’ll evaluate the options for a tent structure and propose a suitable solution—ranging from a standard design to a reinforced tent hall to a prefabricated steel hall with fabric cladding.

1) What snow load can a standard FORUM tent hall withstand?

The standard design of our tent structures intended for year-round operation is rated for snow loads up to 0.7 kN/m². The exact value and operating conditions are always specified in the documentation for each specific structure.

2) Does a load of 0.7 kN/m² correspond to approximately 70 kg of snow per m²?

Yes, as a rough estimate, this is approximately 70 kg per square meter. However, it is not possible to determine the exact height of the snow layer based on this, because fresh, wet, compacted, and icy snow have different weights.

3) What should be done if snow accumulates on the roof of a tent hall?

The operator must monitor the actual condition of the roof and follow the hall’s operating documentation. Slightly heating the interior can reduce the amount of snow that freezes to the tarp and help it slide off a roof with a 22° slope. However, one cannot rely on the snow sliding off on its own under all conditions.

4) Can a tent hall be designed to withstand higher snow loads?

Yes, the options depend on the required load, span, height, and overall dimensions of the hall. Depending on the specific project, the structure can be reinforced, for example, by shortening the modular spacing, using a larger load-bearing profile, or adding additional structural elements.

5) When is a prefabricated steel hall more suitable?

A prefabricated steel hall may be more suitable when there is a combination of high snow loads, a large span, and high side walls. If a tent structure cannot meet the required parameters in a technically or economically feasible manner, we will design a prefabricated hall with fabric cladding.

6) Does a tarpaulin hall require a building permit?

The permitting requirements depend on the dimensions, purpose, duration of installation, plot of land, and other project-specific circumstances. A mobile or tarpaulin-clad hall may also be considered a structure; therefore, we recommend consulting a designer and the relevant building authority regarding your specific project in advance.