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Scientists comment on Ireland’s cold weather.
Dr Jennifer Keenahan, Associate Professor, School of Civil Engineering, University College Dublin, said:
“The collapse of the roof at the Tralee Regional Sports and Leisure Complex highlights the critical importance of designing buildings to withstand extreme weather conditions, including heavy snow [story here].
When designing buildings, engineers calculate the potential weight of snow that could accumulate on a roof to ensure the structure can handle it safely. This involves considering the weight of snow per square metre determined using historical weather data and factors like altitude and climate. Adjustments are then made to account for the roof shape and slope (flat roofs hold more snow than steep ones), thermal properties (warm roofs may melt snow faster) and wind exposure (wind can cause uneven snow accumulation or drifts).
Updated standards are crucial as climate change alters weather patterns, potentially increasing the frequency of extreme snowfall. This process ensures public safety by preventing structural failures during severe weather events. It also highlights the importance of updating older buildings to meet modern standards and account for changing environmental conditions.”