Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - INTRODUCTION........................................................................................... 1-1

1.0 General................................................................................................................ 1-1
Cladding Design ................................................................................................ 1-1
1.1 Greenhouses Defined ......................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Intent ................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Limitations.......................................................................................................... 1-2
1.4 How to use this manual...................................................................................... 1-2
Table 1.1 - Greenhouse Design Comparison ............................................ 1-3
1.5 Methodology....................................................................................................... 1-4

Chapter 2 - DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS...................................................................... 2-1

2.0 General................................................................................................................ 2-1
2.0.1 Scope ................................................................................................ 2-1
2.0.2 Definitions........................................................................................ 2-1
2.0.3 Limitations ....................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Basic Requirements............................................................................................ 2-1

2.1.1 Design............................................................................................... 2-1
2.1.2 Serviceability ................................................................................... 2-2
2.1.3 Analysis............................................................................................ 2-2

2.2 Administrative Issues ......................................................................................... 2-2

2.2.1 Design Requirements........................................................................ 2-2
2.2.2 Required Information on Plans ........................................................ 2-3
2.2.3 Additions and alterations................................................................. 2-4
2.2.4 Load Testing .................................................................................... 2-4

2.3 Design Methodology.......................................................................................... 2-4

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 2.4 Loads................................................................................................................... 2-5
2.4.1 General ............................................................................................. 2-5
2.4.2 Dead loads ........................................................................................ 2-5
2.4.3 Live loads ......................................................................................... 2-5
2.4.4 Collateral Loads ............................................................................... 2-5
2.4.5 Plant Loads....................................................................................... 2-5

2.5 Snow ................................................................................................................... 2-5

2.5.1 General ............................................................................................. 2-5
2.5.2 Definitions........................................................................................ 2-6
2.5.3 Design Procedure............................................................................. 2-6
2.5.4 Calculation of Snow Loads ............................................................. 2-6
Table 2.1 - Thermal Factor, Ct................................................................... 2-8
Table 2.2 - Classification of Greenhouses
for Snow Load Importance Factors ........................................ 2-8
Table 2.3 - Common Warm-roof Slope Factors ....................................... 2-9
Table 2.4 - Common Roof Slope Factors Cs
for Just Above Freezing Greenhouse ...................................... 2-9
Table 2.5 - Common Unheated Roof Slope Factors ............................... 2-10

2.6 Wind.................................................................................................................. 2-12

2.6.1 General ........................................................................................... 2-12
2.6.1.1 Simplified Provisions ................................................................. 2-12
2.6.2 Definitions...................................................................................... 2-13
2.6.3 Design Procedure........................................................................... 2-13
2.6.4 Calculation of Wind Loads............................................................ 2-13
Table 2.6 - Classification of Greenhouses
for Wind Load Importance Factors....................................... 2-14
2.6.5 Wind and Seismic Detailing.......................................................... 2-15

2.7 Seismic Loads................................................................................................... 2-16

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 2.8 Other Loads ...................................................................................................... 2-17
2.8.1 Flood and hydrostatic .................................................................... 2-17
2.8.2 Other Loads.................................................................................... 2-17

Chapter 3 - STRUCTURAL DESIGN............................................................................... 3-1

3.0 General................................................................................................................ 3-1
3.0.1 Design Overview ............................................................................. 3-1
3.0.2 Structural Design ............................................................................. 3-1
3.0.3 Bracing ............................................................................................. 3-2
3.0.4 Connection Materials....................................................................... 3-3
3.0.5 Technical Definitions and Explanations ......................................... 3-3

3.1. Roof Support Systems....................................................................................... 3-4

3.1.1 Primary Systems .................................................................................... 3-4
3.1.1.1 Trusses...................................................................................... 3-5
3.1.1.2 Parallel Chord Trusses ............................................................. 3-9
3.1.1.3 Arches..................................................................................... 3-10
3.1.1.4 Rigid Frame............................................................................ 3-12

3.1.2 Secondary Systems .............................................................................. 3-13

3.1.2.1 Gutters/ Primary and Secondary (Eave Members) ............... 3-13
3.1.2.2 Ridge....................................................................................... 3-14
3.1.2.3 Purlins..................................................................................... 3-15
3.1.2.4 Roof Glazing Bars.................................................................. 3-15

3.2. Wall Elements and Columns........................................................................... 3-16

3.2.1 General ................................................................................................. 3-16
3.2.2 Columns................................................................................................ 3-17
3.2.3 End Walls ............................................................................................. 3-18
3.2.4 Girts ...................................................................................................... 3-18

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 3.3. Lateral Load Resisting System ........................................................................ 3-19
3.3.1 Knee Braces ......................................................................................... 3-19
3.3.2 Diagonal Bracing ................................................................................. 3-20

3.4. Foundations ..................................................................................................... 3-21

3.4.1 Flagpole Footings (Designs Employing Lateral Bearing).................. 3-21
3.4.2 Spread Footings.................................................................................... 3-22
3.4.3 Continuous Footings ............................................................................ 3-22

DESIGN EXAMPLES
Design Example 1 .........................................................................................Pages 1-7
Single building snow & wind design
Design Example 2 ........................................................................................Pages 1-13
Gutter connected greenhouse snow, wind & seismic design

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