Hello All,
I am working on a project where we are designing a poly arch greenhouse structure (see attached). This is slightly different from regular greenhouses in that it has a roof that is made out of a translucent polyethylene sheet. This is to allow light for the vegetation hosted by this structure. I can design the underlying structure assuming that the roofing material (polyethylene) does not tear under wind and snow loads, in fact once the membrane tears the structure will be much safer as it will become an open structure and not remain an enclosed structure.
My question is about this structure qualifying as a PE stamped design. Is there any code section pertaining to the design of such structure? IBC mentions that such members need to be strong enough to take the ASCE-7-16 loads.
If the structure is found to be safe (based on analysis) with the fabric/polyethylene sheeting not torn, will the structure qualify as a structure that can be PE stamped? Does the drawing need any special note on it clarifying about the same?
Risk Cat -II structure.
Thank you,
Karthik
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Karthik Rajathachal Mamudur Ph.D., P.E., C.Eng, M.ASCE
Director of Engineering
Mason OH
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