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Updated: 31 July 2025

Snowloading

Overview

This article explains snow loading considerations for SteelX buildings in alpine and sub-alpine regions of Australia. It describes relevant altitudes, load thresholds, and when to refer designs for additional engineering.

Why This Is Important

  • Ensures buildings are engineered to withstand expected snow loads.
  • Reduces the risk of structural failure in snow-prone areas.
  • Clarifies when special engineering input is required.

How to Understand Snowloading Requirements

1. Snowload in Wind Regions A

Snow A – Snowload is present within Wind Regions A. Alpine and sub-alpine regions are defined by altitude:

2. Australian Regions and Altitudes

Australian Northern (AN)

  • Northern Tablelands of New South Wales
  • Sub-alpine: all altitudes above 600 m

Australian Central (AC)

  • Central Tablelands of New South Wales
  • Sub-alpine: all altitudes above 600 m

Australian Southern (AS)

  • Southern Tablelands, New South Wales
    • Sub-alpine: 600 m – 1200 m
    • Alpine: ≥1200 m

Australian Tasmania (AT)

  • Tasmania:
    • Sub-alpine: 300 m – 900 m
    • Alpine: ≥900 m

3. Design Load Limits

  • 1 kPA = 100 kg per square metre
  • 2.5 kPA = 250 kg per square metre
  • SteelX designs buildings up to 2.5 kPA in sub-alpine regions.
  • If higher loading is required, the shed design must be referred to SCE for additional engineering.

4. Alpine and Sub-Alpine Definitions

  • Alpine areas:
    • ≥1200 m AHD in NSW, ACT, and Victoria
    • ≥900 m AHD in Tasmania
  • Sub-alpine areas:
    • 600–1200 m in NSW, ACT, and Victoria
    • 300–900 m in Tasmania

5. Snow Accumulation

  • Sub-alpine regions:
    • Average snow accumulation: 175 mm or greater
    • Snow typically melts daily
  • Alpine regions:
    • Snow can accumulate daily, requiring designs to account for sustained loads.

Tips, Best Practices & Troubleshooting

  • Always check the site altitude when quoting projects in snow-prone areas.
  • Confirm whether expected snow loads exceed 2.5 kPA.
  • If unsure, refer to Site Check Engineering before finalising a quote.
  • Clearly explain snowloading considerations to customers to set expectations.

Site Specific Engineering

Request Engineering (Site Check)

Review & Updates

Version History:

  • v1.0 – 11 April 2023
  • v2.0 – 31 July 2025

Article Information

  • Category: Engineering & Site Specifications
  • Target Audience: Franchise Users, Estimators, Sales Coordinators
  • Business Owner: 
  • Version: v2.0
  • Last Reviewed: 31 July 2025