Wind and snow loads: some methodological problems of normative regulations

摘要

The setting of characteristic and design values of atmospheric loads prescribed by the relevant design codes (e.g., by ENV 1991) involves some serious methodological and practical problems remaining not elucidated adequately. In particular, the estimation of variability of atmospheric actions is problematic; it must be accomplished with appropriate consideration of uncertainties related to spatial (« territorial ») variance of actions alongside the more self-evident employment of data on the merely temporal variations. We submit some results of analysis performed on Lithuanian climatological data as an illustration of conceivable approach to the problem. In addition, some problems related to the account for wind gusts are mentioned although not analysed in sufficient detail.