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Abstract
Vegetative roof systems also referred to, as green and garden roofs have become a popular alternative to more conventional roofing systems. These systems have demonstrated their ability to be sustainable roof systems providing the following positive benefits: • Initial retention and slow release of storm water; • Reduction of urban heat island effects • Improved energy performance; and • Improved aesthetics and workplace environment. During the 2006/07 International Building Code (IBC) code change cycle, a proposal was presented and adopted to require vegetative roof systems to be evaluated for their wind and fire resistance. Currently available procedures could not be used to evaluate these types of systems due to the vast array of variables that could be present. This included plant material, water content of the soil, and spacing of the plant material. Recognizing this disconnect, SPRI the trade association representing the single ply roofing industry, along with Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and numerous manufacturers and consultants involved in the vegetative roof industry, undertook a project to develop standard design guides for vegetative roof systems for wind uplift and fire spread resistance. The wind uplift design guide uses data developed in wind tunnel testing, initially used for ballasted single-ply roof system and historical industry practices that have demonstrated acceptable levels of wind load resistance for over 40 years. The fire design standard uses the concept of setbacks, fire breaks, roof maintenance and, in some instances, sprinklers to control the fire spread potential of vegetative roof systems. This report will detail the requirements of the IBC along with these consensus standard design guides.
Vegetative roof systems also referred to, as green and garden roofs have become a popular alternative to more conventional roofing systems. These systems have demonstrated their ability to be sustainable roof systems providing the following positive benefits: • Initial retention and slow release of storm water; • Reduction of urban heat island effects • Improved energy performance; and • Improved aesthetics and workplace environment. During the 2006/07 International Building Code (IBC) code change cycle, a proposal was presented and adopted to require vegetative roof systems to be evaluated for their wind and fire resistance. Currently available procedures could not be used to evaluate these types of systems due to the vast array of variables that could be present. This included plant material, water content of the soil, and spacing of the plant material. Recognizing this disconnect, SPRI the trade association representing the single ply roofing industry, along with Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and numerous manufacturers and consultants involved in the vegetative roof industry, undertook a project to develop standard design guides for vegetative roof systems for wind uplift and fire spread resistance. The wind uplift design guide uses data developed in wind tunnel testing, initially used for ballasted single-ply roof system and historical industry practices that have demonstrated acceptable levels of wind load resistance for over 40 years. The fire design standard uses the concept of setbacks, fire breaks, roof maintenance and, in some instances, sprinklers to control the fire spread potential of vegetative roof systems. This report will detail the requirements of the IBC along with these consensus standard design guides.
Date
4/2009
4/2009
Author(s)
Michael Ennis
Michael Ennis
Page(s)
33-48
33-48
Keyword(s)
fire resistance; wind resistance; vegetative roof
fire resistance; wind resistance; vegetative roof