To add a snow load in AutoPIPE Vessel you will need to insert a load equal to the density of snow multiplied by the cross sectional surface area of head at the top of the head and multiplied by the height of accumulated snow. See the example below.

First, we will need an approximation of the snow density:

Our example vessel will have a diameter of 8 meters. Thus, the cross sectional area of the head is equal to:

Area = (π/4) × D² = (3.14/4) × (8 m)² = 50.24 m²

Snow accumulation = 0.5 m

Conservative selection of snow (wet and firm) = 700 kg/m³

Note: This is an idealization as snow accumulated will not be like a cylinder but it will follow head contour.

Weight of snow = Area × Height × Density × (9.81/10) = 50.24 x 0.5 x 700 x 9.81/10 = 17,250 daN.

This value can now be applied as a vertical load in the vessel model at the elevation of the vessel.

Note: Ideally this is a uniformly distributed force but we do not have that option currently.