How big "Hoop Coop"?

[Ted Brown]

... Check out the Gothic arch design if you really want a structure that will stand up to snow.

Realist to put a "flowing" point as a monitor wired to the hoop?

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I'm off the reservation here, I never got into the engineering of arches. From history, I understood the pointed arch was very good at vertical loads, but NOT strong in the horizontal. Which would suggest that uneven loading - either from straight line winds, or some other situation that caused something (say, snow) to accumulate on one side more than the other - would cause failure of a pointed arch more rapidly than a caternary arch as the arch became taller (and the walls less curved) under horizontal loads. Particularly with such a lightweight build material.

Am I wrong??? (and I FREELY acknowledge that I'm likely overthinking it - this isn't the sort of amusement park physics I used to do in my head).

 

[Rangergord]

I'm off the reservation here, I never got into the engineering of arches. From history, I understood the pointed arch was very good at vertical loads, but NOT strong in the horizontal. Which would suggest that uneven loading - either from straight line winds, or some other situation that caused something (say, snow) to accumulate on one side more than the other - would cause failure of a pointed arch more rapidly than a caternary arch as the arch became taller (and the walls less curved) under horizontal loads. Particularly with such a lightweight build material.

Am I wrong??? (and I FREELY acknowledge that I'm likely overthinking it - this isn't the sort of amusement park physics I used to do in my head).

I can see what you are saying about horizontal windforces being a problem but snow still accumulated evenly where I live despite the winds. Gothic arches are a proven greenhouse design in snow load areas. There is less surface area that is less inclined to shed snow in a Gothic arch. I have built and tested both types in my area.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I can see what you are saying about horizontal windforces being a problem but snow still accumulated evenly where I live despite the winds. Gothic arches are a proven greenhouse design in snow load areas. There is less surface area that is less inclined to shed snow in a Gothic arch. I have built and tested both types in my area.

and that's why theory often gives way to experience. I had not considered the greater effective slope in discouraging snow accumulation "on top", and have no sense of the relative "weight" of a snow pile as a horizontal force.

 

[Poodlemum]

We had an extremely early and heavy snow, my parents’ pvc greenhouses (one hoop and one more yurt style) held up beautifully. So far we haven’t had a big snow with our hoop. This is the design and basis we’ve modeling after

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/motel-chix.67240/

 

[raingarden]

Jaderloon makes a quality product but the shipping will kill you. At least look at their catalog to get some ideas for attaching the plastic and discussion of the different types of coverings. They have both arch and peak.

Also, check out canopy tent fittings made to accept 3/4 inch or 1 inch EMT. They can be used to make a pitched roof structure but the slope on the roof is not very steap. I think it is about 30 degrees and you might want 45 degrees to shed snow better.

The cheapest thing will be a 10 ft x 20 ft car port kit. They are usually made with 1.5 inch painted steel tubing and white reinforced vinyl covering. You can find one for about $200 complete.

 

[raingarden]

I wanted a 1:1 pitch to shed leaves from the tree above. So, a frame was made out of 2x2 sticks

 

[Ted Brown]

I'm off the reservation here, I never got into the engineering...

Am I wrong??? (and I FREELY acknowledge that I'm likely overthinking it - this isn't the sort of amusement park physics I used to do in my head).

My thought would be to make the hoop then build a triangular frame, wire to hoop at multiple points. Somewhere I read that purloins add strength so add a purloin at each wiring point?

The shape should "flow" to encourage snow to slide. Hoop height of 9+ feet to consider (raised on 2' to 3' of log wall).

and have no sense of the relative "weight" of a snow pile as a horizontal force.

Use 20 lbs/cubic foot.

 

[Krugerrand]

I have just suffered thru weeks of frequent -20to-30C weather with lots of snow.

I saw today an 8'by16' hot house (hoops+heavy opaque vapour barrier) . Owner is significantly extending her growing season.

Where do I buy hoops of size above that I can walk into?

Thanks

https://www.ace-canada.ca/Fence-Panel-Combo-16-x-52-P14635.aspx

These can be picked up in Almonte, ON.

 

[Krugerrand]

Yes, snow can crush a cattle panel hoop house or stress the plastic with its weight. At least one ridge purlin needs to be used at the peak. The heaviest gauge wire is the best unless you use pipe hoops as well.
Snow removal is a requirement on semi circular hoops. Check out the Gothic arch design if you really want a structure that will stand up to snow.

I don't believe @21hens-incharge has a ridge purlin which has held to 32" of snow.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/economical-easy-run-build.1477838/post-24624680

@Blooie does not use a purlin in her run and it has held up to Wyoming snow.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/motel-chix.67240/

I used Blooie's approach to build my run. Just steel T-posts holding it up.