When is a structural calculation required for your shelter?

Want to be sure your work can continue safely? To be able to work under your shelter without worries while complying with legislation? Safety always comes first, whether you operate in construction, industry, recycling, or the events sector. That’s why it is essential that your shelter is calculated and tested according to the correct standards.

Choosing a shelter is about more than just the price. With the right calculations, you avoid unnecessary risks, delays, and extra costs. If you choose a structure that has not been calculated, a permit may be denied or, even worse, the structure may prove unsafe to work under.

At Kroftman, all our standard shelters comply with the European standard EN 13782, developed for temporary structures. This standard takes into account important factors such as wind and snow loads and provides a safe foundation. However, in some cases, it may still be necessary to have an additional structural calculation made. In this blog, we explain when that is the case and how to handle it in practice.

Standard calculation according to EN 13782

For most locations and applications, our standard shelters are fully suitable. The EN 13782 standard ensures that the structure has been tested for snow and wind loads, so you can build with confidence. The exact values can be found on the product pages or in the construction manual, which you can request free of charge.

When is an additional calculation required?

An additional structural calculation is advisable, or sometimes even mandatory, in the following situations:

• When the shelter is erected for a longer period of time.

• When the local snow or wind loads are higher than prescribed by the standard.

• When applying for a building permit (as municipalities often impose their own requirements).

Depending on local requirements, such an additional calculation may show that the chosen standard product is not sufficient. In that case, extra reinforcements or a modified design will be required to comply with local standards. Where technically possible, we can offer these reinforcements at an additional cost. Please note that this may also affect the delivery time, especially if the product needs to be custom manufactured.

Factors influencing load

When installing a shelter, it is important to consider the factors that influence the load, such as snow load, wind load, and installation height. Snow load can vary by location, and sometimes a small adjustment is sufficient to avoid the need for additional reinforcements.

Wind load depends on the immediate surroundings, such as buildings and trees, as well as on the region in which the project is located. The higher the structure, the greater the wind load will be.

Construction manuals for standard products

Our construction manuals for standard products are available free of charge and without obligation. They provide insight into the calculations of the standard products. You can easily request them via our website, and we will send them digitally or by post. This way, you can check in advance whether the product is suitable for your situation.

Practical advice

• Determine the location and duration of the setup—consider the region, height, and surroundings.

• Check the standard values—review the maximum snow and wind loads per product.

• Request the construction manual for free—to gain direct insight into the calculations.

• Check local regulations—ask your municipality if a building permit is required.

Still unsure or facing additional requirements? Feel free to contact us.

If it turns out that the standard products are not suitable for your situation or needs, we can arrange for the necessary specific calculations to be carried out for a fee.

Assurance and transparency

With a buildbook and any additional calculation, you are assured of a safe and compliant shelter, fully adapted to your location. This way, you build with certainty, quality, and transparency.

Do you have questions or would you like advice? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to think along with you and ensure you always get the right solution.