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INSTRUCTOR: 
Alexander Newman, P.E., F.ASCE

Purpose and Background

Most structures in the United States are framed with wood, but many colleges do not teach wood design. The engineers are often left to learn on the job, with variable results. This seminar shortens the learning curve by providing practical answers to a multitude of questions related to the design and renovation of wood-framed structures.

The first day of the seminar is devoted to the design and construction of wood framing: joists, rafters, columns, studs, connections, trusses, and engineered lumber. Drawing on more than 45 years of consulting and forensic experience, the instructor presents many proven design details and gives some others a critical look. The discussion includes framing for complex roof configurations, rafters with collar ties, truss bracing, design for lateral loading, and many other practical topics. The relevant requirements of the 2024 International Building Code and 2024 AWC National Design Specification® for Wood Construction are examined. These documents have undergone many changes in recent years, and some of their newest provisions may not be familiar to all. Several step-by-step design examples illustrate a realistic design process.

The second day is devoted to wood renovation. As more and more timber-framed buildings are being renovated rather than demolished, the design professionals find that reliable information on wood renovation is difficult to find. The seminar provides the necessary guidance. It includes the topics of code review, old design and construction practices, repair, strengthening, and retrofit for wind and seismic loads.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Design various wood structural elements (joists, rafters, beams, columns) and their connections, as well as specify wood trusses and engineered lumber
• Explain the design provisions of the 2024 AWC National Design Specification® for Wood Construction and the International Building Code
• Apply the practical methods of framing roofs with complex configurations
• Locate the available reference material and software for designing wood members quickly and accurately
• Recognize the proper and improper use of collar ties in gable roofs
• Recognize the importance of a single detail at the edge of the roof that can improve the lateral-load resistance of the building
• Recognize which part of the gable wall is often built incorrectly, weakening the building’s wind resistance
• Recognize to brace wood trusses during construction and who is responsible for the bracing design
• Recognize where NOT to place engineered lumber
• Identify the common problems of wood trusses and practical methods of truss reinforcement and repair
• Explain the methods of investigating structural condition of wood members and how to estimate the allowable stresses in existing wood
• Identify the differences between splits, shakes, and checks; find out which of these wood defects should be repaired and which might not be significant
• Discuss the methods of repairing sagging roofs, rotted beam ends, split heavy timbers and other damage
• Recognize when an upgrade for wind and seismic loading is needed and which cost-effective techniques for lateral-load retrofit are available

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test exam involving true-false and multiple-choice questions.

Who Should Attend?

Structural and civil engineers, architects, facility managers, building officials, and competent contractors seeking to broaden their knowledge of wood design, construction, and renovation methods. Despite the technical topic, those who are not engineers will not be overwhelmed because the instruction is kept enjoyable and easy to follow.

Outline

Day 1

• Two main wood design philosophies
• Some relevant provisions of AWC National Design Specification® for Wood Construction and the International Building Code
• Beams and joists made of sawn and engineered lumber
• Columns and wall studs
• Connections
• Framing for roofs with complex configurations
• Wood trusses
• Treated lumber
• Wood shrinkage
• Design for lateral loads: wood diaphragms and shear walls

Day 2

• Investigating existing conditions
• Previous design and construction practices
• Repair of wood structures
• Strengthening wood structures
• Renovating trusses
• Wind and seismic retrofit of wood-framed buildings
• Sources of additional information and conclusion

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs

Upon completion of this course, attendees will receive 1.4 CEUs /14 PDHs. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 30 days of the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]