Course info

The 2015 Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM) is referenced in the 2015 International Building Code and 2015 International Residential Code. For WFCM load calculations, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE 7-10) is used. The 2015 WFCM includes design information for wind and seismic loads and gravity loads including snow, roof live, floor live, and dead loads on buildings up to 3 stories. This presentation will provide background and examples for calculation of forces on headers which will enable designers and code officials to quickly determine design loads. It will also provide engineered prescriptive solutions for both solid sawn and glued-laminated timber headers to resist those loads. Related issues including jack studs, king studs, connections for lateral and gravity loads, and the difference between dropped and raised headers will be discussed. Prefabricated wood components can help to solve many design and engineering challenges such as material and process efficiency, environmental performance and life safety. This course will demonstrate the advantages of prefab wood building, specifically how it relates to both light wood frame and mass timber construction.