These courses are free to explore and learn.  Many courses do, however, require a basic understanding of engineering principles that can be found in textbooks in many public libraries. To start an available course, click on a highlighted course number (the course numbering does not imply prerequisites).  New eCourses are added, and existing eCourse content updated on an ongoing basis.

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Design Standards for Wood Structures

STD102 Designing with the National Design Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction (NDS 1997) eQuiz certificate: 2.0 CEH, 2.00 LU $20.00 The NDS for Wood Construction is the nationally recognized standard of practice for structural lumber, glued-laminated timber, timber piles and structural connections. This standard is accepted in all building codes throughout the United States. Some of the topics covered in this course are: lumber design values including in-grade testing, finger-jointed lumber, beam and column design, connection design, and a discussion on new provisions found in the 1997 edition of the NDS. Specific applications include adjustment factors, column, beam, and beam-column design provisions. Seminar participants will also apply provisions in the Allowable Stress Design (ASD) Manual for Engineered Wood Construction. Learning Outcomes On completion of this eCourse, you will be:   1. Familiar with what the NDS is, including:   - lumber design values and in-grade testing - finger-jointed lumber - beam, and column design provisions - connection design provisions - new provisions for the 1997 edition of the NDS.   2. Knowledgeable in the use of:   - adjustment factors - column, beam, and beam-column design provisions.   3. Familiar with the Allowable Stress Design (ASD) Manual. STD103 Designing with the National Design Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction (NDS 2001) eQuiz certificate: 2.3 CEH, 2.25 LU $23.00 The NDS for Wood Construction 2001 contains many changes from the 1997 edition which are summarized in this eCourse. Significant changes include new product chapters on prefabricated wood I-joists, structural composite lumber, wood structural panels, and poles, shear walls and diaphragms, and fire design; and a new appendix for local stresses in members at connections. The course also covers revised provisions for: shear design (coinciding with increased shear design values) and notching, end grain bearing, volume factors, connections and connection tables. Learning Outcomes On completion of this eCourse, you will be:   1. Familiar with the many changes between the 2001 and 1997 NDS, including:   - new product chapters on I-joists, structural composite lumber, wood structural panels, poles, shear walls and diaphragms, fire design - new Appendix for local stresses at connections.   2. Knowledgeable about revised provisions for shear design with increased shear design values, notching, end grain bearing, volume factors, connections and connection tables. STD104 ASD and LRFD with the 2005 National Design Specification for Wood Construction The 2005 NDS® for Wood Construction is a dual format ASD and LRFD document with some enhancements from the 2001 version. In this eCourse, learn about the format of the new document and how to apply its ASD and LRFD design provisions to wood construction through worked examples, and much more. Learning Outcomes On completion of this eCourse, you will be knowledgeable of:   1. Load Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) and how it applies to wood structure design.   2. similarities and differences with respect to ASD, design values, and behavorial equations.   3. how to design in ASD and LRFD for wood using worked examples.   4. format and content within the 2005 NDS.   5. changes in the 2005 NDS and Supplement relative to previous editions.   6. detailed ASD and LRFD design for timber rivet connections.   7. documents comprising the 2005 Wood Design Package, and how they’re used. STD201 LRFD Manual for Engineered Wood Construction eQuiz certificate: 2.5 CEH, 2.50 LU $25.00 The Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Manual for Engineered Wood Construction, published by AF&PA, contains the nationally recognized alternate design procedure to allowable stress design (ASD) as incorporated in the NDS. Topics covered in this course include:  similarities and differences with respect to ASD, design values, behavioral equations, example problems and case studies. Learning Outcomes On completion of this eCourse, you will be familiar with:   1. An overview of LRFD - What stays the same as ASD? What changes from ASD?   2. The ASCE 16-95 Standard, and ASTM D5457-93 basis for design values.   3. The AF&PA LRFD Manual Package.   4. Case Studies: ASD vs. LRFD. STD301 Wood Frame Construction Manual 1995 SBC High Wind Edition eQuiz certificate: 1.5 CEH, 1.50 LU $15.00 Apply provisions for designing wood frame structures for high wind loads based on the Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM) for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 1995 SBC High Wind Edition. Learning Outcomes On completion of this eCourse, you will be knowledgeable about:   1. The purpose of the WFCM and its background.   2. Code acceptance & references.   3. Design methodologies used.   4. Manual overview/contents. STD302 Part 1 Part 2 Wood Frame Construction Manual 2001 National Edition eQuiz certificate: 3.0 CEH, 3.00 LU $30.00 Apply provisions for designing wood frame structures for wind, snow, and seismic loads based on the Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM) for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2001 National Edition.. This edition is a dramatic enhancement of the 1995 WFCM that is applicable nation-wide. Learning Outcomes On completion of this eCourse, you will be knowledgeable about:   1. The purpose of the 2001 WFCM and its development process.   2. Code acceptance and references.   3. 2001 WFCM document layout.   4. Design provisions, including:   - shear walls and the “Standard” Shear Wall concept - wind load resistance and behavior - snow load resistance - seismic load resistance and behavior.   5. Design Examples for each load type. STD303 Design of Wood Frame Buildings for High Wind, Snow, and Seismic Loadings (WFCM Workbook) This learn-by-example workbook-course provides a design example, typical checklist, and background information related to design of a wood-frame structure in accordance with AF&PA's Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM) for One- and Two- Family Dwellings, 2001 Edition. The design example uses plans from a 2-story residence as the basis for a structural design to resist wind, seismic and snow loads. The workbook is heavily referenced to the 2001 WFCM to aid in understanding how to use the time-saving tools and tables offered by the 2001 WFCM. Click on the stack of books to download the PDF workbook and work through it from the beginning. STD401 Lateral Load Resistance Design with the 2008 Wind & Seismic Standard (SDPWS) The provisions of the 2008 Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic ( an ANSI Standard) cover: materials, design, and construction of wood members, fasteners, and assemblies to resist wind and seismic forces. A brief review of behavior of shear walls and diaphragms under lateral load is provided, including relevant strength and displacement design equations and limitations. The contents and format of the Wind & Seismic standard is described. Detailed worked examples of shear wall and diaphragm design are also given to aid the user in becoming competent with the use of the standard in design. Learning Outcomes On completion of this eCourse, you will be:   1. knowledgeable about the purpose, format, and content of the Wind & Seismic standard with application to the design of lateral load resisting elements: shear walls and diaphragms.   2. able to apply 2008 SDPWS provisions through the working of solved example design problems.   3. familiar with the purpose and design of other elements: drag struts, and collector beams, with worked examples. STD511 High Wind Resistive Design and Construction - 110 MPH This program begins with understanding the role of the building inspector, hurricane-resistive construction, behavoral response to wind forces acting on buildings, and construction methods used to resist wind. An overview of wood design and construction standards featuring ICC's SSTD10 and AF&PA's 2001 WFCM and High Wind Guides, with detailed emphasis on the latter in terms of its use. Using the standards, a detailed analysis of typical 1-1/2 story house plan is exemplified for a 110 MPH wind loading. STD512 High Wind Resistive Design and Construction - 120 MPH This program begins with understanding the role of the building inspector, hurricane-resistive construction, behavoral response to wind forces acting on buildings, and construction methods used to resist wind. An overview of wood design and construction standards featuring ICC's SSTD10 and AF&PA's 2001 WFCM and High Wind Guides, with detailed emphasis on the latter in terms of its use. Using the standards, a detailed analysis of typical southeastern US / Gulf-area house plan with garage is exemplified for a 120 MPH wind loading.

Building Codes and Wood Design

BCD101 Part 1 Part 2 Building Codes & Wood Design eQuiz certificate: 1.5 CEH, 1.50 LU $15.00 Discussion of building code requirements for wood-frame buildings with an emphasis on the International Building Code's allowable heights and areas. Also discusses fire resistance issues like flame spread performance, component additive method of determine fire resistance, one-hour rated fire walls, and heavy timber fire resistance calculations. Learning Outcomes On completion of this eCourse, you will be:   1. Familiar with building code requirements for wood frame buildings.   2. Familiar with International Building Code’s allowable heights and areas.   3. Functional with fire resistance issues such as:   - flame spread - Component Additive Method to determine fire resistance - one-hour fire wall designs - heavy timber fire resistance calculations. BCD102 Building Code Update eQuiz certificate: 1.3 CEH, 1.25 LU $13.00 Recognize the latest changes impacting wood design and construction in major model building codes including: BOCA’s National Building Code, SBCCI’s Standard Building Code, ICBO’s Uniform Building Code, ICC’s International Building Code, ICC’s International Residential Code, and NFPA's NFPA 5000 Building Code. Learning Outcomes On completion of this eCourse, you will be:   1. Recognize the latest changes impacting wood design and construction in major model building codes, including:   - BOCA’s National Building Code - SBCCI’s Standard Building Code - ICBO’s Uniform Building Code - ICC’s International Building Code - ICC’s International Residential Code, and - NFPA’s NFPA 5000 Building Code. BCD103 The International Residential Code and Wood Construction eQuiz certificate: 2.0 CEH, 2.00 LU $20.00 This eCourse discusses the development of the International codes with an emphasis on the relationship between the IRC and the CABO One- & Two-Family Dwelling Code. Also provides a summary of how the IRC addresses the use of wood in dwellings within the scope of the IRC. Learning Outcomes On completion of this eCourse, you will be:   1. Familiar with the development of the International Codes, specifically, the relationship between the IRC and the CABO One- & Two-Family Dwelling Code.   2. Familiar with how the IRC addresses the use of wood in dwellings within the scope of the IRC. BCD104 Wood Structural Design in the International Building Code 2000 eQuiz certificate: 1.5 CEH, 1.50 LU $15.00 A layout of how structural wood provisions are presented in the IBC 2000; Chapter 23 in particular. This is a first stop for those new to the IBC 2000. Course also covers how AF&PA documents are referenced. Learning Outcomes On completion of this eCourse, you will be:   1. Familiar with how structural provisions are presented in the IBC 2000.   2. Familiar with the layout and content of Chapter 23.   3. Familiar with how AF&PA documents are referenced. BCD201 Fire Design for Code Acceptance eQuiz certificate: 2.0 CEH, 2.00 LU $20.00 Apply provisions for designing wood members for fire safety, including component additive method, designing heavy timber for fire resistance, flame spread ratings, and fire-rated assemblies. Learning Outcomes On completion of this eCourse, you will be:   1. Able to apply provisions for designing wood members for fire safety, including the Component Additive Method.   2. Able to design heavy timber for fire resistance.   3. Able to determine flame spread ratings.   4. Familiar with fire-rated assemblies.

Wood as a Building Material

MAT100 The Basics of Wood Frame Construction eQuiz certificate: 4.0 CEH, 4.00 LU $40.00 MAT100 is a complete eCourse composed of MAT 101 through MAT 110 (below) in one comprehensive program for building officials on wood frame construction basics. Learning Outcomes On completion of this eCourse, you will be knowledgeable about:   1. IBC Chapter 23 format; What is conventional construction?   2. Growth characteristics of wood; grade marks; protection against termites and decay.   3. Floor, roof/ceiling, and wall framing.   4. Wall bracing, introduction to Wood Frame Construction Manual.   5. Fireblocking & draftstopping. MAT101 What Is Conventional Construction? Learn about the term "conventional construction" as used in the International codes. This course discusses the origination of conventional construction, it's limits, and points out that many elements we see in buildings that may be assumed to be of conventional construction aren't. MAT102 Characteristics of Wood Learn about natural characteristics of wood and the impact of those characteristics on the serviceability of lumber. MAT103 Grade Marks Learn about and apply the code requirements for grade marking of lumber. This eCourse explains what information grade marks should contain, how grading is done, variations in grade marks such as are found on finger-jointed lumber, and a code-accepted alternative to a grade mark. MAT104 Protection Against Termites and Decay Learn about naturally durable and preservatively treated wood, about code requirements for those materials, and see examples of those requirements. MAT105 Conventional Floor Framing Begin to learn the code requirements for framing of structures under conventional construction provisions. This course talks in some depth about the use of I-joists as floor framing products. MAT106 Conventional Wall Framing Like the section on floors, this eCourse addresses code requirements for general wall framing. Bracing requirements are dicussed under Lateral Load Bracing. MAT107 Lateral Load Bracing Learn in depth about the general concept of bracing wood structures and in detail about the IRC requirements for wall bracing. MAT108 Roof / Ceiling Framing Learn in detail about the code requirements for roof framing, and about the use of engineered wood products such as I-joists and trusses as alternates to conventional solid-sawn lumber. MAT109 Introduction to the Wood Frame Construction Manual Begin to learn the scope of the Wood Frame Construction Manual, its format, and the concept of perforated shearwalls. MAT110 Fireblocking and Draftstopping Learn and apply the code requirements for controlling the spread of fire, smoke, and gases. Examples are given. MAT111 Structural Components of Residential Decks Develop an understanding of the code requirements for exterior decks. Using AF&PA's DCA6 Prescriptive Residential Deck Construction Guide, this course includes an overview of code requirements for wood-based exterior decks used in housing construction and a detailed design example of an elevated exterior deck. MAT120 Metric and Wood Apply provisions developed by the wood industry for use of the metric system as mandated by the federal government for all federal construction projects. MAT202 Finger Jointed Lumber Explanation of the manufacturing process for FJ lumber. MAT210 Engineered Wood Products eQuiz certificate: 1.5 CEH, 1.50 LU $15.00 Introduction to the ever-growing family of engineered wood products (EWP). Products covered are lumber, glued-laminated timber (glulam), structural composite lumber, wood I-joists, plywood and oriented-strand board. The standards that form the basis for the manufacture and the development of design stresses for each product are discussed. Unique characteristics for each product are highlighted and extensive examples of the use of these products in a wide range of building applications are presented. Learning Outcomes On completion of this eCourse, you will be:   1. Familiar with the ever-growing family of engineered wood products (EWP’s) and their unique characteristics, including:   - lumber - glued-laminated timber (glulam) - structural composite lumber - wood I-joists - plywood - oriented strand board.   2. Familiar with the standards that form the basis for the manufacture and development of design stresses for each product.   3. Knowledgeable about the use of these products through examples of a wide range of building applications.

Topics on Wood Design and Detailing

DES110 Connection Design eQuiz certificate: 3.3 CEH, 3.25 LU $33.00 This seminar presents current wood connection design philosophy, behavior, serviceability issues, and connection design techniques for small and large wood members, panel products, and wood assemblies, using dowel-type and specialized components. Glued connections will also be discussed along with a brief introduction to connection design software. Learning Outcomes On completion of this eCourse, you will be:   1. Familiar with current wood connection design philosophy, behavior, and serviceability issues.   2. Familiar with design techniques for small and large wood members, panel products, and wood assemblies.   3. Familiar with dowel-type and specialized components, and adhesives.   4. Briefly introduced to connection design software solutions. DES120 Designing for Permanence eQuiz certificate: 1.3 CEH, 1.25 LU $13.00 Construction techniques that prevent moisture from entering a wood-framed structure including:  a discussion of code-required clearances, site drainage, correct placement of moisture barriers, remedies for improper design, preservatively treated wood, grading issues, and tips on preventing moisture-related insect and fungal attack. Learning Outcomes On completion of this eCourse, you will be:   1. Functional with construction techniques that prevent moisture from entering a wood-framed structure, including:   - code-required clearances - site drainage - correct placement of moisture barriers.   2. Functional with remedies for improper design.   3. Knowledgeable about:   - pressure treated wood - grading issues - tips on preventing moisture-related insect and fungal attack. DES130 Lateral Load Resisting Systems for Wood Structures eQuiz certificate: 2.8 CEH, 2.75 LU $28.00 This eCourse explains different construction types and the behavior of small structures and structural elements under gravity, seismic and wind forces. Principles and typology of lateral load resistance systems are discussed including prescriptive braced wall lines as addressed by the IBC/IRC. An introduction to engineered shear wall design, location, and inspection points is offered. Throughout, this eCourse demonstrates how AF&PA’s new Wood Frame Construction Manual addresses these topics for one- and two-family dwellings. Learning Outcomes On completion of this eCourse, you will be:   1. Able to differentiate construction types and understand the behavior of small structures and structural elements under gravity, seismic, and wind forces.   2. Knowledgeable about the principles and typology of lateral load resistance systems, including braced wall lines as addressed by the IBC/IRC.   3. Familiar with engineered shear wall design, components, location, and inspection points.   4. Familiar with how AF&PA’s Wood Frame Construction Manual addresses these topics for one- and two-family dwellings. DES140 Designing for Torsional Stability in Wood Members Lateral-torsional buckling is a limit state where beam deformation includes in-plane deformation, out-of-plane deformation and twisting. This eCourse explores AWC's Technical Report No. 14 which describes the basis of the current effective length approach used in NDS and summarizes the equivalent uniform movement factor approach; provides a comparison between the two approaches; and proposes modification to NDS design provisions. Learning Outcomes On completion of this eCourse, you will be knowledgeable of:   1. the concept of lateral torsional buckling behavior for beams.   2. how to design for it.   3. the design process with a few illustrative examples. DES150 Green Building - Designing with Wood In this eCourse, the definitions of green building and their relationship to sustainable building materials are reviewed. Various green building rating systems are examined and their respective treatments of wood as a building material are discussed. The differences in those treatments will be reviewed and their ramifications will be further explored. Internet sources for information on the subject of sustainable buildings are examined. Finally, the qualities which make wood a sustainable construction material are reviewed, the characteristics which make wood a green building material are discussed, and how various rating schemes treat each of wood's characteristics are reviewed.

Live Seminar Notes

These programs are custom made for seminar events and notes are only available to seminar participants via a password issued at the seminar needed to open the notes PDF file. For seminar notes for Wood Solutions Fairs, see the above eCourses (no password needed). (240 pages, 10Mb) Houston BPI - January 2006 Lateral Resistance in the IRC - January 2006 This seminar presents current information on prescriptive wall bracing and framing per the International Residential Code (IRC), general high wind load information and behavioral response of wood structures, and an introduction to AF&PA's Wood Frame Construction Manual (2001 WFCM) with selected worked examples from the 2001 WFCM Workbook. (365 pages, 28.1Mb) Houston BPI - 2004 The Basics of Wood Frame Construction MAT100 is a complete eCourse composed of MAT 101 through MAT 110 (above) in one comprehensive program for building officials on wood frame construction basics. (368 pages, 13.2Mb) ICC Colorado Institute 2004 The Basics of Wood Frame Construction MAT100 is a complete eCourse composed of MAT 101 through MAT 110 (above) in one comprehensive program for building officials on wood frame construction basics.