LEESBURG, VA. – Oregon has become the first state to approve the use of science-based building code requirements for tall mass timber buildings under their statewide alternate method (SAM). The SAM program is unique to Oregon, allowing early technical consideration and approval on a statewide basis.

LEESBURG, VA. – The American Wood Council (AWC) 2018 Wood Design Package is now available for purchase in printed format. The document set contains the 2018 National Design Specification® (NDS®) for Wood Construction, with Commentary and 2018 Supplement: Design Values for Wood Construction, and the 2015 Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic (SDPWS) with Commentary.

LEESBURG, VA. – The American Wood Council (AWC) and WoodWorks have released the Windows version of a free app to calculate maximum allowable heights and areas for buildings of various occupancy classifications and types of construction. The Heights & Areas Calculator is based on the provisions in the 2015 and earlier editions of the International Building Code (IBC).

LEESBURG, VA. – A new position, Manager, Fire Service Relations, with the American Wood Council (AWC) will be filled by Raymond “Ray” O’Brocki, CBO, effective immediately. O’Brocki will create a stronger relationship between AWC and the fire service community.

LEESBURG, VA. – The American Wood Council (AWC) has released an update to “Design for Code Acceptance (DCA) 3 - Fire-Resistance-Rated Wood Floor and Wall Assemblies.”

LEESBURG, VA. – An overview of significant changes for wood design in the 2018 National Design Specification® (NDS®) for Wood Construction topped the American Wood Council's 2017 webinars.

LEESBURG, VA. - The American Wood Council (AWC) 2018 Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM) for One- and Two-Family Dwellings is now available online at www.awc.org/codes-standards/publications/wfcm-2018.

LEESBURG, VA. – American Wood Council (AWC) Northeast Regional Manager Matt Hunter, BCO, submitted a letter in opposition of New Jersey Assembly bill A-96. The bill would amend the state construction code to limit heights and areas of wood-frame construction in large residential multi-family construction.