Course catalog

As project design teams consider using cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels as floor, roof, or wall framing, structural design questions frequently arise, especially for designers new to mass timber products. This presentation provides specific design guidance on how to address common scenarios in...

This is an introductory course designed to help architects better understand the basic structural nature of buildings under lateral forces which can in effect help create more efficient plan layouts, potentially reduce costs, and increase the lateral performance of the building. A 2-story example...

US model building codes recognize multiple construction types using mass timber. These code provisions stipulate, among other fire safety requirements, minimum fire-resistance ratings for building elements and fire protection of connections. Among the numerous means provided by building codes for...

The use of modular construction throughout the United States continues to intrigue developers and designers. As more project teams consider modular systems, it is essential to understand how these buildings differ from traditional construction methods. Modular units are constructed in ...

This program includes discussion about wood-based connection design based on numerous help desk questions and feedback from design professionals. AWC has identified some commonly overlooked wood-based connection engineering requirements from the National Design Specification® (NDS®) for Wood ...

More and more often, carbon calculations are an important component of building design as ownership and design teams strive for more sustainable structures. As architects and engineers embrace carbon accounting as part of the design process, it is important to understand how to correctly account ...

AWC’s 2015 Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic (SDPWS) and 2018 Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM) which are referenced in the national building codes, both contain provisions for wood structural panel shear walls designed to resist shear and uplift forces simultaneously. This ...

When properly designed, wood frame structures will resist damage by moisture and living organisms. Recommendations for control of moisture and protection against decay and insect infestations are contained in AWC's Design of Wood Frame Structures for Permanence, WCD No. 6. Protection of wood ...

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...