This course provides guidance on design considerations for buildings located in coastal environments. Examples of problems for the development of the load path for specific building elements are provided, as well as guidance on requirements for breakaway walls, selection of building materials, and appurtenances. The topics discussed in this course are: developing a load path through elements of the building structure, considerations for selecting building materials, requirements for breakaway walls, and considerations for designing appurtenances.

Topics: Continuous Load Path Roof Sheathing to Framing Connection (Link #1) Roof Framing to Exterior Wall (Link #2) Wall Top Plate to Wall Studs (Link #3) Wall Sheathing to Window Header (Link #4) Window Header to Exterior Wall (Link #5) Wall to Floor Framing (Link #6) Floor Framing to Support Beam (Link #7) Floor Support Beam to Foundation (Pile) (Link #8) Other Load Path Considerations Uplift Due to Shear Wall Overturning Gable Wall Support, Connection Choices, Building Eccentricities Framing System Breakaway Wall Enclosures Building Materials Materials below and above the DFE Material Combinations, Corrosion Fire Safety Considerations Appurtenances.

Intended Audience: This course is intended for Coastal, Geotechnical, Civil, Environmental, Water Resources, and other engineers whose job description requires a comprehensive knowledge of coastal construction topics. 

Publication Source: US FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Authority)