Engineered Lumber Design and Construction

This seven-hour course examines the properties and application of engineered lumber products in structural design, focusing on design values, material properties, and performance considerations. The course focuses on glued laminated timber, timber poles, and piles, structural composite lumber, prefabricated wood I-joists, and wood structural panels. The course also explores fasteners, connectors, design software, and resources.

Key learning outcomes include:

• Engineered Lumber Products and Design Guidance: Understand the "family tree" of engineered lumber, including glulam, structural composite lumber (SCL), and structural panels, and their unique properties.
• Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam) Design: Learn the production, types, and NDS adjustment values for glulam, with practical design examples.
• Timber Poles and Piles: Discover the specialized uses, durability considerations, and design standards for timber poles and piles.
• Structural Composite Lumber (SCL): Explore the manufacturing and design methods for LVL, PSL, and LSL, including specific applications like flitch beams and considerations for perpendicular-to-grain loading.
• Prefabricated Wood I-Joists: Master the design strategies, advantages, and critical considerations for I-joists, particularly regarding hole placement and fire-rated assemblies.
• Wood Structural Panels: Delve into the structural applications of plywood and oriented strand board (OSB) in shear wall and diaphragm design, understanding their unique mechanical properties.
• Connections in Engineered Lumber: Examine advanced connection techniques, including dowel fasteners, specialized connectors, and proprietary metal plates, focusing on equivalent specific gravity and adjustment factors.
• Software and Resources for Engineered Lumber Design: Get acquainted with industry-standard software, BIM integration, and essential resources for staying current with engineered lumber innovations.

Through detailed explanations, practical examples, and explorations of relevant industry standards like the NDS, this course equips you with the knowledge to confidently specify, design, and construct with engineered lumber, fostering innovative and efficient building solutions.