The American Wood Council (AWC) has long served as a critical resource for engineers, architects, and builders working with wood-frame structures. One of its most valuable publications is the workbook titled Design of Wood Frame Buildings for High Wind, Snow, and Seismic Loads, which provides design examples and checklists for wood-frame structures in compliance with […]
A new report from Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty (AGCS) reveals a dramatic shift in the global landscape of supertall building construction. North America now accounts for only 16 percent of the world’s tallest buildings, while Southeast Asia holds 48 percent and the Middle East 30 percent. More than half of the planet’s highest-rising structures
When a builder or structural engineer takes on a renovation or retrofit of an existing steel-framed building, one of the first challenges is identifying exactly what steel sections were used in the original construction. Unlike modern construction where standardized shapes follow well-documented specifications, buildings erected between the late 19th century and the mid-20th century often
For professional home builders, understanding how structural standards have evolved to address seismic risk is no longer optional — it is a fundamental requirement for delivering safe, durable homes. Recent seismic events in regions not traditionally associated with earthquake activity have underscored the importance of modern building codes. The experience of Oklahoma, which recorded 623
Wind Uplift Testing for Roofs: How Builders Can Assess and Improve Hurricane Resilience When a hurricane makes landfall, the roof is often the first line of defense for a home, and too often, it is also the first point of failure. Wind uplift, the upward force exerted on a roof surface by high-velocity wind passing
Tsunami-Resistant House Design: Breakaway Walls, Flood Rooms, and Elevated Foundations for Coastal Builders As climate patterns shift and coastal populations continue to grow, the need for tsunami-resistant residential construction has moved from a niche concern to a mainstream building priority. The Tsunami House, designed by Designs Northwest Architects on a coastal island in Washington State,
Why Texas Lagged in the IBHS Hurricane Code Ranking The 2012 IBHS report “Rating the States” evaluated 18 hurricane-prone coastal states on the strength of their residential building codes and enforcement systems. Texas finished 16th, ahead of only Mississippi and Alabama. The primary reason: Texas has no statewide building code. Instead, code adoption is left
Essential Structural Tools and Products for Professional Residential Builders Selecting the right structural tools and products is one of the most consequential decisions a home builder makes on every project. From the fastening systems that hold framing together to the power tools that drive efficiency on site, the quality of these tools directly affects construction
Understanding Wind Loads and the Continuous Load Path Storm-resistant home construction begins with understanding how wind forces act on a building. During hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms, wind creates both lateral pressure and uplift forces that attempt to lift roofs, push walls inward, and tear off cladding. The single most important principle in storm-resistant design
Tall Deck Posts on Sloped Lots: Engineering Solutions When Prescriptive Code Falls Short Building a deck on a sloping lot introduces structural challenges that flat-site decks never face. When the elevation change between the house and grade requires posts exceeding 14 ft., standard International Residential Code (IRC) prescriptive tables no longer apply. This article walks
