Building Codes

Library Square, B.C., Canada. JM Architects. © Stephanie Tracey.

Wood-frame construction has made strides in building codes and regulations across Canada and the United States. More jurisdictions are recognizing wood as a structural building material in both residential and non-residential buildings. Some design and guidelines to consider for wood use include Allowable Stress Design (ASD), Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) and fire resistance ratings. To find out more about the building codes and regulations in your jurisdiction, contact the local authorities. 

Wood design tools include:
• WoodWorks Wood Design Software

Canada focused resources:
• WoodWorks® Sizer - size beams, joists, columns and wall studs to meet the CSA O86-01 Standard.
• WoodWorks® Shearwalls - complete shearwall design and lateral load analysis.
• WoodWorks® Connections - design new connections or check the capacity of existing ones.

U.S. focused resources:
• WoodWorks® Sizer - size beams, joists, columns and wall studs to meet the 2005 National Design Specification® (NDS®) for Wood Construction.
• WoodWorks® Shearwalls - complete shearwall design and lateral load analysis.
• WoodWorks® Connections - design new connections or check the capacity of existing ones.
 

Wood Use Matrix This matrix by the Wood Enterprise Coalition will assist on the appropriate use of wood as it pertains to the Wood First Act in British Columbia.
WoodWORKS! BC Information on building codes in British Columbia.
U.S. WoodWorks Information on building codes in the U.S.
Canadian Wood CouncilInformation on building codes in Canada.
reTHINK WOODInformation on building codes and engineering software in North America.