Discover the essential principles of designing and constructing with wood and cold-formed steel frames, crucial for a wide range of buildings from residential to small commercial. This course delves into the unique historical and technical developments of these versatile materials.

Explore the historical evolution of wood as a building material, from early shelters to modern framing techniques, understanding how engineering principles and industry dynamics shaped its use and standardization.
Gain insights into the history of cold-formed steel, its emergence as a non-combustible alternative, and its increasing prevalence in modern construction, including light-frame residential structures.
Understand the rigorous processes behind wood standards and grading, influenced by physics, structural engineering, and economic factors, ensuring quality and reliability in wood construction.
Learn the fundamentals of cold-formed steel design, including the complexities introduced by local buckling and innovative design methods developed to address these challenges.
Examine the current building codes, particularly the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC), to differentiate between performance-based and prescriptive design approaches for both wood and cold-formed steel.
Differentiate between the structural properties and applications of various engineered wood products, such as LVL and I-joists, and specialty cold-formed steel members, highlighting their advantages and limitations.
Analyze the practical considerations of integrating mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems within wood and cold-formed steel frames, focusing on best practices for achieving structural integrity and system functionality.
Consider the economic and practical implications of material selection, including cost-effectiveness, constructability, and long-term durability, to make informed design decisions for your projects.

By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of wood and cold-formed steel, equipping you with the knowledge to approach design and construction projects with confidence and informed expertise.