Wood Frame Construction Manual
The 2001 Edition is the current code-referenced version of the Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM) for One- and Two-Family Dwellings. The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) contains an erroneous reference to the 2008 WFCM. ICC has acknowledged the error and will be correcting it in the next printing of the IRC. The next version of the WFCM is tentatively slated as the 2012 Edition to coincide with the 2012 IRC.
The Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM) for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2001Edition is an ANSI approved document that provides engineered and prescriptive requirements for wood frame construction based on dead, live, snow, seismic and wind loads derived from the 2000 International Building Code (IBC). Tabulated engineered design and prescriptive design provisions are applicable where any of the following loads exist:
- 0-70 psf ground snow load
- 85-150 mph wind speed (3 second gust) Exposure B and C with adjustment factors for Exposure D
- Seismic Design Categories A-D (A-E in Chapter 2)
The WFCM includes design and construction provisions for connections, wall systems, floor systems, and roof systems. A range of structural elements are covered, including sawn lumber, structural glued laminated timber, wood structural sheathing, I-joists, and trusses. Also included are provisions approved by the 2000 IBC for perforated shearwalls, wall stud system factors, and increased capacities for shearwalls and diaphragms used in high wind applications.
Accompanying the WFCM is an extensive Commentary, which provides background information and example calculations for various sections and tables of the WFCM.
Technical Questions
To submit a technical question regarding the WFCM, e-mail to info@awc.org or see contact information.
Prices and Ordering
For prices and ordering, call 800-890-7732 or visit AWC ONLINE Publications Ordering.
Design of Wood Frame Buildings for High Wind, Snow, and Seismic Loadings (WFCM Workbook) provides a design example, typical checklist, and background information related to design of a wood-frame structure in accordance with AF&PA's Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM) for One- and Two- Family Dwellings, 2001 Edition. The design example uses plans from a 2-story residence as the basis for a structural design to resist wind, seismic and snow loads. The WFCM Workbook is available as a free download here.
AWC has developed a new series of easy-to-use Guides to Wood Construction in High Wind Areas. Separate documents address wind design requirements in 90, 100, 110, 120, and 130 mph (Exposure B) wind zones (for other wind speeds and exposures see the 2001 WFCM). These Guides are based on provisions contained in AF&PA's 2001 WFCM, the reference document for high-wind wood-frame construction in the International Residential Code (IRC). Use of the high wind provisions of these Guides will result in design solutions that prescriptively meet the requirements of the WFCM and the IRC.
Exposure B High Wind Guides (click the cover to download a free version)
| 90 mph | 100 mph | 110 mph | 120 mph | 130 mph |
The Wood Frame Construction Manual for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 1995 SBC High Wind Edition (WFCM-SBC) was published in February 1996. This comprehensive design and construction manual provides engineered and prescriptive design requirements for wood frame one- and two-family dwellings in high wind areas only (90-120 mph fastest mile windspeed). Provisions of the WFCM-SBC are based on wind loads derived from provisions of the 1994 Standard Building Code with 1996 revisions, for buildings 60 feet or less in height.
WFCM-SBC includes design and construction provisions for connections, wall systems, floor systems, and roof systems. A range of structural elements are covered, including sawn lumber, structural glued laminated timber, wood structural panel sheathing, I-joists, and trusses. Also included are provisions approved by the Standard Building Code for perforated shearwalls, wall stud system factors, and increased capacities for shearwalls and diaphragms used in high wind applications.
Download Permission - Limited License
Limited License: Permission is granted to download and print one copy each of the WFCM Workbook and High Wind Guide PDF files available on this website. However, you may not otherwise reproduce, resell, or reconvey, nor grant others permission to download or reproduce these files. All High Wind Guides and the WFCM Workbook are owned by the American Wood Council, and all rights are retained.
Related To This Publication
- WCD1: Details for Conventional Wood Frame Construction
- Learn about changes to the 2001 WFCM...
- Earn continuing education credit with eCourse/eQuiz STD302 - WFCM 2001