Wood Frame Construction Manual 
2001 WFCM

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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). The 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)
Designers and code enforcement officials now have one comprehensive design reference to provide solutions for residential wood construction, which is increasingly being regulated, especially in higher load regions.

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. The Commentary was developed to respond to user needs.

WFCM Workbook


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.
WFCM High Wind Guides


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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 Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM) for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2001 Edition, 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.

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90 mph
exp. B
100 mph
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110 mph
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120 mph
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130 mph
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1995 WFCM

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 (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 sheathing, I-joists, and trusses. Also included are provisions recently 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.

The 1995 WFCM is adopted by reference in the following model building codes:
2000 IBC International Building Code
2000 IRC  International Residential Code
1997 SBCCI  Standard Building Code
1999 BOCA  National Building Code
A Commentary to the WFCM-SBC has also been developed to provide background information and example calculations for many of the requirements contained in the WFCM-SBC.
Prices and Ordering
For prices and ordering, call 800-890-7732 or visit AWC ONLINE Publications Ordering
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 Forest & Paper Association, Inc., and all rights are retained.
Technical Questions
To submit a technical question regarding the Wood Frame Construction Manual to AWC's engineering staff, fax your request to 202-463-2791, e-mail to AWCINFO@afandpa.org, or call the AWC Helpdesk at 202-463-4713. 
Quick Links
» 2001 WFCM
» WFCM Workbook
» WFCM High Wind Guides
» 1995 WFCM
» Updates / Errata
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» Download Permission - Limited License
» Technical Questions
 
Relevant Publications
» WCD1:  Details for Conventional Wood Frame Construction
 

 

 


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