The ANSI/AWC 2015 Permanent Wood Foundation Design Specification (PWF) covers permanent wood foundation systems which are intended for light frame construction including residential buildings. This document primarily addresses the structural design requirements.
The Permanent Wood Foundation is a load-bearing wood-frame wall system designed for both above and below-grade use as a foundation for light frame construction. The PWF specifications are based on information developed cooperatively by the wood products industry and the U.S. Forest Service, with the advice and guidance of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Federal Housing Administration and utilizing research findings of the National Association of Home Builders Research Center.
The 2015 PWF has been approved by ANSI as an American National Standard and is referenced in the 2015 International Residential Code and 2015 International Building Code.