The 2018 Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM) for One and Two-Family Dwellings was developed by the American Wood Council’s (AWC) Wood Design Standards Committee and has been approved by ANSI as an American National Standard. The 2018 WFCM is referenced in the 2018 International Building Code and 2018 International Residential Code.
Tabulated engineered and prescriptive design provisions in WFCM Chapters 2 and 3 respectively, are based on the following loads from ASCE/SEI 7-16 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures:
- 0-70 psf ground snow loads
- 90-195 mph 3-second gust basic wind speeds
- Seismic Design Categories A-D
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.