This course will feature techniques for designing connections for wood members utilizing AWC’s 2015 National Design Specification® (NDS®) for Wood Construction and Technical Report 12 – General Dowel Equations for Calculating Lateral Connection Values (TR12). Topics will include connection design philosophy and behavior, an overview of common fastener types, changes in the 2015 NDS related to cross-laminated timber, and design examples per TR12.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Be familiar with current wood member connection solutions and applicable design requirements.
2. Be familiar with Technical Report 12 and provisions for connection design beyond NDS requirements.
3. Be able to recommend fastening guidelines for wood to steel, wood to concrete, and wood to wood connections.
4. Be able to describe the effects of moisture on wood member connections and implement proper detailing to mitigate issues that may occur.

Funding provided in part by the Softwood Lumber Board.