Course Catalogue.

Introduction to Wood Buildings Design

SCHEDULED OFFERINGS
Course Code: 16-0312-ONL25  /  Online  /  Mar 2 - 3, 2026 More Info    REGISTER NOW

14 Professional Development Hours

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

  • Familiarize themselves with the various wood products used in construction in Canada, their properties, and their applications
  • Understand the physical and mechanical properties of structural wood products
  • Design simple wooden elements in accordance with the provisions of the Canadian standard CAN/CSA O86
  • Grasp the different structural systems in wood
  • Learn the various types of wood connections

Description:
This introductory course on wood design according to the Canadian code explores wooden structures. Participants will delve into the intricate physical and mechanical properties of wood, gaining a deep appreciation for its unique advantages and challenges. This course highlights wood's natural beauty and sustainability and emphasizes its versatility in construction, making it an ideal material for a variety of applications.

In this course, attendees will master the art of designing wooden elements in compliance with the Canadian standard CSA O86. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of design procedures for axial members and flexural members, and members subjected to combined loads, providing a well-rounded understanding of wood’s behavior under different conditions. Additionally, the course addresses crucial aspects of fire resistance, equipping participants with the knowledge to design safe and resilient wooden structures.

Participants will also be introduced to wood connections and to structural systems, learning about the innovative ways in which wood can be used to create robust and aesthetically pleasing buildings. This course is ideal for those seeking an introduction to wood design and wishing to contribute to the expanding trend of sustainable construction.

Who Should Attend:
Structural Engineers • Engineering Consultants • Project Engineers/Managers • Contractors • City Engineers • Building Inspectors • Trainee Engineers • Educators • Construction Personnel • Technicians

Course Syllabus

Day 1: Wood in Construction

- Fundamentals of wood material properties

  • Overview of wood as a construction material
  • Mechanical properties of wood (strength, stiffness, etc.)
  • Moisture content and its effects on wood properties
  • Wood defects and their impact on strength and durability
  • Mechanics of wood in fire

- Standards and guides for wood construction

  • Manuals, design standards, and available guidelines
  • Overview of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC)
  • Specific codes for wood design: CSA O86

- Wood in construction

  • Structural wood products and structural forms
  • Applications of wood products
  • Introduction to wood structural systems

- Design of wood structures

  • Design process and considerations of the Canadian standard
  • Utilization of the Canadian standard for design
  • Wood systems considered in the Canadian standard
  • Design of flexural members
  • Solved examples and practical exercises

Day 2: Design of Wood Structures (continued)

  • Design of axially loaded members
  • Load bearing design
  • Design of members in combining axial load and flexure
  • Design for fire safety
  • Types of wood connections
  • Solved examples and practical exercises
  • Questions and answers and feedback to participants on learning outcomes
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Course Rating
4.3 out of 5

Overall rating of this course by its previous attendees!

SCHEDULED OFFERINGS

This course is currently scheduled on the following date. Click to learn even more details about this offering.

Online, 3/2/2026

COURSE CREDIT

Almost all of EPIC's courses offer :

  • Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and
  • Professional Development Hours (PDHs)

These course credits will help attendees earn training requirements for their associations or provincial governing bodies.

ON-SITE TRAINING
This course can be customized and delivered to a group at your facility saving time and money.
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