Engineering for the Homebuilder

Instructor: Robert Riversong

Course Description

This is a class for the owner-builder or the professional builder interested in understanding basic principles of structural engineering as it relates to the design and material selection of a residential building project. We will discuss properties of wood, investigate load paths, consider dead loads (weights of building elements) and live loads (people, furnishings, snow, and wind), learn formulas for calculating proper sizing and spacing of structural members - both singular and repetitive, with uniform loads, point loads, and cantilevered loads - and that most overlooked quality: frequency of vibration. We will also explore nailing patterns, stair design principles, and forces on foundations and soil. Finally, we will discuss how to know when you're in over your head and need the help of a licensed engineer. Some familiarity with mathematics and comfort with a scientific calculator is assumed.

Suggested/Required Reading

No outside reading necessary, but the more knowledge you bring the more you leave with.

Tools/Materials to Bring

Scientific Calculator, Notepad and Thinking Cap

Course Schedule

•  morning Orientation & Introductions

09:00 - 12:00 Soils, Excavations, Footings, Foundations, Slabs, Concrete & Masonry

•  afternoon

13:00 - 17:00 Loads, Forces, Vectors, Beam & Post Formulas, Boring & Notching,

Fasteners, Frame Types, Wood Shrinkage, Stair Design & Fire-Stopping