Released by the Binational Softwood Lumber Council, this Design and Construction Guide provides the U.S. design and construction community with guidance to ensure safe, predictable, and economical use of NLT. It is intended to offer practical strategies, advice, and guidance, transferring knowledge and lessons learned from NLT project experience.
This Guide focuses on design and construction considerations for floor and roof systems pertaining to U.S. construction practice and standards. While NLT is being used for vertical elements for walls, stair shafts, and elevator shafts, this Guide provides the greatest depth of direction for more common horizontal applications. The information included here is supplemental to wood design and construction best practices and is specific to the application of NLT. Built examples are included to illustrate real application and visual reference as much as possible. This Guide is consistent with the following codes and standards, and these should be referenced as accompanying documents:
- 2015 International Building Code
- ASCE 7-2010, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures
- ANSI/AWC NDS-2015 National Design Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction
RDH was the lead author on Chapter 5: Enclosure.