Building Systems: Wood Panel Products and Heavy Timber Buildings

1.25 Hours (1.25 LU/HSW)

AIA-Approved Continuing Education Course

This AIA Pre-Approved course provides a comprehensive, technical, and practice-oriented introduction to structural wood panel products, heavy timber systems, and wood light-frame construction, with emphasis on how these systems support building performance, safety, and code compliance.

Learners will explore material characteristics, manufacturing processes, design considerations, and the regulatory environment governing the use of wood-based systems in modern buildings.

All hours are fully recognized for AIA LU/HSW credit, enabling:

① AIA Members

AIA Architect Members • AIA Associate Members

② Licensed & Regulated Professionals

Licensed Architects • Interior Designers (IDCEC / ASID / IIDA)

③ Architectural Technology & Design Teams

Architectural Technologists • Senior Technologists • Designers

Intern / Graduate Architects • BIM Technologists / Coordinators

Drafting Technicians

④ Construction & Project Delivery Teams

Design-Build Contractors • Construction Managers • Project Managers

Site Supervisors • Residential Builders • Developers

Developer Technical Staff

⑤ Specialized Consultants

Building Code Consultants • Life Safety / Fire Protection Engineers

Structural Engineers • Building Envelope Consultants

Energy Modelling / Sustainability Consultants

Engineering-related design staff

to complete recognized HSW education efficiently and affordably.

Description sample

Course Coverage & Learning Topics

1. Structural Wood Panel Systems

A deep exploration of how engineered wood panel products are produced, specified, and used safely in code-compliant structures.

Manufacturing & Material Fundamentals

Major structural wood panel types (plywood, OSB, composite panels)

Core production processes & panel performance classifications

Wood chemical treatments and material durability

Specification & Application

Grade selection, labeling, and code-recognized applications

Fasteners, connectors, and panel-based structural assemblies

Environmental and resource-efficiency considerations

(use of recovered, recycled, and waste-wood materials)

2. Heavy Timber Construction

A performance-based overview of heavy timber buildings, focusing on safety, fire resistance, and code behaviour.

Historical & Technical Context

Evolution of timber framing and structural uniqueness

Charring behaviour and inherent fire-resistive properties

Safety & Code Compliance

Heavy timber recognition within modern building codes

Connection detailing, shrinkage considerations, and bracing

Integration of mechanical/electrical systems in timber assemblies

Long-span capabilities and performance-driven design strategies

3. Wood Light-Frame Construction

A foundational review of North America’s most widely used wood building system.

Methods & Assemblies

Platform framing, balloon framing, wall, floor, and roof systems

Material efficiency, optimal lumber usage, and prefabricated elements

Performance & Regulatory Context

Structural behaviour and architectural design implications

Interface with building code requirements and safety standards

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this 1.25-hour program, participants will be able to:

✔ Identify major structural wood panel types, manufacturing processes, and specification criteria.

✔ Interpret the fire-resistive and structural behaviour of heavy timber under modern code provisions.

✔ Evaluate key considerations in shrinkage, connection detailing, long-span strategies, and integrated building services.

✔ Understand framing approaches in wood light-frame construction and their structural/performance implications.

✔ Apply wood-based systems appropriately in architectural and engineering design contexts while meeting HSW requirements.

Course Purpose

The purpose of this AIA Pre-Approved course is to equip professionals with practical, actionable knowledge of wood-based building systems—ensuring safer design decisions, stronger material performance awareness, and improved technical judgment in the execution of code-compliant, sustainable building projects.

The course emphasizes clarity, safety, performance, and real-world application rather than overwhelming technical complexity.