Engineering & Testing

SBCA Update: Engineered Use Roadmap-June 1 On

June 7, 2012

SBCA has updated its engineered use guidance for implementing the reduced Southern Pine lumber design values that went into effect on June 1st.

ALSC and SPIB Respond to SBCA's Request for Lumber Monitoring Information

May 25, 2012

Both ALSC and SPIB have responded to SBCA's requests for further information regarding lumber testing data and methodology regarding Southern Yellow Pine lumber.

New Q&A for SP Design Values Effective June 1, 2012

May 25, 2012

A new collaborative Q&A has been issued for Registered Design Professionals regarding SPIB's Supplement No.9 to the 2002 Standard Grading Rules for Southern Pine Lumber, which provides new design values effective June 1, 2012. SFPA has also issued summary press release

Successful Collaborative Discussion had about Lumber Changes and Use

May 25, 2012

At this inaugural “Lumber Summit,” 71 participants, including key lumber industry leaders, the top five lumber producers in North America, and component manufacturers representing approximately 700 million board feet of U.S. structural lumber purchases, were in attendance. 

SBCA Offers SP Design Value Template Letter for Component Manufacturers

May 25, 2012

SBCA recommends that all component manufacturers consider customizing and sending out SBCA’s template letter to all customers, potential customer, specifiers and building officials, disseminating it through every communication channel you can.

ICC Indicates Hands-Off Approach Regarding SP Design Value Changes

May 25, 2012

The International Code Council (ICC) has issued a response SBCA’s May 10th letter, indicating it was taking essentially a “hands off” position with respect to implementation of lumber design value changes.

SBCA Adopts Lumber Design Value Engineering Policy, Sends Letter to ICC

May 10, 2012

SBCA has drafted an engineering policy regarding the transition to lowered Southern Pine lumber design values effective June 1, 2012, and has sent a letter to the ICC requesting their plan of action.

HERS Rating Gaining Traction

May 7, 2012

Little used until just recently, the HERS rating system is gaining traction as the building industry’s equivalent of mpg.

SPIB's SYP Monitoring Data Requested

May 7, 2012

SBCA has submitted a letter to ALSC requesting further information regarding Southern Pine lumber monitoring data previously collected by SPIB. 

AWC Releases Several Revised Standards

May 7, 2012

The American Wood Council (AWC) has revised several of its standards and design tools in response to upcoming changes to Southern Pine design values.