Technical Resources & Articles
Historical Listing of Technical Articles
2024
Keeping Long Span Roofing Weathertight - Kenneth J. Guffey, PE
2023
Moisture Problems and Solutions Keeping Water and Moisture Out - Joseph M. Zulovich, Ph.D. PE
Artificial Intelligence for Engineering and Construction Firms - Cain Menard
Understand the Forces at Work to Improve Building Design and Performence - David R. Bohnhoff, P.E.
2022
Understanding Design Loads and Load Paths -Tim Royer, P.E. Aaron Halberg, P.E. Vol. 3 No. 4
Truss, But Verify- Bill Bolduc, PE, SE Vol. 3 No. 3
2021
Total Post Frame Building Design- Aaron Halberg, P.E. Vol. 2 No. 3
Using Soil Properties From Usda Nrcs For Post Frame Design- Jonathan Fleischmann, Ph.D. Vol. 2 No. 1
Most Farmers Don't Know Their Own (Barn's) Strength- Aaron Halberg, P.E Vol. 2 No. 2
Surveying The Nature and Scope of Failures in Farm Buildings- Carl A. Duley Vol. 2 No. 2
2020
Post-Frame Fire Wall Design & Construction - Alan Schambach, PE, SE
Shear Wall and Diaphragm Trusses - Dave Bohnhoff, PE
2019
Post And Pier Foundation Design Considerations And Installation- David R. Bohnhoff, Ph.D., PE
2018
Advances In Reflective Technology- David W. Yarbrough, Ph.D., PE
Keeping Long Span Roofing Weathertight - Kenneth J. Guffey, PE
Incorporating Air Barriers Into Post Frame Construction - Joseph M. Zulovich, Ph.D. PE
Basic Fire Wall Provisions For Post Frame Construction - Ronald L. Sutton, PE
Post Frame Construction And The International Building Code - Amanda Stauffer
Civil Engineering Timber Rising - Robert L Reid
2017
Moisture Problems And Solutions In 5 Parts - Joseph M. Zulovich, Ph.D. PE
Fall Protection On Post Frame Roofs - Daniel P. Hindman, Ph.D., PE,
Energy Code Compliance For Post Frame Buildings - Aaron Halberg, PE
Rigid Connections Between Wood Posts And Concrete - David R. Bohnhoff, PhD, PE
2016
Design Of Post Frame Gyms And Multipurpose Buildings - Timothy Royer, PE, and Amanda Stauffer
Progressive Roof Collapse Due To CLR Shifting - David R. Bohnhoff, Ph.D., PE
The Use Of Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation - Joseph M. Zulovich, Ph.D., PE
Design Of Slabs On Grade - Terry Feldmann, PE, and Alan Schambach, PE
2015
Incorporating CLT into Post Frame - Daniel P. Hindman, Ph.D., PE
Post Frame Buildings and the IBC - Timothy R. Royer, PE
Post Frame Building Foundation Options - John Fullerton
Life Cycle Costing Methods For Post Frame Buildings - Daniel P. Hindman, Ph.D., PE
2014
Total Post Frame Building Design - Aaron Halberg, P.E
NFBA Attains Certification For 2 And 1 Hour Fire Rated Walls - Leo Shirek, P.E
2013
The Engineered Ag Building - Sharon Thatcher
Turning Empty Air Space Into Thermal Resistance - David W. Yarbrough, Ph.D., P.E.
Building For Energy Efficiency With Thermal Imaging - John Fullerton
Fall Arrest System Testing Lessons For Post Frame Construction - Daniel P. Hindman PhD., P.E.
Helical Screw Piles Alternative Support For Post Frame Buildings - Alan J. Lutenegger Ph.D., P.E.
2012
Simplified Lateral Design Of Post Frame Buildings - Don Bender, Ph.D., P.E. and Drew P. Mill, EIT
Effect Of Variability On Lumber Design Values - Don Bender, Ph.D., P.E & Frank Woeste PhD. P.E.
Post Frame Success 3 Hour Fire Wall Passes The Test - Leo Shirek
Accidental Analog - Patrick M. Mcguire, P.E., S.E.
2011
Engineering Doesn't Cost It Pays - Ronald Sutton, PE
An Argument For Fully Engineered Post Frame Buildings - David Bohnhoff, PE, Ph.D.
Building Loads Imposed By Mono Adn Bi-Fold Doors - Paul Boor, PE.
A Wood I-Section For Post Frame - David Bohnhoff PE, Ph.D.
2010
2009
Guide Specificaation For Post Frame Building Systems - Harvey Manbeck
Green Building Initiative - Mark Rossolo
Post Connection Engineering - David Bohnhoff, Ph.D., PE.
2008
Safety Trends Affecting The Wood Construction Industry - Daniel Hindman, Ph.D.
Walls Designed To Stand Up To Wind - Zeno Martin, PE; Ed Keith, PE.
12 Structural Applications For Post Frame - David Bohnhoff, PE
Post Installation Tools - David Bohnhoff, Ph.D., PE
2007
Lateral Buckling of I-Joists During Installation- Daniel Hindman, Ph.D.
Buying Fans Compare The Right Facts - Dr. Doug Overhults & Dr. Eileen Wheeler
Non Structural Plan Review Of Post Frame Buildings - Patrick McGuire, PE; Frank Woeste, Ph.D. PE
2006
UW And LBS Full Scale Building Research Initiative - David Bohnhoff, Ph.D., PE.
Structural Design Whose Responsibility Is It - Tim Royer PE.
Concrete Piers Making Post Frame Buildings Greener - David Bohnhoff, Ph.D., P.E.
2005
Galvanized Fasteners And Corrosion In Wood Part 1 The Galvanized Coating Thomas Kinstler
2004
Managing Moisture And Mold - Catherine Kaake, PE.
Snow load design using the 2003 International Building Code - John Henry
Post Frame Construction And The 2003 International Building Code - Paul Coats, PE.
Simplified Wind Load Provisions of the 2003 International Building Code - T. Eric Stafford, P.E.
2003
Treated Wood In Transition - Stan Lebow & Jerrold Winandy
Post Foundation Design Considerations - David Bohnhoff, Ph.D. PE.
2002
New Quality Criteria For Wood Trusses - Kelly Gutting
1995
For Post Frame Buildings Continuous Concrete Foundations - Neil Meador & Joe Zulovich
Primary Engineering Design Resources
Post-Frame Building Design Manual
Download Chapter 1 of the NFBA Post Frame Building Design Manual for Free!
THE POST-FRAME BUILDING DESIGN MANUAL
The second edition of the Post-Frame Building Design Manual is the ultimate resource for post-frame design. Eight chapters, 200+ pages and hundreds of photos, diagrams, illustrations and design tables cover everything you need to know about designing with post-frame.
Chapters Include:
Chapter I - Introduction to Post-Frame Buildings (Read More About Chapter 1 and Download for Free!)
Chapter 2 - Building Regulations
Chapter 3 - Structural Load and Deflection Criteria
Chapter 4 - Structural Design Overview
Chapter 5 - Post and Pier Foundation Design
Chapter 6 - Diaphragm Design
Chapter 7 - Metal-Clad Wood-Frame Diaphragm Properties
Chapter 8 - Post Design
The Post-Frame Building Design Manual is a must-have for anyone who works with, or is considering working with, post-frame construction.
Cost: $95 for NFBA Members I $175 for non-members
Prefer a printed copy? Order your copy now.
Cost: $130 for NFBA Members I $205 for non-members
Post & Pier Foundation Design Aid (January 2018)
Shallow Post & Pier Foundation Design Workbook (January 2022)
Non-Diaphragm Design Guide
In collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the National Frame Building Association (NFBA) has published its Non-Diaphragm Post-Frame Building Design Guide in both electronic and print formats.
A diaphragm is an element that distributes structural loads throughout a building. It uses exterior cladding (usually metal in the case of post frame construction) to transfer the load evenly to the structure and into the foundation. With no diaphragm, each element or building frame must transfer the load directly.
Non-diaphragm buildings typically have open sides for easy access to, for instance, large agricultural equipment, or salt used on winter roads. Structures in public parks are another example.
While these structures look simple, the absence of diaphragms can make designing them a bit tricky. This guide can be extremely helpful.
The new guide provides a comprehensive overview of the structural design process for non-diaphragm post frame buildings. It covers the use of posts, knee braces, metal cables and other elements used to support these buildings. The guide can be purchased online, with favorable pricing for NFBA members.
Visit Our Online Store. Accessible by everyone.
Order your digital or printed copy here
Non-Diaphragm Post-Frame Building Design Guide Webinar
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
Non-Diaphragm Post-Frame Structural Design Examples: Engineering Details Webinar
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ASABE Technical Library
This content is for Members Only. If you are a member, login here >
If you are not a member, consider joining NFBA >
As a Member of the NFBA, you are granted special access to the
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Technical Library
The ASABE Technical Library is a collection of over 1,500 technical papers, journal articles, textbooks, and standards related to agricultural and biological engineering. The four IBC code reference standards that are directly linked to NFBA are found in this library:
- ANSI/ASAE/NFBA EP484.3 DEC2017 (R2022) Diaphragm Design of Metal-Clad, Wood-Frame Rectangular Buildings
- ANSI/ASAE/NFBA EP486.3 SEP2017 (R2021) Shallow Post and Pier Foundation Design
- ANSI/ASAE/NFBA EP559.2 FEB2023 Design Requirements and Engineering Properties for Mechanically-Laminated Wood (Mechlam) Assemblies
- ANSI/ASABE/NFBA S618 DEC2010 (R2020) Post Frame Building System Nomenclature
The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers is an educational and scientific organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural, food, and biological systems. Founded in 1907 and headquartered in St. Joseph, Michigan, ASABE comprises members in more than 100 countries.
Agricultural and Biological Engineering is the discipline of engineering that applies engineering principles and the fundamental concepts of biology to agricultural and biological systems and tools, ranging in scale from molecular to ecosystem level, for the safe, efficient and environmentally sensitive production, processing, and management of agricultural, biological, food, and natural resources systems.
DAFI Calculator
Diaphragm & Frame Interaction (DAFI) Calculator
What is DAFI? Tech Bulletin
The Diaphragm & Frame Interaction (DAFI) Calculator helps you design buildings that meet load requirements. You enter the number of bays and default values for stiffness and load requirements, and the program calculates specific values for eave load, horizontal displacement, diaphragm stiffness, shear displacement, and shear load.
- Click here to download the DAFI Calculator. *
- Save the file “DAFI_1_0_0_1.zip” to your computer.
- Once you locate the file, right click it and extract the zip file.
- Double click on the "setup.exe” file to install the program on your computer. (You may get a security warning "Publisher cannot be verified. Are you sure you want to install this application?” Click on "Install" to proceed.)
- When the installation is complete, the program will launch.
- Enter default values in the first tab and click on the “Submit” button. Click on the other tabs to view specific values and the results of the frame and diaphragm analysis.
* Please note that the DAFI calculator download works best on Internet Explorer and Firefox. If you are using a different browser and experiencing technical difficulty downloading this tool, please try with either Internet Explorer or Firefox.
Diaphragm Design of Post Frame Using DAFI - Engineering Details Webinar
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
Post and Pier Foundation Design Aid
Post & Pier Foundation Design Aid (January 2018)
Shallow Post & Pier Foundation Design Workbook (January 2022)
Simplified Method for Shallow Post and Pier Foundation Design Details Webinar
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
Universal Method for Shallow Post and Pier Foundation Design
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
Design Aid for Shallow Post and Pier Foundations
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
Codes and Standards Library
This content is for Members Only. If you are a member, login here >
If you are not a member, consider joining NFBA >
Supporting Design Resources
Post-Frame Construction Best Practices Tech Bulletins
International Building Code (IBC)
How Does the International Building Code (IBC) Impact Post Frame?
Visit here (https://codes.iccsafe.org ) to find building codes related to post frame construction.
For general questions about the IBC, one should contact the International Code Council www.iccsafe.org
For more detailed answers to questions about the IBC and how to design and engineer post-frame buildings, you may submit your inquiry in the Contact Us section of this website. The NFBA Team will help you obtain the right information from the right source. Building professionals may also attend the annual Frame Building Expo, a convention and trade show hosted by the National Frame Building Association. The Expo holds hours and hours of education designed with builders and designers in mind. Classes and workshops include diaphragm design, life-cycle analysis for post frame, construction safety, and building code basics.
Fire Walls
Post-Frame Wall Systems Achieve A 3-Hour Fire Rating
An hourly rated wall — rated as high as 3 hours — may be required to separate building areas or occupancy types to meet the International Building Code (IBC) requirement for life safety. Until recently, architects, builders and engineers, usually had to use a rated concrete block wall on a concrete foundation.
Recently, however, the National Frame Building Association successfully achieved a 3-hour fire rating for a post-frame wall system that can be incorporated into a post-frame building without having to use more expensive non-wood framing systems.
The post-frame fire wall assembly is an extremely economical solution; it’s generally faster to erect than other systems like stud wall, light gauge steel or block walls, and doesn’t require an expensive foundation.
When a 3-hour wall is deemed necessary to meet the IBC, a post-frame fire wall provides an already economical building system with additional savings.
See Underwriters Laboratories (UL) fire resistance ratings »
NFBA Standard Specification
NFBA Standard Specification
This guide specification is intended to provide a base format specification for projects built using Post Frame Construction techniques. Modifications may be required for specific project conditions and to correctly represent the materials and designs used on any specific project. Review and comply with any local building regulations including applicable state and local codes, specifications, and safety considerations that may apply to any specific project.
Although every effort has been made to present accurate and sound information, the National Frame Building Association (NFBA) assumes no responsibility for the application of this information to the design, specification, or construction of any specific building. NFBA expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any sort whether direct, indirect, or consequential, arising out of the use, reference to, or reliance on this specification guide of any of its contents. NFBA makes no warranty, express or implied, as to any building system or this specification. NFBA specifically disclaims any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose
Construction Bid Document (CBD)
This content is for Members Only. If you are a member, login here >
If you are not a member, consider joining NFBA >
Supporting Resources
Post-Frame Construction Framing Tolerances
Accepted Practices for Post-Frame Building Construction: Framing Tolerances
Click Here to access the Members Only Section to read this article.
Metal Panel and Trim Installation Tolerance
Accepted Practices for Post-Frame Building Construction: Metal Panel and Trim Installation Tolerances
Click Here to access the Members Only Section to read this article.
Post Frame Advantage Online University Webinars
January
Tuesday, January 10th - Diaphragm Design of Post Frame Using DAFI - Engineering Details
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8051929681135745549
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
Tuesday, January 24th– Simplified Method for Shallow Post and Pier Foundation Design Details
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5896582328139236878
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
February
Tuesday, February 14th– Universal Method for Shallow Post and Pier Foundation Design
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5367754621983851870
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
Tuesday, February 28th– Design Aid for Shallow Post and Pier Foundations
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4102732410050768735
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
March
Tuesday, March 14th – Introduction to Post-Frame Building Systems
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8541577399617688150
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
Tuesday, March 28th– Post-Frame Building Design Manual – 2nd Edition
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4403379571017644896
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
April
Tuesday, April 11th– Non-Diaphragm Post-Frame Building Design Guide
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4695424153006307928
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
Tuesday, April 25th– Non-Diaphragm Post-Frame Structural Design Examples: Engineering Details
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1922610858894777949
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
May
Tuesday, May 9th – Architectural Alternatives for Post-Frame Building Systems
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5227834071471542613
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
Tuesday, May 23rd – Modern Post-Frame Structural Design Practice: An Introduction
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5752500129525404767
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
June
Tuesday, June 13th– Diaphragm Design of Post Frame Using Sway & Shear Modifiers – Engineering
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8517015409382264670
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
Tuesday, June 27th- Diaphragm Design of Post Frame Using DAFI – Engineering Details
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3386991022318981974
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
July
Tuesday, July 11th– Simplified Method for Shallow Post and Pier Foundation Design Details
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1876761224033839708
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
Tuesday, July 25th– Universal Method for Shallow Post and Pier Foundation Design
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1791258801811504725
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
August
Tuesday, August 8th – Design Aid for Shallow Post and Pier Foundations
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/825648998601099606
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
Wednesday, August 23rd – Introduction to Post-Frame Building Systems
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4711229632673167968
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
September
Wednesday, September 13th – Post-Frame Building Design Manual – 2nd Edition
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1259383246014643294
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
Wednesday, September 27th– Non-Diaphragm Post-Frame Building Design Guide
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8657332884296215135
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
October
Wednesday, October 11th– Non-Diaphragm Post-Frame Structural Design Examples: Engineering Details
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/482514509316578395
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
Wednesday, October 25th – Architectural Alternatives for Post-Frame Building Systems
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5615528468495851100
Missed it? Click HERE for the recording!
November
Wednesday, November 15th – Modern Post-Frame Structural Design Practice: An Introduction
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1989452369788312405
December
Wednesday, December 13th– Diaphragm Design of Post Frame Using Sway & Shear Modifiers – Engineering
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/178022356190176342
Technical Advice
NFBA members receive free technical, legal and safety advice as a member benefit.
Click here if you have technical questions on post-frame building
NFBA provides members with free information and answers to your post-frame building questions
Email your technical questions to technical@nfba.org. State that you are an NFBA member and that you have a question for NFBA's technical experts on post-frame construction.
