Codes
Code Conformance
Post-Frame Wall Systems Achieves a 3-Hour Fire Rating 
Post-Frame Success: Post-Frame 3-Hour Fire Wall Surpasses Three-Hour Test
A New Post-Frame Fire Wall: Benefits Include Faster Assembly Time and Cost Savings
Click here to view Underwriters Laboratories (UL) fire resistance ratings.
Post frame construction is code-accepted and code-compliant with all applicable building regulations.
Pertinent standards include:
American Wood Council
The American Wood Council's Design for Code Acceptance document "DCA5 – Post-Frame Buildings" summarizes and documents post-frame code compliance.
International Building Code
The International Building Code recognizes and approves post-frame construction in accordance with American Society of Agricultural and Biological engineering practice standards EP 486 and EP 484.2 in Section 2306.1 (Allowable Stress Design) since adoption of the 2003 IBC. The IBC recognizes and approves post-frame construction in accordance with the referenced standards.
ASAE EP486.1, Shallow Post Foundation Design
This engineering practice created through a consensus process by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE, formerly ASAE) presents the engineering basis for determining the depth of embedment for sidewall posts in post-frame buildings. It presents a rational basis for the required lateral and uplift capacity for the embedded post and for designing the foundation for a post-frame building.
ASAE EP484.2, Diaphragm Design
This presents the rational engineering basis for diaphragm design of post-frame buildings in a format suitable for acceptance by architects and engineers, referenced from IBC section 2306.1.
ASAE EP 558, Load Tests for Metal-Clad Week-Frame Diaphragms
This engineering practice establishes the test procedures and the data analysis procedures for determining the in-plane shear strength and in-plane shear stiffness of metal-clad, wood-framed structural diaphragms typically used in post-frame buildings and other sheathing in accordance with their performance characteristics. The in-plane shear strength and stiffness are required inputs for the engineering practices presented in ASABE EP484.2.
ASAE EP559, Mechanically Laminated Columns
This engineering practice presents the rational basis for determining the structural strength and stiffness of mechanically laminated columns used in many modern post-frame buildings. Click here for press release December 2010 “NFBA Technical & Research Committee Members Drive Revision of Standard for Mechanically Laminated Assemblies.”
American Wood Protection Association (AWPA)
The American Wood Protection Association's standards and EPA documents confirm the suitability of using properly treated building posts in ground contact for permanent edifices. AWPA documents specify treatment of posts and various other lumber products installed at or below grade for buildings in the use category system: “User Specification for Treated Wood Products." AWPA specifies UC4A for above-ground uses such as post-frame skirtboards and UC4B for “building poles and permanent wood foundations” embedded within the ground. These and EPA documents confirm the suitability of using properly treated building posts in ground contact for permanent edifices.
ASTM International (ASTM) ASTM F1667 – Post-Frame Nails sets production standards for threaded hardened nails, and is referenced in the National Design Specification (NDS), published by the AWC. NDS establishes the technical specifications for the dimensions, tolerances and materials for the manufacture of fasteners. Post-Frame Nails has exceptional withdrawal resistance characteristics. This unique fastener has been thoroughly tested and is recognized by these construction industry standards.
National Frame Building Association (NFBA)
NFBA has assembled all pertinent engineering information from codes and standards into the Post-Frame Building Design Manual, the only current and complete published reference of its kind on how to properly design and engineer post-frame buildings.
