FAQ

FAQ

What is post frame?

Post-frame buildings typically feature large, solid-sawn wood posts or laminated columns instead of the 2 x 4” studs found in many wood-frame buildings. Loads are transferred to the ground through the posts, which are typically embedded in the ground or surface-mounted to a concrete or masonry foundation.

Some people mistakenly think “pole barn” when they try to imagine a post-frame structure. Although the post-frame design was originally perfected by engineers for large agricultural buildings, the design has proven so efficient and versatile that barns now constitute only a fraction of the post-frame industry.

Round “poles” are no longer used in post-frame construction. Rot and insect-resistant pressure-treated square posts, nail-laminated or glue-laminated wood columns, and new types of materials are used instead. Laminated columns may also be engineered to build large, arching structural members that are ideal for church sanctuaries and other open timber interiors.

What is the Post-Frame Advantage?

The Post-Frame Advantage is dedicated to educating architects, engineers, and building owners on the benefits of choosing post-frame construction for their building projects.

The Post-Frame Advantage provides professionals with information on using post frame and locating post-frame contractors for their building needs.

How does the International Building Code (IBC) affect post frame?

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 Post-Frame Advantage 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. Expo dates for 2012 are February 29 - March 2, 2012 at the America’s Center in St. Louis, MO.

Email info@postframeadvantage.com for program and registration information. The Expo holds over 30 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.

What educational resources on post frame are available?

The Post-Frame Advantage offers continuing education programs designed specifically for post-frame industry professionals.

The Post-Frame Advantage Online University is a free educational opportunity for design professionals and structural engineers to learn about the benefits of using post-frame construction in commercial projects. Participants can even earn AIA credits for continuing education (1.0 CEU per session).

A few notable academic institutions that have staff knowledgeable about post frame include:

• Cornell University
• Iowa State University
• Kansas State University
• Ohio State University
• Pittsburgh State University
• South Dakota State University
• The University of Kentucky
• The University of Wisconsin
• Virginia Tech
• Washington State University

What is the DAFI calculation program?

DAFI is the Diaphragm and Frame Interaction calculation program. You can download this program on this website to design buildings that meet load requirements. Visit the DAFI Calculator page in the Resources section of this website.