Topic outline

  • Coastal Construction: Load Path Considerations

    Credits: 3 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course provides guidance on design considerations for buildings located in coastal environments. Examples of problems for the development of the load path for specific building elements are provided, as well as guidance on requirements for breakaway walls, selection of building materials, and appurtenances.

    The topics discussed in this course are: developing a load path through elements of the building structure, considerations for selecting building materials, requirements for breakaway walls, and considerations for designing appurtenances.

    Topics:

    • Continuous Load Path
    • Roof Sheathing to Framing Connection (Link #1)
    • Roof Framing to Exterior Wall (Link #2)
    • Wall Top Plate to Wall Studs (Link #3)
    • Wall Sheathing to Window Header (Link #4)
    • Window Header to Exterior Wall (Link #5)
    • Wall to Floor Framing (Link #6)
    • Floor Framing to Support Beam (Link #7)
    • Floor Support Beam to Foundation (Pile) (Link #8)
    • Other Load Path Considerations
    • Uplift Due to Shear Wall Overturning
    • Gable Wall Support, Connection Choices, Building Eccentricities
    • Framing System
    • Breakaway Wall Enclosures
    • Building Materials
    • Materials below and above the DFE
    • Material Combinations, Corrosion
    • Fire Safety Considerations
    • Appurtenances

    To take this course:

    1.)Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for Coastal, Geotechnical, Civil, Environmental, Water Resources, and other engineers whose job description requires a comprehensive knowledge of coastal construction topics.
    Publication Source: US FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Authority)

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1