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Introduction to Timber Frame Engineering: Design/Make/Break


  • Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute 1375 N Main St Adrian, MI, 49221 United States (map)

$200 scholarships available to all participants courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Introduction to Timber Frame Engineering: Design/Make/Break

3 Days: Friday - Sunday, September 19th - 21st, 2025, 9AM-5PM

Tuition: $825.00 $625.00

$200 scholarships available to all participants courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Ages: 18 & Up

Instructor: Joe Miller

Instructional Delivery Method(s): In person

Prerequisites: Basic math skills

Program Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Program Description:

Starting with an overview on how to determine the forces and loads a traditional timber frame structure (or really any structure) will see over the course of its lifetime, the course focus will transition into sizing of beams, as well as a primer on basic joinery and connection design. In order to break up the class room portion, we will design a basic timber frame joint, calculate its allowable design strength, and then fabricate it out of timber. After the joints are fabricated, we will “bust” them by pulling them apart using a hydraulic load frame, with friendly bragging rights awarded for the best prediction of strength and best capacity. Experience in design or fabrication of timber frames is not required, but basic math skills will be handy. There will be something to learn for beginners up through experienced framers.

Learning Objectives:

  • Basic under standing of engineering processes

  • Understand of the limits of joints

  • Understand the limits of materials

  • Understand how those limits are found

  • Understand the different types of failures

  • Understanding of how to test and measure.

Attendance Requirements: Students must attend all days

Location: Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, 1375 N. Main St, Building #41, Adrian MI 49221

Class Size: Maximum 20 students

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If you have any questions about this class, please contact the Administrative Office at (517) 759-3070 or email sambeaufordwoodshop@gmail.com

Proudly sponsored by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in an effort to promote Michigan's greatest natural resources... lumber!

 

AIA Advance Learner Preparation: None

AIA Approved Learning Units & Type: 24 Elective

AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: 03/13/2027

Official AIA CES Provider Statement: Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 10009739. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3). This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.

Earlier Event: September 8
Windsor Continuous Arm Chair
Later Event: September 22
Timber Framing