Post-Frame Advantage Launches FREE Online University

Online, February 4, 2010 (Newswire.com) - The National Frame Builders Association (NFBA) has launched their new FREE online training, testing and performance tracking system, Post-Frame Advantage Online University (www.PostFrameAdvantage.com/OnlineUniversity). Design professionals and structural engineers are encouraged to take advantage of the free online sessions to learn about the many benefits of using post-frame construction in commercial projects, as well as earn American Institute of Architects (AIA) continuing education credits.

The AIA currently recognizes distance learning as a useful and convenient way for architects to engage in professional development and earn continuing education credit. Post-Frame Advantage Online University provides an easy to use interface and includes an audio component that participants can listen to while navigating through the program. At the end of each module, the participant has the opportunity to take a test and earn 1.0 AIA CEU.

This new online tool is convenient and easy to use. The NFBA has been developing top notch educational programs for many years. The delivery mechanism has traditionally been educational seminars at the annual Frame Building Expo and chapter events. Post-Frame Advantage Online University has been designed to benefit the 8,000 post-frame builders operating in the United States as well as hundreds of suppliers, building material dealers and thousands of architects and design professionals.

These initial sessions are based on a six-hour, six-part educational module for designers and engineers, developed by NFBA Technical and Research Advisor Harvey Manbeck, PE, PhD, who is Professor Emeritus at Penn State University, University Park, PA.
Currently, these two courses are being offered with four more coming in early 2010:

Session #1: Introduction to Post-Frame Building Systems
• Identifying the structural features that make post-frame systems unique as well as useful design resources
• Review of the two basic design approaches for post-frame systems identifying key performance characteristics
• Provide an introduction to post-frame building systems in preparation for the detailed design procedures will be covered in future sessions

Session #2: Post-Frame Design: 2-Dimensional Frame Method & Post Foundation Design
• Basic procedures for 2-dimensional post-frame building design
• Learn design procedures and calculations for sizing wall posts and detailing the post foundations
• Understanding the key post-frame elements that are essential to embarking on 3-dimensional post-frame design for buildings with diaphragm action

To learn more, please visit www.PostFrameAdvantage.com/OnlineUniversity.

NFBA was established in 1970 to advocate for and grow the post-frame industry. The organization represents post-frame contractors, design professionals, manufacturers and distributors. Post-frame buildings are structurally efficient, clear-span buildings composed primarily of wood wall columns, roof trusses or rafters, purlins, girts, bracing and sheathing. The characteristic feature of the design is solid-sawn or laminated rectangular posts or columns, which may utilize a variety of foundation options. Post-frame is very well suited for a wide variety of low-rise building applications. For more information about post-frame, visit www.PostFrameAdvantage.com.

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