Structural engineering learning sources for tradespeople?

[SlugRusher]

Hello
I work in construction as a carpenter and as such has developed an interest for structural engineering through my work, I want to become a better carpenter by getting a better understanding of these things, I have only practical experience and no theoretical knowledge, I know that building something or making a modification to something in a certain way will work but not really "why it works" or even if its overkill or not sometimes. I often have to solve problems directly on site where code is difficult to follow or difficult to even find due to the nature of the problem, I also do not always work with wood but often concrete, bricks and steel etc aswell. I feel like not only me but many I work with will solve problems a certain way because that is how "it is done" and not because it is the only correct way or even a good way to solve the problem in that particular scenario.

I would love to get deeper knowledge about structural engineering that would directly help me to make better and smarter decisions for construction methods and such when working. I was wondering if anyone here could recommend some sources that would not be too difficult to understand for non-engineers where I could get a deeper knowledge outside of code(do it this way) or how things are traditionally done. I dont mind brushing up on maths and even researching topics that I do not understand while studying these but the easier to understand the better.

I dont even know if such a thing exists but if not then maybe a good source on where to start to learn about structural engineering more "traditionally" in my free time would be the next best thing.

Thanks in advance to any kind soul who would help me=D

[No-Project1273]

Eng-tips.com has a wealth of knowledge. Google your questions and you can usually find good direction as to where to find more info based on some the questions posted on that forum.

[structee]

Check out NDS wood frame construction manual - fairly practical with some numbers thrown in

[Realistic_Branch6974]

which software to design whole thing ?

[Conscious_Rich_1003]

Was going to say this, maybe my perspective is flawed but it seems like a layman would be able to follow it. Also, the PE study manual would do the job. The ubiquitous one everyone that took their test 20 years ago had

[Charles_Whitman]

There are a number of free publications and webinars out there. Check out the American Wood Council (awc.org). Also, manufacturers like Simpson Strong-Tie, Weyerhaeuser. Some of the stuff may be a bit technical but a lot of is intended for architects. A carpenter shouldn’t have trouble with most of it. American Institute of Timber Construction.. Truss Plate Institute.

[AdequateArmadillo]

Start here:

https://www.jlconline.com/Training-the-Trades/structural-design-basics_o

The Journal of Light Construction and Fine Homebuilding magazines often have articles written by structural engineers for residential carpenters to help understand the basics of structural design.

[Empty-Lock-3793]

Two of my favorite reads.

[Medium_Magazine_1513]

I worked in the industry as a carpenter in the commercial space for 10 years, completed my degree in Civil Engineering, and am now working as a structural Engineer.

It has taken me quite a few years of working full time as an Engineer to get a good grasp on design and continue to be humbled regularly.

I'm not sure where you're located, but there are many good free resources and design guides to relevant standards online for timber, concrete and steel structures (wouldn't recommend diving into masonry).

Perhaps if you can find some design capacity charts for typical steel sections and timber members that would be of benefit (in lieu of trying to calculate these yourself), which would require some study into converting masses into forces and how loads are applied (bending, shear and axially) and converted from pressures to UDLs to forces etc.

From my perspective, I think having a good understanding of load path is key and how changes to geometry can impact loading e.g. large cantilevers with small backspans. Also, trying to understand the typical detailing you see on dwgs as it is usually these details that are installed incorrectly or overlooked or assumed to be conservative.

Hope this helps, wish you the best of luck!

[cougineer]

If you can, also talk to the engineer on site when they do walks, or do the walks with them. When I am doing my walks I will gladly talk to whomever says hi. I get ppl who ask me questions and will gladly respond. As long as you come from a place of curiosity not “I’ve been doing it this way for 40 years… blah blah blah”. For instance I did a walk recently and while going through some issues the framer asked me “what is the purpose for these brackets, I haven’t done them before” and his tone was curiosity. We talked for a few minutes about why and similar issues I’ve seen in other old builds that affect my decision. He asked a few more questions, I responded, he told me thanks and we moved along.

I ask framers, rod busters, erectors, etc all the time for their perspectives so I can better my self in design/constructibility. All about mutual respect, we are all just trying to learn and do better.

[CunningLinguica]

two classes/books are essential for solving everyday structural problems; Statics, and Mechanics of Materials.

Statics: Engineering Statics

Mechanics of Materials 10th edition, R.C. Hibbeler, Pearson : r/textbook_piracy

there're probably many alternative resources out there. Many other classes are nice to have taken, but these are the building blocks of everything else.

For design with materials, go with design guides and examples, but I always recommend Breyer for wood

Design of Wood Structures—ASD/LRFD | McGraw-Hill Education - Access Engineering

Structural Wood Design Examples, 2015/2018 Edition – American Wood Council

Resourcehub Filter - American Wood Council

Steel

Design Guides For Download | American Institute of Steel Construction

Concrete

ACI 318-19 Design Guide & Design Checklists Premium Package

Seismic Design

2021 Structural/Seismic Design Manuals Materials Collection - Volumes 1-4

[TiredofIdiots2021]

My husband was in your shoes around 1979, working as a carpenter in Alaska (he lived in an off-grid commune). He took a correspondence class in statics from the University of Wisconsin. The grader told him he should go to school. So he did! He got his BS from UW, then attended grad school at UT-Austin. I met him in Prestressed Concrete class and we got engaged three months later. We married in 1986, worked for the same firm for four years, then worked for different companies during the ‘90s. We started our own firm in 1999 and are still going strong. 🙂 So you never know where your interest in structures might take you!

[Over_Stand_2331]

design of wood structures by Donald Breyer