What is structural composite lumber? Is it reliable enough to build with in your area?  The building industry is constantly developing new materials. Some of this innovation has occurred in the design of timber construction materials. Many of the new products have higher load carrying ability and improved serviceability when compared to their sawn lumber equivalents. In addition, these material are often more sustainable. This interactive online course will focus on innovations in Structural Composite Lumber (SCL). As a designer, it is critical to understand these materials in order to safely and cost effectively design with them.

• Define common Structural Composite Lumber currently in the marketplace.

• Restate the code requirements for using these new materials.

• Compare and contrast the uses of these materials as compared to traditional materials.

• Compare and contrast the capacity of these materials as compared to traditional materials.

• Discuss the current and future implications of the continuing evolution of new materials in terms of safety, cost and constructability.