32 / FRAME BUILDER - VOL7 NO2
P
ost-frame buildings 
continue to be 
recognized as code-
conforming structural systems 
when designed in accordance 
with accepted engineering 
practice and current adopted 
building codes. Modern post-
frame structural engineering 
should be performed in 
compliance with the applicable 
edition of the International 
Building Code (IBC) as 
adopted by the authority 
having jurisdiction, together 
with the loading requirements 
of ASCE/SEI 7.
The 2024 IBC references 
the current ASCE loading 
standard for determination of 
environmental and structural 
loads, including wind, snow, 
seismic, rain, flood, and load 
combinations. Engineers 
designing post-frame 
structures must ensure that 
all structural elements and 
connections are analyzed using 
the applicable load criteria 
established by the governing 
code edition and referenced 
standards. 
The structural design of 
post-frame buildings relies 
upon nationally recognized 
engineering standards 
and technical 
references. One 
of the most 
comprehensive 
resources available to 
engineers and designers is 
the Post-Frame Building 
Design Manual published by 
the National Frame Building 
Association (NFBA). The 
manual consolidates many of 
the standards applicable to 
post-frame construction into 
a single technical resource and 
includes guidance regarding:
•	 Building regulations and 
code compliance 
•	 Structural load and 
STRUCTURAL DESIGN: WHOSE 
RESPONSIBILITY IS IT? 
RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
By  Tim Royer, PE
T&R Committee Chairman, 
Timber Tech Engineering, LLC
THE OFFICIAL NFBA MAGAZINE

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