AWC Updates Span Calculator to 2018 NDS Supplement Design Values

The American Wood Council (AWC) has updated the mobile apps and web-based Maximum Span Calculator for Wood Joists and Rafters to accommodate the design values specified in the 2018 National Design Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction Supplement.

To ensure correct use, the mobile apps and web-based calculator were also updated to include design values for non-North American species.

“One of AWC’s core initiatives is to help code officials and designers streamline the use of wood products. This update will bring the web-based version of our most popular calculator up-to-date with the latest codes, and will continues to help designers, plan reviewers and code officials save time when checking spans for proposed lumber floor joists, ceiling joists, and rafters,” said Bradford Douglas, Vice President of Engineering at AWC.

The Span Calculator calculates spans for all species and grades of commercially available softwood and hardwood lumber, using standard uniform loading conditions and optional wet service adjustments.

It also has a “span options” mode that allows for the selection of multiple species and grades for comparative purposes.

The free Span Calculator app is accessible on the AWC website as well as in the Android, iOS, and Windows app stores, and has been updated to reflect the 2018 NDS design values.

The American Wood Council (AWC) is the voice of North American wood products manufacturing, which employs over 450,000 men and women in the United States.

AWC members manufacture products that are vital to daily life from a renewable resource that absorbs and sequesters carbon.

Experts on staff create cutting-edge engineering data, technology, and standards for wood goods to ensure their safe and efficient design, as well as information on wood design, green architecture, and environmental legislation.

AWC also advocates for government policies that are balanced in their impact on wood products.