Prescriptive Method for Structural Insulated Panels (Sips)

Mike J. Nelson, P.E., S.E.

Course Outline

This 4 hour online course discusses the materials used in SIP construction, foundation requirements, Above-Grade Wall requirements, SIP header requirements, Connection details, Plumbing, HVAC & Electrical issues, and Thermal Guidelines.

This course includes a multiple choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will be familiar with:

• The component materials of SIPs and how they work together;
• Plan geometric & story limitations of SIP use;
• Wind, seismic, live and snow load limitations;
• Wall Bracing requirements for resisting lateral loads;
• Interior & Exterior covering requirements;
• The allowed sizes of wall penetrations;
• The thickness requirements for different loading conditions;
• Typical SIP construction detailing;
• Required fasteners
• How to specify proper header sizes for different spans and load conditions;
• The testing involved in developing strength limits;
• The allowable shear, axial and bending strength limits of SIPs;
• When formal engineering is required and when it is not;
• Moisture condensation issues and how to address them; and
• Ventilation issues.

Intended Audience

This course is intended for structural engineers, architects, building code officials and home builders.

Benefit to Attendees

Attendee of this course will be able to save their clients time and money by knowing when formal engineering is not required and adjusting designs accordingly.

Course Introduction

By providing prescriptive provisions for the construction of sip houses, the need for engineering can be properly evaluated to a point of reduction or complete elimination.

The prescriptive method was developed by using accepted engineering methods, testing procedures and construction methods, and meet typical building code requirements.

Course Content

In this lesson, you are required to download and study the following course content:

Prescriptive Method for SIPs

Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you still experience any difficulty in downloading or opening this file, you may need to close some applications or reboot your computer to free up some memory.
You may need to download Acrobat Reader to view and print the document.

Course Summary

Prescriptive methods for residential SIP construction were developed to facilitate the growth of SIP use in the housing industry. This method is presented in detail. The prescriptive provisions include definitions, span tables, material requirements, and additional related information necessary for use by design professionals, home builders and building code officials.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:

Structural Insulated Panel Association  

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

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DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

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