Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
2/10/04
Contacts:
Jay Harmon, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, (515) 294-0554, jharmon@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
ISU Sponsors Frame Builders Conference
AMES, Iowa -- The 2004 Iowa Frame Builders conference will feature a program that includes a short course on new truss handling techniques to give builders a competitive edge. People interested in quality wood frame construction will have an opportunity to learn more about quality construction standards and more about what makes buildings fail at the conference which will be held in Ames on March 12, 2004.
The Iowa Frame Builders Conference, now in its eighth year, is intended for general contractors and builders, building suppliers, insurers, building inspectors and anyone interested in the construction of wood frame buildings. In past years, the conference focused on agricultural buildings but has broadened the focus to benefit builders of residential and commercial light frame structures as well as agricultural builders.
"Attendees will have an opportunity to hear from building experts about techniques that could give them a competitive edge," said Jay Harmon, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension ag engineer and conference coordinator.
The Iowa Truss Manufacturing Association will have an educational workshop during the afternoon. Participants will receive a 136-page, newly released resource on truss placement as part of their registration. Larry Wyatt, from Grinell Mutual Reinsurance Company, will share from case studies of building failures. Harmon says that the very interesting case studies allow builders to learn a lot from other people's mistakes. Dwaine Bundy, ISU professor of ag engineering, will talk about the new International Building Code and the impact it will have on builders. Chris Harmsen of Precision Structures will discuss what implications the new Iowa Department of Natural Resources specifications for concrete will have on builders. Harmon will present information on quality framing and how to define quality in framing.
The conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Quality Inn, Ames, Iowa, and is sponsored by the ISU Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering Department and ISU Extension.
The registration is $50 prior to March 5 and $60 after that. Information on registration or participation in the trade show is available by calling Beth Weiser at (515) 294-0557. Jay Harmon will answer questions about the program content, (515) 294-0554.
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