There has been some feedback that the basic beam sizing session at the Seven Springs Conference might have been (a) too advanced, (b) too long with not enough time for Q&A, (c) just about right. With some minor changes, this session was basically the same as the one I presented at Estes Park back in April.
My objective with the session was to present an overview, with some examples, of the process involved in designing beams (rafters and floor joists) for gravity loads (the weight of the stuff that the beams must support). The presentation was targeted at professional timber framers and designers who do not have formal education in engineering. Certainly, I had to make some assumptions about where to start, how fast to go, and how much material could be presented in the time available.
With this background in mind, I have some questions. Please offer a response to any or all so that future conference sessions on engineering topics can be accurately targeted.
A: For those of you in the target audience (at Estes Park or Seven Springs):
1. Was the presentation helpful?
2. What suggestions do you have for improvement?
B: For anyone:
1. Is it feasible to teach engineering topics at Guild conferences?
2. Should such topics be reserved for stand-alone workshops or multi-session conference tracks?
3. Do you have any answers to questions not asked above?
I'm looking forward to a healthy discussion on this one.
