**DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING**

## Housing - Federal Housing Commissioner BULLETIN NO. 

###  

#  TO: DIRECTORS, SINGLE FAMILY HOCs ISSUE DATE 

#  DIRECTORS, MULTIFAMILY HUBs

#  

#### REVIEW DATE

#  

##### 

##### SUBJECT: 1. Item Description 

2.  **Name and address**

> **of Manufacturer**
>
> > This Structural Engineering Bulletin (SEB) should be filed with
> > other SEBs and related Bulletins on materials or products as
> > required by prescribed procedures.
>
> 1\. General:

This Bulletin sets forth specific requirements under the Technical
Suitability of Products Program for determining the eligibility of
housing to be constructed under HUD mortgage insurance, or other HUD
housing programs.

> 2\. Scope:
>
> This Bulletin applies only to the structural features of this method
> of construction. Final determination of eligibility is made by the
> appropriate HUD Field Office. Other factors considered by the Field
> Office will be valuation, location, architectural planning and appeal,
> mechanical equipment, thermal characteristics, and market acceptance.
> Consideration is also necessary to determine whether a specific
> property will qualify under the specific HUD program, when constructed
> according to the method outlined in this Bulletin, and where the
> structure is to be located.

-2-

> In geographical areas subject to hurricanes, earthquakes, or other
> severe conditions affecting dwelling structures, the HUD Field Office
> shall require additional safeguards in proposed design, when
> necessary.
>
> 3\. Minimum Property Standards (MPS):
>
> Compliance with HUD MPS will be determined by the HUD Field Office on
> the same basis as submissions involving conventional construction,
> except for the special features described in this Bulletin.
>
> 4\. Inspection:
>
> Field compliance inspections covering conventional items of
> construction, and any special features covered in this Bulletin shall
> be made in accordance with prescribed procedures.
>
> The appropriate HUD Field Office shall furnish a copy of a HUD field
> inspection report to Headquarters, FHA Standards, Office of
> Manufactured Housing Programs, when there is:
>
> a\. Evidence of noncompliance with any portion of the system of
> construction described in this Bulletin.
>
> b\. Faulty shop fabrication, including significant surface defects.
>
> c\. Damage to shop fabricated items or materials due to improper
> transportation, storage, handling, or assembly.
>
> d\. Unsatisfactory field workmanship or performance of the product or
> system.
>
> e\. Any significant degradation or deterioration of the product or
> evidence of lack of durability or performance.
>
> Periodic plant inspections may be made by HUD Field Office and/or HUD
> Headquarters personnel.
>
> 5\. Certification:
>
> The manufacturer named in this Bulletin shall furnish the builder with
> written certification stating that the product has been manufactured
> in compliance with the HUD Minimum Property Standards (MPS), except as
> modified by this Bulletin. The builder shall endorse the certification
> with a statement that the product has been erected in compliance with
> HUD MPS except as modified by this Bulletin, and that the
> manufacturer\'s certification does not relieve the builder, in any
> way, of responsibility under the terms of the Builder\'s Warranty
> required by the National Housing Act, or under any provisions
> applicable to any other housing program. This certification shall be
> furnished to the HUD Field Office, upon completion of the property.
>
> -3-
>
> [OUTLINE DESCRIPTION, CATEGORY II CONSTRUCTION]{.underline}
>
> [GENERAL]{.underline}:
>
> Field constructed dwellings using shop-milled interlocking log wall
> building system and conventional construction features are furnished
> in this method of construction. Log walls may be used as interior or
> exterior loadbearing or non-loadbearing walls. Floor and roof framing
> members may be log floor joists and girders, log roof rafters or
> conventional wood construction.
>
> This Bulletin is based on a structural review of the log building
> system as provided by Real Log Homes, including the shop fabricated
> components and installation requirements of this company. Foundation
> design and nonstructural items (such as architectural, plumbing,
> heating and electrical features) are not covered by this Bulletin.
>
> All materials and methods of installation shall be in accordance with
> HUD Minimum Property Standards, Use of Materials Bulletins (UM), and
> Materials Releases (MR), except as may be specifically noted herein.
>
> [SPECIFICATIONS]{.underline}:
>
> Form HUD-92005, \"Description of Materials\" specifying only the
> structurally related items (Nos. 1 to 12, 14, 26 and 27), as submitted
> for review for determination of technical suitability, describes the
> materials that shall be used in construction of housing units under
> this system of construction.
>
> [DESIGN LOADS]{.underline}:
>
> The method described in this Bulletin is based on maximum design loads
> of 50 psf for snow, Seismic Design Category C, and a Basic Wind Speed
> of 100 mph and Exposure C (American Society of Civil Engineers
> Standard 7-02). Structural calculations shall be submitted to the
> local HUD Field Office if housing units are to be located in
> geographical areas where these conditions are exceeded.
>
> [Framing of Loadbearing Walls]{.underline}: Wood-to-wood connections
> shall be provided between bearing walls and roof/ceiling or floor
> construction. Floor covering, including carpeting and vinyl tile,
> shall not be continued under loadbearing walls.
>
> [Roof Construction]{.underline}: Trussed rafters, if used, shall be
> designed and constructed in accordance with ANSI/TPI 1-1995 Standard
> (American National Standards Institute and Truss Plate Institute),
> \"National Design Standard for Metal Plate Connected Wood Truss
> Construction.\"

-4-

> [DRAWINGS]{.underline}:
>
> The following drawings Real Log Homes shall be considered an integral
> part of this Bulletin:
>
> [Drawing No.]{.underline} [Date]{.underline} [Description]{.underline}
>
> [Shire Model No. 153]{.underline}
>
> 1 of 5 4/18/86 Elevations
>
> 2 of 5 4/17/86 Elevations
>
> 3 of 5 4/18/86 Floor Plans
>
> 4 of 5 4/17/87 Found/Framing Plans
>
> 5 of 5 4/17/87 Ceiling Joist/Rafter Plans
>
> [Shire Typical (old) Details]{.underline}
>
> 1 of 36 5/2/81 Wall Logs
>
> 2 of 36 11/16/81 Window Foam Details
>
> 4 of 36 10/28/81 Found/First Floor Framing Details
>
> 5 of 36 8/17/81 Rev. Framing Connections
>
> 6 of 36 9/12/81 Rev. Framing Connections
>
> 11 of 36 5/18/81 Rev. Setting Allowance
>
> 20 or 36 8/31/81 Rev. Gusset Bracing
>
> 26 of 36 8/17/81 Rev. Roller & Ridge Beam
>
> 28 of 36 11/12/81 Gambrel Roof Details
>
> 32 of 36 10/10/81 Rev. Dormer A-Frame
>
> 33 of 36 11/23/81 Gambrel Dormer Details
>
> 36 of 36 4/11/81 Typical Details
>
> [Plymouth A Model No. 140]{.underline}
>
> 1 of 9 3/5/87 Elevations
>
> 2 of 9 1/6/86 Elevations
>
> 3 of 9 3/5/87 First Floor Plan
>
> 4 of 9 1/6/87 Second Floor Plan
>
> 5 of 9 3/5/87 Foundation Plan
>
> 6 of 9 3/5/87 First Floor Framing Plan
>
> 7 of 9 3/5/87 Girder & Joist Plan
>
> 8 of 9 3/5/87 Lower Rafter Plan
>
> 9 of 9 3/5/87 Upper Rafter Plan
>
> The Builder shall submit construction drawings to the local HUD Office
> with each application under HUD housing programs, which shall include
> the same or similar structural features as shown on the drawings
> listed above. Copies of these listed drawings shall also be furnished
> to the local HUD Office by the Builder upon request. Drawings
> submitted to the local HUD Office shall bear the seal and the
> signature of a registered architect or a professional engineer.
>
> -5-
>
> [LOG GRADING AND GRADING RULES]{.underline}:
>
> Logs used as wall elements, truss elements, and beams are graded as
> \"Wall-Logs\" or \"Sawn Round Timber Beams\", in accordance with ASTM
> D 3957-03, \"Standard Methods for Establishing Stress Grades for
> Structural Members Used in Log Buildings.\" Certification that logs
> are graded in accordance with ASTM Specification D 3957-03 must be
> provided. Grading rules defining wall-log profile, limiting
> characteristics and allowable stresses are required, with data
> justifying those stresses.
>
> All logs shall be identified by the grademark and/or Certificate of
> Inspection of a recognized grading association or of an independent
> lumber-grading inspection agency authorized to grade the species.
> Dimension lumber is graded and marked in accordance with PS 20-94
> American Softwood Lumber Standard.
>
> [LOG GRADES]{.underline}:
>
> Specific structural conditions (open span logs) - Beam (Select) Grade
>
> Headers and openings (open span logs) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-- Header
> (No. 1) Grade
>
> Loadbearing and exterior wall logs \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-- Wall
> (No. 2) Grade
>
> Non-loadbearing interior wall logs \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-- Wall
> (No. 2) Grade
>
> [SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION FEATURES]{.underline}:
>
> [Wall-Logs General]{.underline}: Species shall be the following:
> Eastern White Pine, Southern Yellow Pine, Lodgepole Pine, Ponderosa
> Pine, Idaho White Pine, White Fir, Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar,
>
> Atlantic White Cedar, Incense Cedar or Redwood.
>
> Logs are planed to a depth of 7 1/16\" (top flat surface to bottom
> surface) with a 3/4\" top tongue and 7/8\" bottom groove. Logs are
> stacked and spiked together in accordance with the reference drawings.
>
> [Shrinkage Allowance]{.underline}: Design shall account for total
> shrinkage and differential shrinkage of log walls. The amount and
> nature of shrinkage varies depending on log profile, species, moisture
> content and other factors. Shrinkage allowance is to be provided at
> windows, doors, interior walls and other areas that may be adversely
> affected. Submittals for a specific project shall include proper
> shrinkage allowance details.
>
> [Preservation]{.underline}: Exterior wall logs shall be treated with
> an approved preservative to resist insects and decay. Exterior wall
> logs shall be protected against moisture using an approved
> water-repellent preservative. All joints, saw cuts, deep checks and
> major surface cracks shall be sealed with caulk or other material
> against moisture intrusion. Areas which can collect moisture, such as
> lapped corners, shall be caulked against moisture intrusion or have
> adequate ventilation to remove any trapped moisture. The method of
> treatment shall be submitted to the local HUD Field Office for review
> and acceptance.
>
> -6-
>
> [MANUFACTURING PLANTS]{.underline}:
>
> Housing units covered under this Bulletin will be produced in the
> following plants:
>
> Southwest Manufacturing, Inc. Vermont Log Buildings, Inc.
>
> P. O. Box 989 P. O. Box 202
>
> Highway 71, South Depot Road
>
> Mena, AR 71953 Hartland, VT 05048
>
> Northwest Manufacturing, Inc.
>
> P. O. Box 8509
>
> Futurity Drive
>
> Missoula, MT 59807
>
> [QUALITY CONTROL]{.underline}:
>
> The HUD Field Office in whose jurisdiction the manufacturing plant is
> located shall review and approve plant fabrication procedures and
> quality control program, to ensure compliance with approved plans and
> specifications. The quality control program includes field erection
> with crews either employed, trained, or supervised by the manufacturer
> or its representative. For purposes of this paragraph, such training
> shall consist of, but not be limited to, an obligation on the part of
> the manufacturer or its representative to supply construction drawings
> with all appropriate, referenced details, a written and illustrated
> guide to recommend construction techniques and a minimum of four hours
> of on-site technical assistance. All drawings and recommended
> procedures supplied will, with regard to floor and roof systems, be in
> compliance with specification and HUD Minimum Property Standards and
> will, in conjunction with the minimum of four hours of on-site
> technical assistance, illustrate and explain the connection of
> conventional materials to log components. The manufacturer or its
> representative shall certify that the above minimum obligations have
> been met.
>
> The manufacturer or its representative shall certify and approve the:
>
> 1\. Proper erection of log walls and components;
>
> 2\. Other structural components in floor and roof systems for
> compliance with specifications and HUD Minimum Property Standards; and
>
> 3\. Connection of conventional building materials to log components.
>
> [RECORD OF PROPERTIES]{.underline}:
>
> Upon request, the manufacturer shall provide a list of representative
> properties in which the component or system described in this Bulletin
> is used. The list shall include the complete address or description of
> location, and approximate date of installation or erection. Failure of
> the manufacturer to provide HUD with the above information may result
> in cancellation of this Bulletin.

-7-

> [NOTICE OF CHANGES]{.underline}:
>
> The manufacturer shall inform HUD in advance of changes in production
> facilities, transportation, field erection procedures, design, or
> materials used in this product. Further, HUD must be informed of any
> revision to corporate structure, change of address or change in name
> or affiliation of the prime manufacturer. Failure of the manufacturer
> to notify HUD of any of the above changes may result in cancellation
> of this Bulletin.
>
> [EVALUATION]{.underline}:
>
> This SEB shall be valid for a period of three years from the date of
> initial issuance or most recent renewal or revision, whichever is
> later. The holder of this SEB shall apply for a renewal or revision 90
> days prior to the Review Date printed on this SEB. Submittals for
> renewal or revision shall be sent to:
>
> U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
>
> FHA Standards, Office of Manufactured Housing Programs
>
> 451 7^th^ Street, SW, Room 9168
>
> Washington, DC 20410-8000
>
> Appropriate User Fee shall be sent to:
>
> U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
>
> Miscellaneous Income - Technical Suitability of Products Fees
>
> Bank of America
>
> P. O. Box 198762
>
> Atlanta, GA 30384-8762
>
> The holder of this SEB may apply for revision at any time prior to the
> Review Date. Minor revisions may be in the form of a supplement.
>
> If the Department determines that a proposed renewal or supplement
> constitutes a revision, the appropriate User Fee for a revision will
> need to be submitted in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations 24
> CFR 200.934, \"User Fee System for the Technical Suitability of
> Products Program,\" and current User Fee Schedule.
>
> [CANCELLATION]{.underline}:
>
> Failure to apply for a renewal or revision shall constitute a basis
> for cancellation of the SEB. HUD will notify the manufacturer that the
> SEB may be canceled when:
>
> 1\. conditions under which the document was issued have changed so as
> to affect production of, or to compromise the integrity of the
> accepted material, product, or system,
>
> 2\. the manufacturer has changed its organizational form without
> notifying HUD, or
>
> 3\. the manufacturer has not complied with responsibilities it assumed
> as a condition of HUD\'s acceptance.

-8-

> However, before cancellation, HUD will give the manufacturer a written
> notice, of the specific reasons for cancellation, and the opportunity
> to present views on why the SEB should not be canceled. No refund of
> fees will be made on a canceled document.
>
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>
> This Structural Engineering Bulletin is issued solely for the
> captioned firm, and is not transferable to any person or successor
> entity.
>
> \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*