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All structural wood members and wood mechanical connections were designed using ANSI/AF&PA NDS-1997, which is the 1997 Edition of the National Design Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction. Design values for sawn lumber components and wood mechanical connections were based on those published in the Supplement to the NDS, Design Values for Wood Construction.

Design values for structural composite lumber were obtained from the component manufacturers and their respective code approval reports. Design information for the structural insulated panels was obtained from the following:

1. HUD Structural Engineering Bulletin No. 1123
2. SBCCI Report No. 9421
3. ICBO Evaluation Report No. PFC-5169
4. BOCA Evaluation Report No. 94-44.

To determine structural member sizes and wood mechanical connection design, the following load combinations were used as outlined in the 2000 International Building Code:

1. Dead
2. Dead + Live
3. Dead + Live + Snow
4. Dead + Live + 1.3 Wind
5. Dead + Live + 1.3 Wind + 0.5 Snow

The most critical load combination was used in determining minimum member size and connection configuration.

Special consideration was given to loads placed on the structures during transport to Washington, DC. For these special load cases, the dead loads were increased by a factor of two to account for dynamic loading effects while moving. Also, longitudinal and uplift wind pressures were considered in combination with and separately from the increased dead loads.