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Courses/Engineering/Structural Engineering

Residential Structural Design

Master the structural design of safe, code-compliant homes. Confidently navigate complex environmental loads, foundation challenges, and framing solutions for any residential project.

Created byHalfMoon Educationworkspace_premium
BeginnerUpdated Mar 6, 2026
Residential Structural Design

What You'll Learn

check_circleIdentify different residential structural loads.
check_circleAnalyze foundation types and underpinning methods.
check_circleEvaluate framing systems for residential structures.
check_circleCalculate wind, snow, and seismic load requirements.
check_circleDesign shear walls to resist lateral forces.
check_circleModify existing structures safely and up to code.

About This Course

Welcome to Residential Structural Design, a comprehensive course dedicated to the fundamental principles and practical applications of structural engineering in residential construction. Whether you are navigating new builds or adapting existing homes, this course provides the essential knowledge required to ensure safety, building code compliance, and overall structural integrity.

Understanding how to safely design, modify, and expand residential structures is a critical skill for structural designers and engineers. Throughout this course, you will learn how to accurately interpret governing building codes, evaluate varying site conditions, and apply appropriate design methodologies. We will explore the structural complexities involved in common residential projects, equipping you with the expertise to deliver robust, cost-effective, and architecturally sound solutions.

In this course, we will cover a wide range of essential topics, including:

  • Understanding Structural Loads: Deep dive into calculating and applying live, dead, partition, snow, ice, soil, wind, and earthquake loads.
  • Modifying and Expanding Existing Structures: Learn the structural implications and design solutions for removing load-bearing walls, constructing vertical or horizontal additions, and integrating rooftop decks.
  • Residential Foundation Design: Analyze geotechnical reports and explore the design of individual spread footings, combined footings, basement retaining walls, and underpinning techniques like helical piles.
  • Selection and Design of Framing Elements: Evaluate different framing layouts, from clear span trusses to intermediate supports, and compare the performance of wood, light gauge metal, steel, and masonry members.
  • Designing for Lateral Loads: Master the creation of continuous load paths and utilize masonry shear walls, wood moment frames, and wall bracing methods to successfully resist wind and seismic forces.

By the end of this course, you will possess a thorough understanding of residential structural behavior from the roof down to the foundation. Reinforced by real-world case studies and practical workshops, this training will empower you to confidently tackle complex residential engineering challenges, optimize material selection, and ensure the long-term stability of your projects.

Your Instructors

HalfMoon Education
HalfMoon Education

Online Courses for Engineers

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HalfMoon Education is a nonprofit continuing education provider offering live webinars and on-demand courses for engineers, architects, landscape architects, land surveyors, attorneys, paralegals, accountants and others. Since 1996, we’ve helped thousands of professionals nationwide stay current with industry standards and codes, earn CE hours, and advance their expertise through practical, expert-led learning experiences. Learn more about us at: www.halfmoonseminars.org

Marcus E.  Woods, PE, MSc & LEED AP
Marcus E. Woods, PE, MSc & LEED AP

Founder of Woods Residential Engineering & Inspection

After working in engineering and design management with award-winning structural and construction firms for nearly 10 years, Marcus E. Woods founded his own firm, Woods Residential Engineering & Inspection. Mr. Woods is a licensed professional engineer in multiple states, holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Civil Engineering (with a focus on structures) from Washington University in St. Louis and has earned “Accredited Professional” status from the U.S. Green Building Council. Mr. Woods is a member of the Woods Educational Enrichment Foundation, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) (Director of Programs for the Chicago Professional Chapter), the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois.

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We are a registered provider with 327+ associations and regulatory bodies worldwide. We operate across 29 global markets including Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK. Every course page clearly displays its specific accreditations. Upon completion, you receive a professional certificate that can be validated online. Our certificates include all necessary accreditation details, credit hours, and completion dates, and are formatted specifically to meet the submission requirements of most global regulatory bodies.