Fred Pneuman

With the Association in 1962 known as the Douglas Fir Plywood Association, he did some work on the Home of Living Light (a temporary structure, shown at left) at the Seattle World's Fair -- as recorded HERE.  He also oversaw the design of structural wood framing systems for a number of light commercial structures including shopping centers and warehouses using the WBS system.  From 1964-1985 he worked with the with the Weyerhaueser Company, Federal Way.  As Chief Structural Engineer for Weyerhaueser Building Systems (WBS) Group, he served as a technical member of the planning team that developed the Weyerhaueser commercial building business, and developed a proprietary line of trusses, glulam beams, "I" joists, and other components of the WBS program.  With Weyerhaueser's Lumber Research & Development Department 1981-85, he held responsibility for the development of basic theory, determination of materials properties, testing and product development, and assistance with market research on the development of wood products.  

In 1985, Fred Pneuman left Weyerhaueser and undertook part-time consulting from his home in Medina.  He established Pneuman Engineering, Inc., specializing in timber engineering primarily associated with existing structures:  inspection, evaluation, and consultation on performance of glued laminated timber products, roof framing systems, dimension lumber, decking and panel products in wood framed structures of all sizes.  Fred also designed reinforcement for damaged, failed, or otherwise substandard structural wood members, and served as an expert witness in litigation or arbitration matters involving wood products, wood product applications or construction.

Throughout his career, Fred produced and presented extensive research findings to a range of professional audiences.  He also taught as a guest lecturer at the University of Washington and Washington State University on topics related to preventing the structural misuse of wood.  In 2005 he donated the majority of his reference library to the University of Washington Suzzallo Library, to provide the local engineering community with access to information on timber design.

Community engagement includes service on the Medina Planning Commission 1968-71, and two terms on the Medina City Council 1971-75 and 1977-79.    

With SEAW, he provided leadership as a founding member and first President of SEAW Southwest Chapter.   In other professional activities, he chaired the American Society for Testing and Materials Committee E06 on Building Construction and served on Committee D07 on Wood; ASTM honored him as a Fellow and Award of Merit recipient.  He maintained membership in the American Institute of Timber Construction; with the American Society of Civil Engineers, a Life Member; with the Forest Products Society, a Life Member; and with the International Council of Building Officials.

Posted April 2012, updated January 2022