Unfortunately gun violence is a reality and design strategies must be employed to ensure a suitable level of protection. This course addresses bullet-resistant fiberglass composite panels and the need for architectural armoring. The course discusses ballistic material testing and standards, the types of ballistic materials available, and fiberglass composite panel applications and installation considerations.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

Provides an overview of snow retention systems, including components of both pad and bar types, features, installation, and layout.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

Kitchens have evolved, and so has the role of refrigeration in the home, and there are a variety of factors that are contributing to this change. This course examines the social, economic, and demographic trends that are stimulating the reimagining of the kitchen space. The latest trends in kitchen design are discussed, as is the role of modular refrigeration—a key design element in the creation of functional spaces that reflect the changing domestic landscape.

In this course, you will learn about strategies for supplying lab vacuum in STEM facilities. Relative strengths and weaknesses are considered. Emphasis is placed on the specification, design, and installation of local vacuum networks. Brief case studies are used to demonstrate the suitability of local vacuum networks for a wide range of project types—renovation and new construction; teaching labs and research labs; and single labs to entire lab buildings.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

Provides an overview of methods of reducing moisture intrusion in concrete and masonry walls with an emphasis on the role of sealers and coatings.

Le choix d'un revêtement isolant est l'un des facteurs les plus déterminants au prolongement du cycle de vie d'un bâtiment. En présentant des avantages tels que l'efficacité énergétique et le respect du code, l'isolant en mousse de polyuréthane giclée est le choix idéal pour de nombreuses applications intérieures et extérieures. Ce cours porte sur les isolants en mousse de polyuréthane giclée à faible densité et de densité moyenne, leurs caractéristiques, les critères de conception, ainsi que l'analyse du cycle de vie pour les applications commerciales.

The demand for high-performance, durable, energy-efficient buildings has led to building envelope designs that incorporate greater amounts of combustible material in cladding, insulation, and weather-resistive barriers. Understanding how to meet both sustainability challenges and code requirements can be a complex and confusing process. Beginning with the history of NFPA 285, this course presents an overview of the test method and fire code in relation to various building envelope materials, with particular attention given to metal composite materials ( MCMs).

NFPA 285 is a fire test for wall assemblies in noncombustible buildings that are wrapped in combustible materials. This course explains the NFPA 285 test method, its origin, its procedures, when it is required by the International Building Code, its relevance to ASHRAE 90.1 criteria for continuous insulation and air/water resistive barriers, and design considerations necessary for test compliance. Key combustible wall assembly layers such as insulation, air/water resistive barriers, and exterior cladding options are also discussed.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

In harvesting cork, the tree is not cut down and not damaged, making cork a rapidly renewable resource. Along with the use of recycled content and low VOC adhesives the use of cork flooring has low environmental and human health impacts. This course looks at the sustainability of natural cork flooring, both glue-down tiles and floating floor options, including discussions on performance characteristics, aesthetics and installation procedures.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

There are many types of decorative tile and stone to choose from to enhance designs, and many things to consider in relation to selection and installation. This course discusses the physical and performance characteristics of decorative tile and stone, sustainability considerations, manufacturing processes and finishes, applicable standards and specifications, and installation materials and methods.

Acrylic solid surface is an attractive design solution, delivering enhanced aesthetics combined with superior properties. This course provides an overview of the characteristics of 100% Acrylic Solid Surface compared to other surface materials, and the driving factors that contribute to its growing role in sustainable design strategies. Also discussed are the manufacturing, fabricating, and thermoformable processes of 100% Acrylic Solid Surface and the related green standards and certification programs.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

In recent years, demand has increased for better noise control in multifamily construction, driven mainly by consumer demands and stricter enforcement of existing codes. Residential noise control is a key component of design as it affects occupant privacy and well-being. This course reviews the dynamics of sound, how sound is transmitted through buildings, and the architectural techniques used to control airborne, structureborne, and flanking noise transmission in multifamily buildings.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level: Introductory

Within building spaces, noise can be reduced by using materials or assemblies that mitigate the transmission or isolate the sound. To do this it is important to understand how sound moves through building materials and partitions and the impact of sound mitigation products. In this course we look at the basics of sound, techniques, and products to prevent sound transmission.

Composite construction utilizes dissimilar materials to exploit the benefits of each. While composite construction in general has been used extensively for several decades, open-web composite joist construction is now becoming a more popular choice through new and innovative solutions. This course presents the components and benefits of composite joist systems, addresses connector types and layouts, and offers specification tips and design considerations.

Operable wall systems integrate the indoors and outdoors and define interior spaces, providing flexibility and additional usable area without increasing a building’s footprint. Occupants benefit from expansive daylighting and views as well as quick access to fresh air. This course describes the types of operable wall systems, how they contribute to sustainable design, and the various options and considerations for selecting the correct system.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

In response to steadily growing demands for more and more storage capacity and the costs and energy required to implement that storage, data center design is now focusing on solutions that conserve energy, materials, money, and space. This course explores the current influences that directly or indirectly affect energy usage and management, the resulting trends in data center development, and how containment strategies enable designers to optimize energy efficiency and create facilities with minimal environmental footprints.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

This course reviews the trends in outdoor amenity spaces in hospitality, commercial, and multifamily developments with a focus on the use of stainless steel cabinetry in outdoor kitchen design. Included are discussions on outdoor kitchen components, mobile food and beverage service carts, and the post and panel system developed for multifamily applications.

Over the past few decades, exterior building spaces and roofs have significantly transformed from utilitarian ballasted roof systems to roof systems with highly programmed, environmentally conscious, people-friendly amenities that promote healthier lifestyles. A variety of products and materials can be utilized in the design and construction of roof gardens and decks. This course will review the construction of basic types of roof systems, as well as the range of hardscaping products that are available to designers.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

Obesity rates in the U.S. have reached epic numbers and correlate to significant health and economic impacts. Outdoor obstacle courses in public green spaces can provide appealing, effective, and free training equipment to the community to help increase physical activity. Review the theories of obstacle course training and guidelines for their design and installation.

There are many steps required to ensure a well thought out and complete construction project. This course examines procedures for inspection of permeable interlocking concrete pavement or PICP. It addresses preconstruction meeting details, requirements for submittals, and site inspection points from project start to completion. Various testing methods and inspection criteria are presented as well, and the importance of having an ICPI-trained contractor on the job site is discussed.

PICP plays a vital role in the urban restoration of natural hydrologic processes as it traps stormwater where it falls and slowly releases it into the ground. PICP is considered a best management practice by the Environmental Protection Agency and complies with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System regulations. But in order to be effective, PICP must be properly and regularly maintained. This course addresses inspections, test methods, equipment, repairs and reinstatement to ensure PICP continues to contribute to green infrastructure goals.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...

PVC membranes have been used in roofing systems as a waterproofing material for over 40 years. Starting out as an adhesive to attach rubber to metal sheets, PVC’s production technology quickly advanced, making the product more usable. From fabric coatings to wire insulation to roofing membranes, the uses for PVC continued to evolve. This course discusses the history of PVC and the role PVC, KEE, and KEE HP play in the roofing membrane industry today. Various installation methods are discussed and the benefits of using PVC in roofing systems are examined.

In roofing systems, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) membrane has been used as a waterproofing material for over 40-years. This course discusses the environmental profile of PVC, the role PVC single-ply roofing membranes play in high-performance building design, and the key selection criteria to consider when specifying a PVC single-ply membrane for a specific application.

Knowing how color is commonly used in commercial design projects is a helpful approach to selecting color for a new or renovation building project. Considering how much time we spend in commercial spaces such as restaurants, healthcare facilities, workplace environments, schools, and hospitality accommodations, it makes sense to create spaces that are appealing as well as functional. This course examines paint in terms of product performance, discusses how humans instinctively react to color, and provides some guidelines for selecting paint colors for commercial design projects.

Modern hydronic radiator systems are an energy efficient, healthy, and hygienic solution for residential and commercial applications. This course will discuss the principles of radiant heating, panel radiators, and how to size panel radiators for residential applications.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details...