This course will address the rediscovery of bamboo as a sustainable material with endless possibilities. It will specifically discuss material scarcity and how bamboo could combat it, how the manufacturing of bamboo products works, new developments in industrialized bamboo, and the sustainability of bamboo as a building material.

Over time urban parks and other open landscaped areas are being lost to development. One solution to mitigate this issue is to reconsider undeveloped areas such as building roofs to create green amenity spaces. Amenity decks can provide some alleviation of lost green space, while affording developers the potential to monetize unutilized spaces in their buildings and provide an advantage over older buildings to attract tenants.

Infrared patio heaters are the best method of increasing comfort for outdoor entertaining areas of any size. There are many variables in creating a warm ambient setting as both the effectiveness and the cost of heating an outdoor space greatly depend on the heating option that is selected and the way it is designed. This course looks at the outdoor heating options that are available with a focus on the types, color choices, mounting methods, and control options of electric infrared heaters, including a review of the steps that are required in selecting the best solution.

Play is more than fun and games and is an essential component in helping children develop critical physical, mental, emotional, and social skills that lay the foundation for adulthood. Inclusive play breaks down barriers and builds community through fostering understanding of our similarities and differences. This course discusses how play impacts child development and describes the options and considerations for designing an inclusive playground that benefits all children and the community.

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.

Play and music are both essential parts of our lives. When we can combine music and play together in a fun and engaging space, the benefits are numerous, no matter your age. This course discusses why play and music education perform such a critical role in the development of happy, healthy children. We will discuss the copious amounts of research that tell us that music education has real life benefits such as increased IQ, language development and social engagement, the role music plays within multiple therapies for the elderly and those suffering from mental illnesses, and finishes with an overview of how to design musical play spaces for safety and inclusivity.

Rooftop decks create valuable living and recreational space for building owners, residents, and clients. Accommodating restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, and everything from residential to government buildings, rooftop deck systems offer the design flexibility to create versatile, unique outdoor spaces over any structural surface. This course explores the features, surface materials, and design options for rooftop deck systems and provides an overview of recommended planning and installation guidelines.

You can REQUEST a live event at a convenient time and location for you.

There may be additional events available! See the course details page for more information.

Incorporating nature into the built environment through biophilic design increases occupant well-being, productivity, and health and is an integral component of an ecologically healthy and sustainable community. Presented here is an overview of biophilic design, its relationship to sustainability, and its positive human, environmental, and economic outcomes. Case studies demonstrate how rooftop deck systems can contribute to biophilic and sustainable design objectives.

This course provides an overview of designing safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor kitchen and living areas. Selecting outdoor kitchen cabinetry and appliances that meet a client’s needs and budget and address climate concerns can be challenging. The course discusses various types of cabinetry available with a focus on stainless steel as a positive alternative for cabinetry. Included is a synopsis of outdoor kitchen design principles and considerations.

Composite Decking and Sustainable Design summarizes composite deck manufacturing, specification and various construction applications. Composite decking materials have become a viable and affordable choice in commercial and residential applications, resilient to the elements and sustainable over time. We will highlight the aesthetic opportunities and design values available to achieve a design that is healthy/green and safe for years. We will review: Moisture Resistance, Slip Resistance, Thermal Expansion, Hardness and Weight, and Load Capacity.

Selecting materials and finishes is an integral part of specifying site furniture products. This course reviews typical conditions inherent to outdoor environments, along with the potential impact on materials, products and installed projects. A range of materials commonly used outdoors, including wood, metal, concrete and glass, is examined against a selection framework that compares conventional materials with high-performance options, and considers material durability, performance, aesthetics, and environmental impact. Several site furniture projects are also examined.

This course covers the essentials of selecting security bollards that provide adequate protection while adding exceptional aesthetic value to a project. This course first examines the needs of a modern outdoor environment and how an assessment can be completed to evaluate a project’s security needs. Next, the course will cover common testing standards as well as the necessary foundation engineering options required to meet those standards. Finally, the course highlights lighting and material options that can be selected to integrate seamlessly into the design of a landscape.

Learn the coating processes for ornamental steel railings and fence systems, and how to specify a coating to meet the performance requirements of any project.

Outdoor decks are commonly desired by homeowners and commercial property owners for both new and existing properties. Wood has long been the structural choice for outdoor deck materials. However, wood has disadvantages that can be mitigated with steel deck framing structural construction. In this course, we will discover that light-gauge steel (LGS) is lighter in weight than structural wood, is less susceptible to deterioration due to the elements and pests, requires less maintenance over time, is a sustainable material, and offers unparalleled safety features for dead loads, live loads, and environmental loads such as snow, earthquakes, and wind. Steel deck framing is quick to erect and provides for longer spans than wood of similar cross-sectional size. Structural materials can be easily lifted, and waste is reduced.

For building energy efficiency, durability, natural beauty, cost effectiveness, and adaptability, green facades offer the design community a substantial asset. This course examines the required considerations for successful green façade installations and includes discussions on system selection, design, plant selection, maintenance, and client/owner education.

This program will address the basic concepts about segmental retaining wall (SRW) systems. The presentation will address the history of reinforced earth structures and summarize the site conditions that impact SRW performance and design. Installation details, the proper construction sequence, and specifications are also addressed.

This program will address the latest innovative solutions for using Segmental Retaining Walls (SRWs) to address challenging site access conditions. The presentation reviews the characteristics of gravity wall and reinforced wall systems and introduces a new solution for utilizing SRWs in conditions where room for reinforcement is not available. The use of structural backfill and newly developed aesthetic facing systems can be used to create gravity wall structures. Installation details, the proper construction sequence, and specifications are also addressed.

This program will provide an overview of Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Integrated Bridge System (GRS-IBS), a bridge design concept being promoted by the Federal Highway Administration to accelerate construction time and offer significant cost savings for the construction of local, county and state bridges. Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) facing elements, along with geosynthetic reinforcement material, is proving to be a viable solution for a majority of the bridges known to be structurally deficient and in need of replacement across our nation. The presentation addresses the design concept, key materials, specifications and important construction details. A case study example illustrating the construction sequence is also provided.

This presentation covers best practices for designing, specifying and building segmental retaining walls (SRWs) as developed by industry since its start. The purpose of this session is to promote a zero wall failure initiative by educating the designers and specifiers in best practices related to segmental retaining walls.

This program will provide an overview of how interlocking concrete pavement systems can be applied to commercial projects to enhance the value, performance and pavement life cycle costs. The presentation addresses how pavers can aid in defining themes, character and space through creative patterns, and explains how paver systems work. Site conditions that impact paver performance are highlighted, including issues related to access, safety, specifications, and construction details. Finally, the program concludes with a discussion on sustainability and attributes that pavers offer commercial installations.

This presentation provides an introduction to permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) systems. An overview of the problem with impervious surfaces and the advantages of Low Impact Development, specifically stormwater infiltration practices through pavement surfaces. The presentation addresses designing for hydrological and structural requirements, and reviews required details. The design approach discussed is based on the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute’s PICP design manual. Specifications and maintenance requirements are reviewed along with information on winter performance. Several project case studies illustrate the construction process.

This presentation provides an introduction to permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) systems. An overview of the problem with impervious surfaces and the advantages of Low Impact Development, specifically stormwater infiltration practices through pavement surfaces. The presentation addresses designing for hydrological and structural requirements, and reviews required details. The design approach discussed is based on the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute's PICP design manual. Specifications and maintenance requirements are reviewed along with information on winter performance. Several project case studies illustrate the construction process.

This program provides a brief overview of Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement (PICP) systems and then focuses on the long-term surface infiltration performance of these effective stormwater control measures. Mechanisms for sedimentation and clogging of PICP joints is discussed along with a review of ASTM C 1781 testing procedures. Total Suspended Solids (TSS) removal efficiencies and current research on variables that contribute to hydraulic performance of PICPs are discussed. The presentation concludes with information on surface infiltration maintenance and restoration methods including a review of available cleaning machines. PICP maintenance costs and inspection checklists are also reviewed.

One of the most exciting developments in outdoor living is the arrival of ¾” thick porcelain outdoor pavers. The concept began to spark interest in 2012 and is continuing to grow in popularity. Outdoor porcelain pavers have the same benefits as regular porcelain –being frost-resistant, skid-resistant, durable and easy to clean – combined with incredibly high breakage loads (up to 2,000 pounds) creates the perfect solution for gardens, terraces and high traffic outdoor areas. Outdoor porcelain pavers can be dry laid onto grass, gravel, dirt and sand – or onto terraces and roofs using raised supports – without grout, adhesives or specialized workers, making installation incredibly easy.

This program address the issues that are hindering the Landscape and construction industry. It will take a hard look at what trends are growing and what areas of landscape construction should be concentrated on. This program will also focus on how to face the construction obstacles by using products that are production, time saving, and profit orientated.

This presentation will describe how PICP systems are designed and constructed. Examples will illustrate the keys to properly constructing and maintaining these effective stormwater management systems. An update on the Southeast Atlanta Green Infrastructure Project will be provided highlighting how Atlanta converted six miles of impervious roadway to PICP to reduce flooding and combined sewer overflows. The presentation will conclude with lessons learned related to utilities, roadway slopes, and maintenance.

This program begins with a brief summary of the evolution of stormwater management beginning with conveyance and transitioning to water quantity management, and most recently stormwater treatment. Stormwater Control Measures using Low Impact Development and Green Infrastructure design that can accomplish all of these objectives are now desired in many municipalities that deal with flooding or have environmentally sensitive waterways. This presentation will compare surface-based BMPs to manufactured treatment system options, and highlight Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement (PICP) as a viable solution to address conveyance, water quantity and quality objectives. A summary of the academic and industry research to date on using PICP for water treatment will be presented, along with strategies for combining the benefits of PICP with manufactured treatment systems.

This presentation reviews public safety and accessibility design considerations when selecting unit concrete pavers for walkway surfaces. Current ADA criteria, slip resistance standards and test methods, and latest developments related to a new roughness index for wheelchair vibration will be addressed. Other paver safety topics covered include: chamfer widths and ease of transition, visibility and color contrast, truncated dome requirements, permeable pavement surface openings, snowplowing, use of deicing chemicals, and traffic calming benefits.

Roof top paver systems have become an integral part of commercial roofing that not only improves the energy efficiency but also increases the life expectancy of the overall roof system. Changes to codes and standards along with recent storm events have brought wind uplift to the forefront as a vital component to roof top paver systems. The industry has developed various methods for addressing wind uplift, many of which are covered in this course.

This presentation reviews ASCE 58-16 Structural Design of Interlocking Concrete Pavement for Municipal Streets and Roadways, which is the design standard published by the American Society of Civil Engineers updated in 2016. The topics covered include design parameters and limitations, structural design, construction details, and specifications of interlocking concrete paver systems.

Concrete grid pavement is widely used across North America for various applications including “green” pathways, parking lots, and basic erosion control. This presentation reviews  the various applications for concrete grid pavements and provides important design considerations, product specifications and construction recommendations. Environmental benefits such as reduced runoff and heat island mitigation are also highlighted. The program will conclude with several case studies.

This program will address the manufacturing, design, and construction issues unique to tall segmental retaining walls. The presentation will discuss the manufacturing tolerances, the importance of soil properties, unique design details for tall walls, along with construction/quality control issues specifically related to taller walls.

Permeable pavers are increasingly used as a stormwater management solution in parking lots, driveways and roadways across North America. As a Green Infrastructure infiltration solution, permeable pavers reduce stormwater runoff, provide water quality benefits, and mitigate street flooding. This presentation highlights the findings of recent studies, including the University of Toronto’s De-icing Operations for Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Subsurface Temperature Properties for Three Types of Permeable Pavements in Cold Weather Climates and Implications for Deicer Reduction, and the University of Minnesota’s findings related to permeable pavement and road salt reduction. These studies collectively identify and quantify benefits permeable pavers offer to combat water and aquatic life damage due to deicing salts. Join us for an overview of these new studies and learn how developers and government agencies can take advantage of the environmental benefits of permeable pavers.

This presentation will cover what civil engineers need to know when utilizing segmental retaining walls for grade separation in their site development plans. The presentation will introduce participants to the National Concrete Masonry Association’s Best Practices Guide for Segmental Retaining Walls focusing on recommendations relevant to Civil Engineers and discuss how they are applied to enhance the safety and longevity of structural segmental walls. Topics will include risks associated with using a “design by others” approach to segmental retaining walls and the importance of geotechnical engineering support. The presentation will address how building foundations, footers, pond applications, and fencing/guardrail codes impact the design and construction of segmental walls.

Water quality is a priority in most watersheds and treatment trains have become an effective strategy to target multiple pollutants of concern to reach effluent water quality objectives. This presentation will discuss the water quality benefits of using permeable pavers and discuss the efficacy of permeable paver systems for these pollutants of concern: Total Suspended Solids; Nutrients; Hydrocarbons; and Heavy Metals and provide research references to validate the removal efficiencies. Permeable pavers can also be used in series with other water quality controls, typically called a treatment train, to provide high levels of pollutant removal. This presentation will discuss using permeable pavers with bioretention, green roofs, vegetated filter strips, and manufactured water quality devices. Join us for an overview of the water quality benefits of permeable pavers and learn how to leverage the power of a treatment train to meet or exceed regulatory water quality requirements.

Geosynthetics have been used for decades in pavement systems and can provide many benefits to permeable paver systems when properly applied. Geosynthetics can provide the following functions: separation, reinforcement, filtration, drainage, and containment. The most common geosynthetics used within permeable paver systems are geotextiles, geogrids, geomembranes, geocells, and geocomposites. This presentation will provide an overview of each geosynthetic mentioned above and will discuss in-depth what functions each type performs and how and when to use each one.

Roof top paver systems have become an integral part of commercial roofing that not only increases usable square footage of the structure but also improves the energy efficiency and increases the life expectancy of the overall roof system. Additionally, roof top paver systems allow great access to the outdoors helping improve occupant comfort levels and encourage social interaction. Changes to codes and standards along with recent storm events have brought wind uplift to the forefront as a vital component to roof top paver systems. As a result, many factors must be considered when designing and installing roof top paver systems. The industry has developed various methods for addressing wind uplift, many of which are covered in this course.

Large format modular concrete panels (LFMCP) offer a clean, simple to design solution for outdoor kitchens, planter boxes, firepits and more. Because of their size labor time is saved by speed of installation that uses stainless steel hardware. An overview of the outdoor living industry and options, installation, design options and project examples will be reviewed.

This presentation will introduce the concept of using interlocking pavers in urban roadways as part of a new trend in American cities to create pathways and streets where pedestrians and vehicles share space. The European concept known as “woonerf” is a design principle that creates or retrofits low-speed roadways by incorporating traffic calming measures to create shared-space streets to reduce traffic speeds and promote the idea of the street as a public space where people can move freely from connected pathways, parking lots and buildings. The presentation addresses how paver systems work and can aid in defining use through creative colors and patterns. Issues related to public access, wheelchair comfort and safety are also addressed. Finally, the program concludes with an update on the latest industry research on the traffic calming benefits of concrete pavers.

Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable and economic solution to help ease some of the water scarcity and drought-related issues facing large swaths of the US. Utilizing permeable pavers to cleanse, capture, and convey stormwater to an underground storage system can provide harvested stormwater that can potentially be used for irrigation, laundry, toilets, car washing, and numerous non-potable water needs depending on what is allowed in local and state regulations. This presentation will provide real-world solutions to successfully capture, store and reuse rainwater, while educating the audience on the key design considerations required to implement the harvesting system. Design considerations that will be discussed include soil conditions and modifications (if necessary), hydrologic design; structural design for the permeable paver system and vault system; pump and discharge, pipe sizing, sizing the storage volume based on demand and precipitation; and overflow and bypass considerations.

Roof top paver systems have become an integral part of commercial roofing that not only improves the energy efficiency but also increases the life expectancy. Roof top pavers provide a durable surface protecting the roofing system from thermal shock, UV degradation and impact. In addition to these benefits, roof top pavers also add the ability to increase the useable square footage of a structure by providing a durable pedestrian surface on roof decks.

This presentation reviews ASCE 68-18 Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement, which is the design standard published by the American Society of Civil Engineers in late 2018. The topics covered include design parameters and limitations, site selection and optimization, structural design, and hydrologic design of permeable paver systems. Other topics include construction and maintenance of permeable paver systems including in-depth knowledge of specification writing to ensure that the design intent is clear.

Infrared patio heaters are a sustainable way to heat outdoor spaces. This course reviews the available options and their sustainability profiles, focusing on electric infrared heaters.

You can REQUEST a live event at a convenient time and location for you.

There may be additional events available! See the course details page for more information.

Outdoor shelters not only provide protection from the elements but also add visual interest to outdoor public spaces, and advances in shelter design are changing the way the recreational landscape is defined. This course looks at current capabilities in shelter design, compares pre-engineered to site-built shelters, and focuses on the advantages of using a manufacturer who offers design and engineering services. Sustainable aspects of shelter design are also discussed.

You can REQUEST a live event at a convenient time and location for you.

There may be additional events available! See the course details page for more information.

This education course includes a thorough overview of landscape edging and restraints. From the important reasons to use edging on projects, to the many different applications that require edging, to the many edging shapes, to the various materials used for edging, this short one hour course covers it all.

Concrete products such as precast pieces, pavers, and terrazzo have long provided builders with a flexible range of options for their projects. Beyond their versatility, these concrete products are highly sustainable, thanks to their ability to be recycled, low carbon footprint, and long life span.

Precast concrete pavers and roof deck systems enable designers to deliver on aesthetics and design objectives while achieving safety and durability requirements. Patented roof deck systems allow for the creation of safe and stable roof deck patios and green roofs that maintain sustainability requirements. This course examines the raw materials used in these systems, reviews the different finishes available, and discusses different paver applications and their methods of installation.

Wind forces always influence building design and detailing. This course focuses on one particular force, wind uplift, and its influence on roof paving system design and selection. It examines how wind loads and building configuration affect the design of roof paving systems; the codes, regulations, and calculation approaches that inform and control such designs; and the various options designers can use to design safe, appealing outdoor roof paving systems that will withstand even the strongest winds.

Comprehensive site security design should balance managing traffic flow and preventing vehicular intrusion with enhancing the existing character of the site. This course presents FEMA’s guidance on risk assessment and layers of defense, vehicle impact test standards, bollard types, the precast concrete manufacturing process, barrier system design considerations, and incorporating precast concrete bollards and site furnishings into perimeter security design.