A large portion of new commercial and residential buildings built today are equipped with clear, floor-to-ceiling glass. Does this new expansive area of glass lead to daylight optimization? This course explains the impacts of daylighting on human health and building occupant comfort. Proactive and reactive automated shading systems are discussed, automated shading systems in projects of various scopes and scales are also discussed.

This course examines state-of-the-art nontoxic paint removers that effectively remove up to thirty coats of paint in one safe and efficient operation.

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.

Selecting energy-efficient fenestration products that promote comfort, daylighting and views, and natural ventilation while supporting environmental impact concerns can further discussions regarding resource efficiency, material manufacturing, waste reduction, and life-cycle impact. This course examines the attributes of thermally broken aluminum windows and doors and explains why they are energy-efficient, sustainable, fenestration products.

The design of laser-cut steel, thermally broken windows and doors was fueled by the need to produce a steel window and door that would meet the ever increasingly stringent energy efficiency building codes of today and tomorrow, while not losing any of the “classic-timeless” aesthetics that steel windows and doors have become known for. This course examines the fabrication, thermal performance, and design and finish options of steel windows and doors.

Architects and other design professionals have a critical role to play in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions through building design and product selection. The urgent need to reduce both operational and embodied carbon means that building designers must be familiar with transparency documents that facilitate low-carbon product selection. In this course, we review the types of carbon of concern, transparency documents that provide critical information, and tools for sourcing embodied carbon information. We also look at the contribution of insulated metal panels to both low embodied and low operational carbon buildings.

It is imperative to have a dependable, well-designed fire protection system that helps save lives and property. This course is designed to advance awareness and understanding about the wide range of components, functionality, and benefits of today’s most innovative standpipe fire systems and how to select the optimal system for your design based on building type, codes, and other requirements.

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 course will educate about healthcare associated infections (HAI’s) and the impact they have on the built environment. It will address the contributing factors and address the social and financial impact associated with these infections. The course will also offer solutions on how to design and select products to reduce HAI incidences in healthcare spaces which ultimately improves patient and employee safety and wellness

Cohesive and resilient designs are hard to achieve. This course offers a basic review of “Industry Best Practices” for installation over various sub-straights. Highlighting new code requirements established by the new TMS 402/602 – 22, Chapter 13 for anchored and adhered veneers. We will also review the different finishes available.

This program is designed to provide the design community with an understanding of how energy efficiency impacts water management in wall systems and how to address the control layers of the envelope. The presentation will cover building science, code for bulk water, air, thermal, and vapor, and practical solutions for WRBs, drainage, and flashing.

Join architect and author Stefan Al as he delves into the world of architectural innovation and its profound impact on skylines across the globe. Drawing from his acclaimed book "Supertall," Al will share insights from the realm of skyscrapers, shedding light on the emergence of a new generation of towering structures that defy conventional limits in terms of height and design. With personal experience as one of the architects behind the remarkable 2000-foot tall Canton Tower, which briefly held the title of the world's tallest tower, Al offers a firsthand account of the challenges faced in pushing architectural boundaries, including the quest for improved sustainability. Furthermore, he will highlight the unceasing evolution of Las Vegas Boulevard as he explores the developments of resort design and signage that have contributed to the city's distinctive character. Building upon the research from his book "The Strip: Las Vegas and the Architecture of the American Dream" he uncovers the dynamic changes that have shaped this iconic destination, while contemplating the importance of sustainability in its ever-evolving architectural landscape.

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.

This course is intended to introduce the range of architectural precast concrete products and finish options to members of the design/construction community. Cost and time considerations will be highlighted. Additionally, as a HSW approved CEU, this course will review sustainability, thermal efficiency, building and site safety benefits and the durability of precast concrete.

Dive deep into the design and benefits that precast concrete can offer the data center world of construction. Looking into the details such as key elements to factor in during the designing phase of a project, considering the thermal and job speed benefits that precast can offer, and then the ability to have diverse aesthetic qualities to bring a building to life.

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects buildings by providing real-time data for action and evaluative purposes. Plumbing products can be part of the connected building to reduce maintenance and costs, help conserve water, and provide extra health and safety benefits not achievable with nonconnected plumbing products. This course reviews some examples of the data that can be collected from commercial plumbing products to deliver critical information to building managers and owners. It also describes how these products create cost and time savings, enhance health, safety, and compliance, and contribute to overall occupant satisfaction and wellness.

Garages of the 21st century can make significant contributions to project aesthetics, durability and sustainability. Learn the basics of managing cost and schedule, how to design and detail key features, and how to incorporate innovative and proven technical developments - including carbon fiber reinforcement - that contribute to reliable and lasting performance of a precast parking structure.

A general overview of SOPREMA and our products and application methods.

SOPREMA offers a comprehensive line of commercial roofing, waterproofing, wall protection, and civil engineering solutions combining superior products and systems with decades of proven performance. Our solutions include industry-leading SBS-modified bitumen membranes, polymeric PMMA/PMA liquid-applied membranes, and synthetic single-ply PVC membranes. For applications as diverse as roofing, below-grade waterproofing, plaza deck and balcony waterproofing, air and vapor barriers, and bridge and parking structures, SOPREMA has the solution. SOPREMA’s relentless pursuit of technological advancement, sustainability, and product quality has been known and respected around the world for over 100 years.

Elevators are integral to accessible, smooth, and efficient operations in many applications. For low-rise buildings, hydraulic elevators or gearless machine room-less (MRL) elevators are most common; this course compares the two in terms of sustainability and cost. Also presented are the history of the elevator, types of elevators suitable for installation in a range of buildings, the distinctions between proprietary and nonproprietary elevator systems, and recommendations on how to specify a nonproprietary system to maximize its long-term benefits.

As energy codes continue to push building envelopes to higher R-value performance, architects and designers are challenged with also managing the moisture flow within the envelope to minimize the risk of condensation and the potential for mold and corrosion. Advanced testing and analysis demonstrate how specifiers can utilize mineral wool as an exterior continuous insulation, and significantly reduce the risk of condensation and subsequent mold/corrosion damage in all climate zones.

Elevators are integral to accessible, smooth, and efficient operations in many applications. For low-rise buildings, hydraulic or gearless machine room-less (MRL) elevators are most common; this course presents the differences between the two in installation, maintenance, speed, energy efficiency, sustainability, and cost. Also addressed are the distinctions between proprietary and nonproprietary elevator systems and recommendations on how to specify a nonproprietary system to maximize its long-term benefits.