Partitions used for sound isolation are often required to also provide fire resistance. This is especially true in multi-family construction where the vast majority of unit demising walls and floor/ceiling assemblies must be fire rated. Solid working knowledge of fire-resistive designs is essential for architects to design acoustic partitions that can actually be built on-site. There are many design elements that work well for fire and for acoustics, but there are also areas where what works well for fire can be at odds with what works well for acoustics. In this presentation, we will look at the elements of acoustic and fire design both for basic wall and floor/ceiling assemblies and for design details like wall-wall and wall-ceiling intersections

This panel discussion explores building sustainable designs for energy efficiency, water efficiency and stormwater management starting from the roof. With urban heat island effect compounding the global warming from climate change, we are in urgent need of understanding how the roof can be very effective in delivering sustainable, high performance buildings while incorporating stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs). Smart material choices and quality and environmental performance certifications are part of assuring performance meets design intent. In addition, job site pain points and project insights for maximizing building design performance will be shared.

This course defines the latest code and testing requirements for water, air, and fire considerations in exterior wall assemblies. Participants will learn the various options for water and air control while exploring various wall assembly designs. In addition, participants will be introduced to building science analysis tools to recognize the impact of various designs on long-term building performance.

Provides an overview of the uses and benefits of water repellent concrete masonry admixtures in concrete masonry units and masonry mortar. The evolution of water repellent chemistries that enable single wythe building design is discussed including the innovative use of low-dosage, high-efficiency admixtures in the CMU and powdered admixture for preblended mortars. Context is provided on masonry building details and application of best practices by masons in the field.

This program is intended to give attendees a deeper understanding of air leakage, air barriers, and air barrier systems as a whole for commercial buildings. Participants will learn the main evaluations performed on air barriers and air barrier systems, as well as characteristics of fluid applied, mechanically fastened (wraps), rigid boardstock, and other air barrier systems. Presentation also addresses why air barrier continuity is critical for performance, and common installation mistakes and how to avoid them.

Most designers are aware that many room types require acoustic treatment. Some are aware of acoustic terms such as NRC. This presentation will take that knowledge to the next level. Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of room acoustics design standards with this overview of theory and design methodology. A special emphasis is placed on performance-oriented designs. Strategies for different project types will be presented.

This course defines and explains building science behind the code for the four control layers of the building envelope: water, air, thermal, and vapor. Participants will then explore typical design principles as well as alternative system assembly approaches to exterior wall design. In addition, presentation covers common attachment strategies for various types of claddings, including masonry, rain screen veneers, and applied/adhered veneers.

Participants in this course will confront the range of regulatory, programmatic, and budgetary factors that influence the selection of ventilation solutions and then consider the outcomes of those options. A multi-family case study will demonstrate different methods and results within a nearly identical building typology with similar occupancy, affording the opportunity to better isolate the outcome of the ventilation methods.

Geberit North America is part of the Geberit Group, a European market leader and global provider of sanitary technology. Geberit markets concealed installation systems for residential wall-hung toilets and fixtures, as well as bath waste and overflows.

See how we have innovated the industry over the last 150 years!

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.

Good acoustic environments are important to the general well-being of all building users. This course outlines the benefits of creating them with wall and ceiling acoustic treatments. It includes many acoustic wall and ceiling treatment options and sample installations.

Hear from Surespan Covers - a specialist manufacturer of horizontal access solutions ideal for industrial and commercial environments. Surespan also carries an impressive glazing portfolio offering premium glass skylights for residential builds. This presentation will focus on new and innovative roof access solutions.

Traditionally, home has been a place for retreat and sanctuary. But as more people work from home, it is increasingly difficult to disengage from work responsibilities and set aside the time needed to refresh ourselves. As our stress levels rise, so does the need for self-care. This course looks at two areas of the home that are ideal for performing self-care and improving our well-being, assisted by investing in luxurious items: the bathroom and the kitchen.

Ventilation is a requirement to ensure occupant health in homes with airtight envelopes. To comprehend the benefits and drawbacks of supply-only, exhaust-only, and balanced ventilation systems. We will learn how heat recovery ventilation promotes a comfortable and healthy environment, as well as the role of HRV/ERV in energy-efficient buildings. Finally, discover how to assess and select the most effective HRV/ERV system.

In the race to address climate change, more and more industries are looking at their manufacturing practices and resultant products through the lens of sustainability. Portland Cement Association’s Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality by 2050 lays out the cement and concrete industry’s commitment to a lower carbon future and how it plans to attain that. From manufacturing cement, to building with concrete, service life impacts, and what happens at the end of a structure’s life, industry has identified current and emerging technologies to reduce its carbon footprint while continuing to serve the needs of designers, builders, and owners. Including both a high-level view of PCA’s Roadmap and a specific focus on portland-limestone cement (PLC), one approach to lower concrete’s CO2 footprint that can be readily implemented today, this program offers an understanding of bold changes coming to the construction industry.

While the bathroom was once a strictly utilitarian space, a growing trend among luxury consumers is to create a custom, spa-like wellness retreat right in the home. Surveys find that luxury consumers value functional and design excellence, uniqueness that reflects a creative side, and exceptional quality and value. This course examines the shower products available that help to create a personalized, multi-sensory wellness experience with beautifully designed pieces that meet water efficiency standards.

Waterproofing goes beyond merely keeping a building dry; it's an essential strategy to safeguard the building's overall well-being, guarantee the comfort and safety of its inhabitants, and uphold the property's value over time. This course provides an in-depth exploration of the newest waterproofing technologies, their intricate interconnections, and critical considerations for devising superior waterproofing specifications.

Undesirable acoustics in educational spaces have long been considered averse to our goals to effectively teach, create, collaborate, listen, and learn. Now, in the wake of implementing pandemic protocols, our acoustic comfort in these spaces is greatly challenged. This course examines the impacts of poor soundscapes in educational facilities and introduces innovative solutions for improving acoustics in these areas while keeping us comfortable and safe from exposure to emerging viruses.

Reducing noise between occupied spaces isn’t just needed for occupant comfort and productivity, it is sometimes required by building code. This presentation is an overview of noise control principals, construction composites, and design methodology for ceilings, floors, and partitions. A special emphasis is placed on performance-oriented designs requiring third party consultants.

Unwanted sound can become more than a mere annoyance. Excess noise has been found to increase stress and distraction, reduce learning and productivity, and even lead to hypertension and permanent hearing loss. This course presents an overview of how sound is described and measured and discusses the many industrial and architectural products available to control noise in virtually any environment.

To review the basics of sound, sound movement, and sound measurement to detail the comprehensive range of applications available to the designer to block unwanted noises, control the acoustics in large venues, and provide complete privacy where it is needed, and to discover how to improve the aesthetic appeal of each space as a result.

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.

This course is an introduction to fully and semi-automated parking systems. It will educate learners about what automated parking is, how it works, the benefits, when to use an automated parking system in a project and key design considerations.

Equipment vibration that becomes structure borne can break out directly below or as is often the case far from the source. This presentation will cover the different types of isolation needed under machinal systems. Selection criteria of different isolation media will be offered for chillers, boilers, cooling towers.

As important as the proper restraint of isolated equipment; the design and types of seismic and wind restraints will be presented.

Participants will experience presentation LVR200 with the added dimension of witnessing actual on-site louver testing sessions demonstrating live AMCA Still Air and Wind Driven rain testing. Extensive interaction with the test apparatus, louver engineers and hands on inspection of a variety of louver samples illustrating the various louver families available and inherent performance of each.