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 course focuses on how to use and apply specification language and proper construction details to create successful projects that meet the designer's and owner's expectations for color, general appearance, and moisture penetration resistance.

This course covers how to use the COMcheck(TM) software from the Department of Energy to evaluate whether mass walls meet Energy Code requirements.

The use of mortar is a process that has changed little since the days of ancient Greece. Unlike lumber, steel, and other building materials found on today's construction sites, mortar ingredients are typically brought individually onto the site and stored where the masonry work is being done. Then they are shoveled into some form of mixer (manual or powered) to combine the dry ingredients along with a measured quantity of water. The results have been quite understandably dependent on the quality of the ingredients used, the skills of the people doing the portioning and mixing, and the outdoor environmental conditions' all variables that can and have produced quite variable outcomes in terms of mortar quality and performance. In our current time, there are some well-documented conditions that also come into play. Shortages of skilled construction labor means that it is uncertain how precisely the mortar is being mixed on-site. At the same time, manufacturers have made substantial strides in bringing modern production techniques to mortar by employing computerized technology that allows great precision in many factory settings. Therefore, rather than trusting the production process to hand mixing in unpredictable conditions, factory pre-blended mortar is becoming more and more the preferred norm for masonry construction of all types. Architects, engineers, contractors, and building owners are realizing that pre-blended mortar eliminates many of the variables and uncertainties of site-mixed mortar, thus reducing the potential for problems and liability with the finished masonry construction. In this course, we will look at the types of mortar available, the process and pitfalls of field mixing versus pre-blended mortar, and the significance of mortar in masonry assemblies.

An introduction to the use of Polyisocyanurate insulation to provide a Continuous Insulating Air & Water Resistive Barrier, providing energy efficiency, fire safety, sustainability, and a healthier indoor environment.

This is a condensed version of the 2-hour course ECH-BIM-1901: Masonry Solutions for BIM. Masonry construction presents a myriad of challenges for specifiers – especially those who are less familiar with masonry construction methods, performance standards and assembly detailing. A new wave of BIM modeling tools seeks to bridge the gap between these challenges and the extensive benefits of masonry construction, including resiliency, energy performance and unique aesthetics. This presentation provides a condensed overview of BIM and its impact on the construction industry, with a particular focus on new software tools that are changing the way masonry is designed, specified, ordered, manufactured, shipped, installed and maintained. Additionally, this course will delve into masonry building codes – with a particular focus on energy codes – and how they work together with masonry materials to deliver safer, healthier and higher-performing buildings for occupants.

This program introduces the next generation of concrete masonry units allowed by recent updates to the ASTM standard governing load-bearing Concrete Masonry Units, including discussion of the cost and structural efficiency and energy conservation benefits of these new designs.

This course covers the wall assembly thermal performance requirements of current energy codes (both the 2009 and 2012 versions of the IECC are covered). In addition, the course discusses the alternative compliance paths that are available for masonry walls under IECC and ASHRAE, including the use of COMcheck software, and provides an introduction to the basic concepts and terms that are used with respect to thermal performance. Finally the course covers how masonry wall assemblies may contribute credits under LEED.

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 session will explore the most common issues that are alleged in construction defect cases. The presentation will guide the attendees through construction basics from the roof to the foundation. The most common defects in each area will be discussed, along with building code requirements, accepted industry standards, consequences and/or damages and repair recommendations.

There are many masonry options for the architect today. Besides standard cmu there are prefaced and pre-finished products that do not require additional coatings, but provide a beautiful aesthetic and performance characteristics, both for interior and exterior projects. These products include:  Glaze CMU glazed masonry units, Ground Face units, Filled and Polished Units, Shot Blasted Textured Units, Acoustical sound-absorbing units, Limestone masonry units, and Drycast Veneers. In addition, because of its modular nature, different concrete masonry units can be combined within the same wall to achieve variations in texture, pattern, and color. Because of its durable nature, and use of less embodied energy, masonry is a very environmentally friendly building product. Masonry offers a variety of different facial applications that can greatly enhance the decorative appearance of the building.

This presentation covers how to properly design a wall using proper design techniques focusing on the prevention of moisture, cracking, and cleaning issues.

This 1 hour course focuses on segmental retaining walls compared to other wall systems. Attendees learn about the advancements within this part of the industry, as well as the evolution of segmental retaining walls. Attendees will also be reviewing factors of safety. The instructor will use a powerpoint presentation and handouts during the class.

This presentation discusses the importance of detailing the building to prevent serious water issues in the envelope of a building.

Today's storms are more intense, more frequent and more deadly than ever before, making the design and construction of resilient buildings critical. The design of the building envelope – and the materials used – can be the difference between life and death. This presentation will discuss how the strength and resiliency of masonry construction can help protect a building – and its occupants – from storm damage, return structures to use faster following a disaster and reduce the long-term cost of repairs.

Architects understand how a wall is designed. But, designing a wall and putting it in place are two different skill sets. This course focuses on the methods used and challenges that occur on a jobsite during the construction of a building. Participants will learn how concrete products are made and put in place in various applications: CMU Wall Construction, Thin Veneer over CMU, Site Utilization. Hands on participation installing the various products will be a vital part of the course.

An introduction to Pre-Insulated Masonry. The course addresses the energy efficiency of pre-insulated masonry wall systems, and Energy Code compliance using such systems. The course also covers thermal performance measures and how to obtain Code-compliant values for these measures. In addition, how to detail pre-insulated walls is addressed. Finally the course addresses current topics in materials transparency and sustainability.

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.

We will discuss how Polyiso Continuous Insulation will improve the thermal performance of walls of Steel Stud Construction. In addressing the advantages of continuous insulation – we will also address the disadvantages of using steel studs without continuous insulation. We will discuss what Sustainability d how it is measured, including – factors that are involved in addressing Building Longevity – how these concepts impact making buildings more energy efficient. We will look at various types of products that can be used to achieve designs with a perspective that address sustainable construction. Looking towards the future we will discuss the actions being undertaken in conjunction with energy conservation and construction codes, building science organizations and other groups in pushing building envelope design. We will also look at the history of Polyiso and how this product is produced from raw chemicals, creating a completed board stock product.

This course is designed to provide an understanding the importance of continuous insulation relative to mass wall of Concrete and CMU, and how the continuous insulation can help leverage the mass wall properties to stabilize the building environment. In addition, we will address how specific types of continuous insulation can function as the Air and Water Resistive Barrier System, leading to better indoor environment.

Masonry can be used for a variety of different applications. Because of its durable nature, and use of less embodied energy, it is a very environmentally friendly building product. Masonry offers a variety of different facial applications that can greatly enhance the decorative appearance of the building. This program will discuss the different ASTM specification classifications that the architect utilizes regarding masonry. The different types of masonry products are briefly discussed. Also, the IECC energy codes are discussed, as well as the environmental contribution that masonry offers the architect in the specification of building materials, including the prevention of mold in construction projects.

This course teaches how to use breakthrough concrete masonry materials technology to lower embodied carbon and reduce CO2 levels by actively sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere to construct resilient and durable building envelopes that provide beneficial performance both during construction and throughout the operational life of the structure.

This program will provide the design community with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions when specifying a simple solution for exceptional long-term thermal insulating performance and excellent air/vapor battier capability in brick and block walls.

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 overview of concrete floor basics shows participants how to get the most from finished concrete floors. Along the way it discusses levels of finish, hardening-densifying and other aspects of finished concrete flooring not commonly known. The program also shows how to protect and maintain finished concrete flooring. It includes tips for protecting finished floors from damage during building construction.

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 course discusses the keys to designing Multi-wythe (Cavity Wall) assemblies using Concrete Masonry, with a focus on moisture control, energy conservation, structural performance and aesthetic options.

Concrete Masonry has many advantages for building envelope construction. This course explains five key unexpected advantages that are not as widely known as they should be.

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.