The key to an energy-efficient metal building is the implementation of a continuous insulation system that virtually eliminates thermal bridging and prevents condensation. This course discusses how using thermal spacer blocks and metal building insulation in the building envelope increases energy performance and meets stringent energy code requirements.

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

This course offers an introduction to linear low-density polyethylene privacy fencing, including its attributes, components, and general installation instructions.

Metal composite panels deliver a clean and elegant aesthetic while acting as a rain screen or barrier wall. These panels can be produced in two different manners which affect their performance and applicability. This course will review metal composite panels, their methods of manufacture, performance capabilities and methods of installation.

Curved elements, such as walls, ceilings, columns and arches, have often been used to add interest to architectural designs. This course outlines conventional methods of framing curves in wood and steel, as well as new methods of framing using flexible track systems. Discussions include options for wall coverings and trims for curved surfaces.

Healthy urban trees contribute not only to our environment; they also contribute to our communities. As we create metropolitan landscapes, we need to address the health and well-being of tree. This is crucial to the legacy that we pass on to future generations. This course examines the factors that affect the health of urban tree environments, including the climatic conditions of the project site, tree planting techniques, and the use of architectural hardscape amenities.

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

Stairs are often a prominent feature or even the focal point of an architectural design project and play a vital role in creating an aesthetically pleasing interior atmosphere, or an exterior welcoming point to a residential, commercial, or industrial building. This course provides an overview of the many benefits of installing precast concrete stair treads and landings, how to detail and specify them, and how to address related building code, design, and construction requirements.

Prerequisites: No

Course Level:Introductory

Driven largely by public interest in minimizing the potential environmental impact of building products, architects and builders actively embrace “green” initiatives and are calling for building product transparency. The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) was developed to address this need. This course examines the EPD and includes discussions on who wants EPDs and why, the EPD development process, the contents of an EPD, and the future of EPDs.

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

Manufacturing companies are seeing an increased demand for product transparency. This course discusses what sustainability and Design for Environment are, how transparency documents are created, how they contribute to green building certification, and how investing in sustainability can produce process and operational efficiencies that benefit people, planet, and business.

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

Designing to accommodate thermal movement is just one of the many critical details for the long-term success of a metal roof installation. This course covers the design and specification considerations and architectural details that impact project requirements, as well as the components and the energy efficient features of metal roofing assemblies.

Provides an overview of the characteristics and architectural applications of perforated metal, expanded metal, and wire mesh products including descriptions of metal types and mechanical finishes.

Rusting is a natural process that occurs due to everyday environmental conditions, but it is both predictable and preventable. This course explains the importance of rust prevention and treatment, and includes discussions on the rusting process, surface preparation, coating types, and choosing appropriate coating systems.

In the 1920s, aluminum turned the world of metals upside-down with its benefits of light weight, strength, fabrication flexibility, and durability. Since then, finishing technology has provided a steady stream of protection and coloring improvements. This course explores the sustainability of aluminum, the anodizing process, and the performance characteristics of architectural anodized aluminum. It includes information to assist in the selection and specification of architectural anodized finishes for aluminum sheet, extrusions, and panels.

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

When designing a steel mesh fence, there are three steel mesh options to consider: chain link fabric, expanded metal, and welded wire mesh. Although mesh choice may be the primary focus when designing fence, an understanding of the application and material specifications should be key considerations as well. This course provides a review of the material specifications, installation, and standards related to the design of steel mesh fence systems.

Structural fire protection guards essential structural components from the devastating effects of fire. This course discusses some of the types of passive fire protection methods that are available. Examined in depth are the composition, manufacture, finishes, and design and installation considerations of prefabricated fireproof structural columns designed for exposed exterior and interior load-bearing applications.

Provides an overview of the applications, terminology, and specification considerations relating to Bar and Plank Grating products.

The beautiful gray patina of zinc architectural metal has graced the rooftops of buildings in Europe for hundreds of years. This course examines the sustainable characteristics of zinc as a roofing material, including its 100% recyclability, zero VOC requirement, and low embodied energy production process. The life cycle analysis of zinc is examined, as is zinc’s long-term service life. Various types of roof and wall applications are also discussed.

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

The issue of safety is a prevalent theme in today’s society, and protecting the built environment has become a priority. This course examines the material specifications, industry standards, hardware options, installations, and application considerations necessary to design and specify exterior pedestrian steel gates.

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

Provides an overview of gate and fencing systems which are both functional and decorative, and are designed to meet modern security and design requirements while harmonizing with the surrounding environment.

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

In today’s high performance building market, specifying materials that work together as a complete wall system is more critical than ever. Systems can help designers meet new energy codes, reduce costs and improve building function and sustainability while making the design process faster and simpler. Focusing on the most common exterior wall system, steel stud with masonry veneer, this course will detail key system components, recent advances in building analysis, code requirements and a comprehensive systems approach.

In order to address tile installation difficulties effectively and avoid failures, designers and specifiers must maintain full awareness of current knowledge, practices, and products. This course reviews potentially problematic contemporary tile installation issues along with the industry guidance, methodologies, and products available to address them.

Selection of a material for a railing or fence project requires considering its long-term performance, maintenance, cost, and aesthetics. Regardless of the railing application (commercial, residential, or industrial), the coating process makes a difference to the life of the project. This course evaluates the different coating technologies available for steel railing and fence systems and discusses the factors to consider when selecting a coating for a steel railing and fence systems.

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.

Stairs are a primary means of egress, exit, and floor-to-floor access for buildings with multiple floors or a change in rise. Metal stair systems designed for commercial and industrial applications can be fabricated out of steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum. This course evaluates types of pre-engineered steel stair systems and includes discussions on advantages, class, fabricator vs. manufacturer, railings, stair flight and landing construction, connections, and building code requirements.

The U.S. has the worst fire fatality rate in the industrialized world, and consideration should be given to the use of intumescent acrylic latex paint for its fire-resistance attributes. This course outlines the evolution of intumescent coatings. The program focuses on intumescent acrylic latex paint coatings and the performance and aesthetic advantages they have over traditional coatings. It includes discussions on codes and standards, applicable substrates, adhesion, and application, curing, and cleanup.

Provides an overview of walkable roof deck membranes and includes discussions on: system characteristics, components, and installation; moisture management: deflection and drainage; design considerations; and how to specify roof deck membrane systems.