One of the most complex and least understood areas where fire can propagate is at the perimeter of a multi-story building. Not only can fire spread from floor-to-floor via the edge-of-slab/curtain wall intersections but also along the exterior building enclosure where untested, combustible components are often installed. This program outlines best design practices for providing fire protection for building occupants per ASTM E2307 and E2874....
This presentation will focus on the overview of above-grade waterproofing, specifically covering balcony waterproofing systems, and the most overlooked component when assembling such systems. The course will also highlight the forces that create the need for waterproofing assemblies, and how those forces shape how we waterproof balconies....
Design guidelines for sustainable MVM buildings, including product innovations and industry related education. At the end of this course, participants will be able to avoid design detailing errors....
Join us for our webinar with a focus on Military projects. Kalwall’s daylighting systems are a perfect fit for the demanding requirements of military applications. Our specialty systems meet UFC 4-010-01 blast requirements, and our products in general are well known for both their ruggedness and ability to provide safety and security for high-value assets and military personnel. Learn how Kalwall can help you build secure military spaces....
This course is focused on the essential aspects of below-grade waterproofing. It offers a comprehensive overview of the most prevalent technologies and innovative solutions designed for these critical applications. We'll uncover the common causes of membrane failures and share proven risk mitigation strategies to ensure the longevity and integrity of your projects. Enhance your expertise and learn best practices that can significantly impact your next project....
The course details the benefits of designing with natural metals such as zinc, stainless and copper in order to achieve a uniquely aesthetic style with complex curves and tapers of the metal panels for a roof or a wall application....
As interest in mass timber building design grows, there are new protection strategies that must be employed for a successful installation to ensure occupant long-term health and safety. This presentation will explain moisture protection strategies by providing in-depth test results on mass timber wetting and drying studies, methods to protect during each construction phase, and the vapor-permeable protection technology available to address wood’s unique moisture characteristics. All in an effort to create a sustainable, stable structure and preserve the beauty of the mass timber building....
Based on published studies, a vented rainscreen assembly provides the following for a wall assembly: • Effectively drain water that has entered behind the cladding • Reduces the wet time of absorptive claddings • Increased drying of the interstitial wall assembly • Mitigate reverse vapor drive for highly permeable Water Resistant Barrier / Air Barrier (WRB/AB) systems Learn the current research and field practices on vapor open (permeable), vented rain screen cladding wall assemblies and their impact to mitigate water long-term intrusion and enhance the drying capacity of the building envelope assembly for the life of the building....
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...
Changes made to spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation formulations in recent years address the impacts of embodied carbon and other attributes of sustainable construction design. This course explores the evolution and environmental impacts of SPF chemistries, and how the sustainability benefits of spray polyurethane foam (also known as SPF), contributes to high performance construction design...
Rooftop deck systems offer the design flexibility to create adaptable, sustainable outdoor spaces that provide myriad environmental, social, economic, and aesthetic benefits. This course presents the three pillars of sustainability and how building products, materials, and systems can contribute to sustainable design. It outlines forest management objectives and practices and the responsible sourcing of wood for rooftop deck tiles. Case studies exemplify how rooftop deck systems can contribute to sustainable design objectives....
In this one-hour course, design professionals will take an in-depth look at the sustainable, and versatile attributes of composite roofing solutions. The advantages of composite roofing systems will be examined, including long life-cycle, durability, and its ability to be specified in a wide array of applications and environments....
The materials we use have a significant impact on the environment, our communities, and our health. Consequently, material transparency—wherein manufacturers disclose vital sustainability information about their products—is an increasingly necessary element of modern life. This course examines the tools and resources that are available for both manufacturers and the A&D community that effectively communicate transparency information and optimization of building products. Also reviewed are the benefits of the new-generation insulated metal panels (IMPs) designed to achieve a trusted range of health and wellness certifications....
This course focuses on the rapidly growing data center industry and how critical it is to control noise for facility employees and residents living in neighboring areas and to follow city ordinances. The noise issues data centers pose for their workers and their external surroundings are examined, and practical solutions are reviewed....
Moisture and soil gas beneath concrete slabs can cause a myriad of problems in both residential and commercial applications. The causes and consequences of these problems are reviewed in this course, along with a discussion on the types and characteristics of under-slab water vapor and soil gas barriers....
This course explores the critical aspects of fire-rated head-of-wall joint assemblies, providing design professionals with essential knowledge to enhance the safety and integrity of construction projects. Through an in-depth exploration of key concepts, participants will gain an understanding of fire-rated joint assembly components, the application of Steel Intumescent Fire Stops in diverse construction assemblies, and the standards essential for establishing UL-certified assemblies. Design considerations for specifying and detailing the protection of fire-rated perimeter joints will also be discussed....
The hospitality industry thrives on positive customer experiences. These experiences are often shared on social media, and reviews of a restaurant or hotel now commonly include the acoustical aspects of the experiences. Hospitality venues must be constructed to the highest standards in order to achieve the necessary level of customer satisfaction; this includes providing a positive acoustic environment for a wide range of situations. In addition to reviewing the basics of sound, sound movement, and sound measurement, this course details 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 while improving the aesthetic appeal of each space as a result....
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With the demand for sustainable power on the rise, building owners and homeowners alike are turning to solar power as a supplemental power generator. Choosing the right platform for the solar panels is a critical step in the design process and can have a significant impact on both initial and long-term costs. This course discusses the basics of photovoltaic systems, including the components and rooftop applications. Comparisons between traditional roofing and standing seam metal roofing platforms are examined, and the benefits of a nonpenetrating clamping system are discussed....
ICF construction is cost effective and sustainable, and is a superior way to build stronger, quieter, healthier, and more energy-efficient commercial structures. This course explores insulated concrete form (ICF) construction, describing the forms themselves and their construction, performance, and sustainable benefits. Also presented are design guidelines, the installation process, flooring systems, and commercial project applications....
As part of a well-designed rainscreen system, single-skin metal panels offer unique aesthetic options combined with the assurance that the building envelope will withstand the effects of long-term exposure to the elements. This course compares common cladding types; presents single-skin metal panel materials, coatings, finishes, and design options; and examines using single-skin metal panels with a single-component barrier wall to form a complete rainscreen assembly....
Designing with green roofs affords design professionals opportunities to plan projects with exciting new elements, added value, and significant, tangible benefits, thereby enhancing the built environment with newly-created landscapes. This course examines green roof systems, including the types, benefits, components, and related standards. As well, it provides a discussion on how green roofs mitigate urban heat island effect and reduce stormwater runoff....
Thermally controlled environments such as cold storage freezers and coolers, and food processing and packaging facilities take many different forms. Their performance and functionality depend on their project-specific requirements and can be affected by the conditions the materials and systems are subjected to. This course discusses how insulated metal panels (IMPs) perform the necessary functions to provide an effective energy-efficient building envelope and why they are suitable for use within temperature-controlled hygienic environments—where performance is critical....
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....
Welcome a new shift in design, where architecture and nature unite. Homes are built into landscapes, rather than overtaking nature, and incorporate elements of the earth into their design, promoting peace, creativity, and inspiration. Building materials, such as architectural stone veneer, are being used indoors and outdoors to reflect the qualities found in nature, including symmetry, surprise, and well-being. Not only does architectural stone veneer bring the beauty of nature into residential and commercial spaces, but it’s also a sustainable alternative to other building materials; it can be recycled, lower transportation and labor costs, and earn LEED credits. It is regulated by strict industry standards, providing durability and versatility, all while offering nearly limitless options in color, texture, look, and use....
Learn about the design properties, performance, and installation of metal siding with a unique woodgrain look....
