Extreme weather events of all sorts are becoming increasingly frequent and ferocious. Wood stick-framed structures struggle to withstand them. As climate behavior shifts and worsens, building damage and destruction increase, building codes evolve, and insurance premiums skyrocket or simply become unavailable for certain building types in some locat...
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 the...
The presentation reviews a brief history of architectural IMP’s, current trends with comparisons to other materials and explores developments which will lead to future aesthetic possibilities and performance enhancements....
Building fires claim nearly 4,000 lives each year in the U.S. It is the responsibility of building designers to do their utmost to prevent such fires and their accompanying loss of life. Often, the difference between life and death is as simple as a fire door that functions properly. This course focuses on describing how design professionals can re...
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This course outlines the dangers posed by Mother Nature and the science, codes, testing and methods in which to build and combat these forces. In addition, this course addresses the value of continuous insulation to improve the energy conversation of the building. We will also address how proper incorporation of martials including continuous insula...
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When daylighting a space, there are endless ways to go about it. With the power of daylight simulation, you can make informed decisions about material selections, placement and opening sizes, as well as building geometries. Modeling allows you to compare multiple designs to see how they will perform, while verifying light levels, potential glare an...
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the design and specification of transaction systems that ensure safe, secure, and convenient interactions with customers. Participants will learn how to evaluate and select solutions for a variety of applications—from drive-thru and ticket windows to transaction drawers, package receivers, and ...
Provides an overview of the Industry Standards, as well as Code References, for the flashing materials used for the installation of Windows & Doors. The Code referenced material standards for window & door flashings are summarized and compared, as well as the Installation Standard practices that have been developed by the three main Fenestration In...
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Insulated metal panels (IMPs) are lightweight composite exterior wall and roof panels with superior insulating properties. Commercial and industrial buildings benefit from their energy efficient insulation, lightweight construction, durability, and cost-effective, timely installation. This course discusses IMPs in terms of their design options, app...
Metal roofing offers longevity, durability, and visual appeal. Today, a range of color and finish options are available that afford specifiers broad design flexibility. This course explores key solar reflectance and sustainability considerations when evaluating metal roofing colors and how selection relates to requirements in codes and green buildi...
Stairs are an important component in buildings, facilitating traffic flow and serving as a means of egress in emergencies. They can also pose a safety risk if not designed and outfitted properly. In this course, we address the safety aspects of stair design and specification, providing an overview of anti-slip products for new and existing stairway...
Review the physics of building envelopes, including hygrothermal loads, control layers, climate zones and cladding functions. The importance of control layer continuity at wall, roof and slab connections is studied. We look at how IMPs perform the same functions as multi-component wall systems through the use of panels joints, sealants and an insul...
Attic ventilation is an important component in proper structural design. By encouraging airflow, attic ventilation plays a key role in maintaining structural integrity, ensuring roof component durability, providing a healthy indoor environment, and minimizing energy consumption. Additionally, proper attic ventilation hinders or prevents mold growth...
The purpose of this course is to educate architects and designers on the ideal ways of incorporating entrance flooring into commercial buildings to promote a safe and clean environment. The course explains codes, regulations and guidelines specifically related to entrance flooring systems for high-traffic entrances in healthcare, education, transpo...
This course reviews the evolution of accessible restrooms and the recent, sudden prominence of universal (or adult) changing tables. We’ll examine how new changes to both the International Building Code® and statewide legislation affect public restroom design, and the profound impact universal changing tables can have on the lives of people with...
The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the use of entrance floor systems in commercial buildings in order to promote a safe and clean environment. The course explains the codes, regulations, and guidelines specifically related to entrance flooring systems for high-traffic entrances in healthcare, education, transportation, corp...
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This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
Understanding the performance of building materials in real-world conditions is key to a successful building design. Recent studies have shown that the commonly reported R-values of polyisocyanurate foams at room temperature may overstate their real-world performance in cooler temperatures. This decline in R-value is driven by complex phase change ...
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This comprehensive presentation is designed for architects, engineers, and building specifiers, providing in-depth insights into the effective specification and use of skylights to enhance energy efficiency, natural lighting, and indoor comfort across different climate zones. The session will cover the fundamental principles of skylight design, foc...
Exterior wall systems are the dividing line between the exterior and the interior and must address several fundamental performance goals of the building envelope. This course reviews traditional rainscreen design and examines why, with its single-component construction, an insulated composite backup wall system is a vast improvement over traditiona...
What are you doing to address the urban heat island effect? This hot topic in the design industry has led to local governments following LEED and amending their building codes to combat the effect of traditional roofing materials. In this session, you'll discover materials and techniques that will help you bring sustainable roofing into your practi...
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 E...
Architectural insulated metal panels (IMPs) are an increasingly popular choice for building developers and architects, presenting a compelling solution that combines functionality, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. This course reviews the architectural IMP, its applications and benefits, and comparisons to other materials. It explores current trend...
This course will discuss best practices to prevent the accumulation of wind driven rain and/or condensation behind exterior adhered masonry systems. We will review proper installation of metal lath, the importance of encapsulation and a wall system that includes a rigid drainage plane. Exterior finishes discussed will include stucco, thin brick, bo...
Roofing is one of the most common renovation projects on commercial buildings. Upgrading a roof assembly to meet current building standards provides an opportunity to save energy and maintain the necessary fire and structural performance. This course reviews the code requirements for commercial reroofing and discusses how reroofing can improve a bu...
View the PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association Course Library
PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association
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 AST...