Construction Specifications Canada

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 619 results.

FIRST [1-25] [26-50] [51-75] [76-100] [101-125] NEXT LAST


  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) offer higher thermal resistance per unit thickness than traditional insulation materials. This means a building envelope can meet the effective R-values for enclosures required by the energy codes without having to increase the thickness of the walls, roof, or floors. This course discusses how VIPs work, why they are effective, and the impact the properties of the materials used to construct a VIP can have on its performance. VIP installations and the latest developments in VIP technology are reviewed to illustrate the advantages of using VIPs as thermal insulation in the design of energy-efficient buildings.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Universal hot water availability is generally taken for granted. At a time when energy prices and sources, environmental concerns, and water shortages are increasing in significance, it is important to produce hot water in a manner that addresses all these issues. This course explains how electric tankless water heaters (ETWHs) do this while also improving health and safety conditions and reducing costs. The examination includes detailed descriptions of many types of ETWHs and the basic calculations and selection criteria for the most suitable system.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Food and wine preservation refers to the process of storing products under ideal conditions in order to maximize longevity. Preserving food and wine maximizes its shelf life and flavor which, in turn, enhances the enjoyment of its consumption. Additionally, proper preservation results in less waste and saves the consumer money. This course reviews the causes of premature food deterioration, the optimal conditions for storing wine and food, and the solutions that are available with a focus on modern refrigeration units.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    There is evidence that the basic ladder was first conceived over 10,000 years ago. Since that time, ladders have evolved to become a versatile product available in a number of materials and forms to suit many functions. This course explains the methods and advantages of using aluminum for ladders, the many ways ladders can be configured to create the safest and most comfortable usage, the various optional accessories available, and the codes and standards that govern and inform their design.


  • ( ~ 30 minutes ) 

    ASCE 7-16, Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures, provides several design alternatives that architects and engineers can use to reduce the potential for either partial or progressive collapse due to extraordinary events, whether natural or man-made. The minimum design load philosophy of the building code is at odds with some extraordinary events. ASCE 7, Section 2.5, “Load Combinations for Extraordinary Events,” which is incorporated into the IBC, covers such extraordinary events, stating: “Where required by the owner or applicable code, strength and stability shall be checked to ensure that structures are capable of withstanding the effects of extraordinary (i.e., low-probability) events, such as fires, explosions, and vehicular impact without disproportionate collapse.” There are several methods for achieving added safety in both expected and extraordinary events. These include performance-based design (for expected events) and methods for design against partial or progressive collapse (for extraordinary events). In this briefing, we’ll explore methods for design against partial or progressive collapse as found in ASCE 7, Section 1.4.6, “Extraordinary Loads and Events.”


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This presentation provides an overview of sustainable materials for the bath, including production, performance, maintenance, and frameworks for assessment, and focuses on recycled copper, sustainably made concrete, FSC®-certified bamboo, and reclaimed wood.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Now more than ever, public restrooms must provide users with a hygienic and safe experience that supports inclusivity, human health, and wellness. In this course, we explore how multistall public restrooms address users’ concerns about hygiene, safety, privacy, and efficiency through partitions, touchless fixtures, hand dryers, and more. We also discuss fulfilling WELL Building Standard™ v2 requirements by promoting public health and safety in restroom design.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    One of the more complicated issues today in building science is addressing moisture movement, since moisture can penetrate a building in several different ways and result in material degradation, air quality issues, and failure of the building enclosure. This course examines the ways moisture can enter a structure and discusses the role of different moisture control layers that, when correctly placed and installed, can prevent unwanted moisture infiltration.


  • ( ~ 30 minutes ) 

    As many jurisdictions move toward regulating or even outright banning wood-burning and natural gas fireplaces, designers are turning to electric alternatives. Vapor fireplaces use only electricity and water vapor to produce an incredibly realistic flame effect with zero particulate emissions.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    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 traditional multicomponent building technology.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    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.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Kitchens have evolved, and so has the role of refrigeration in the home; there are a variety of factors that are contributing to this change. This course examines the social, economic, and demographic trends that are stimulating the reimagining of the kitchen space. The latest trends in kitchen design are discussed as is the role of modular refrigeration—a key design element in the creation of functional spaces that reflect the changing domestic landscape.


  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Residential solar power generates clean energy, reduces carbon footprint, protects against rising electricity rates, and protects property from outages, but it is only effective during daylight hours. Adding battery storage to a solar system—called solar plus storage—removes this limitation and moves a home closer to energy independence. In this course, we will review the components of a solar-plus-storage system, including selection considerations for residential rooftop solar and DC-coupled solar batteries. The course also reviews the extended system of monitoring and DC charging.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Polished concrete combines style, eco-friendliness, durability, and cost effectiveness, making it a standout choice in flooring for architects and building owners. This course explores polished concrete, its benefits, and its role in sustainability efforts. It covers various job types, their specific requirements, the process of using polished concrete, and the importance of mock-ups, protective treatments, and maintenance for long-lasting results.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Automated-shading systems are designed to maximize natural daylight, increase building energy efficiency, and ensure occupants have a comfortable environment with views to the outside. This course will explain how an automated shading system predicts, monitors, and responds to the daily microclimate surrounding a building to effectively manage daylight, solar-heat gain, occupant comfort levels, and energy use demands.


  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Parks, recreational areas, and common rural and urban spaces can be essential relaxing oases. Pathways that navigate through these public spaces should be functional and durable and complement the natural environment. This course explores pathway materials and focuses on decomposed granite (DG) and natural aggregates. It discusses the types of pathways, their applications, installation, and maintenance, as well as their contribution to green design.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The commercial space design trend toward open plans has had a major impact on interior electrical and digital infrastructure. Offices, hotels, retail spaces, and transit areas all utilize open spaces, each with their own specific issues and requirements. This course provides designers with the information required to provide code-compliant, user-friendly, and convenient power, data/communication, and AV access for a wide variety of spaces and end users, including facility managers, cleaning staff, and visitors.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Greenhouses are used in an array of applications from residential to commercial, institutional, or educational. This course describes the glazing options, accessories, environmental controls, and planning considerations that contribute to a successful greenhouse. Also presented are the configuration options and decorative details that make each greenhouse unique and ideally suited for its purpose.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Low Impact Development (LID) has several advantages over traditional stormwater management approaches. Since impervious pavement is the main source of stormwater runoff, LID strategies recommend permeable paving for hard surfaces. The course discusses LID, its goals and principles, and how they are achieved. It provides an overview of permeable pavements, and more particularly, plastic permeable grid paver systems and how they support LID goals.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Commercial fenestration products including sectional doors, rolling sheet doors, and rolling steel doors can improve building performance and provide essential building/opening protection. This course discusses common door features, hardware, insulation, installation, and optional types of electric operators, and evaluates the performance criteria required for a specific dock or drive through opening.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Metal roofing is often preferred for retrofitting a low-slope roof due to its durability, ease of installation, energy efficiency, and water channeling capabilities. This course examines why metal roofs fail, the types of structural standing seam panels, and the pros and cons of different methods for recovering an existing low-slope roof.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Motorized doors in industrial and warehousing environments provide convenience, save time, and increase productivity but also carry the risk of entrapment. This course explains the need for entrapment protection devices on motorized commercial and industrial doors and discusses how to specify the appropriate safety products and monitoring functions to meet code requirements. It also stresses the importance of designing safety features into specifications to minimize the risk factors for specific building projects.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Synthetic roofing materials have been available in the market for more than a decade, providing a cost-effective, viable alternative to traditional slate and shake roofing systems. This course provides an overview of the features and benefits of slate and shake synthetic roofing products, including a discussion on the testing methods used to rate specific performance characteristics.


  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    For some applications, building codes provide for the use of fire-retardant-treated (FR) wood products as an alternative to noncombustible materials. To ensure that FR wood products are properly specified, it is important to understand how these products are made, their formulations, and the building code references that guide their use in construction. This course offers a review of FR wood products, including their manufacture, the applications and types of fire retardants that are available, and the factors that must be considered to ensure FR wood products are properly specified for code compliance.


  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), handwashing is one of the best and easiest ways to prevent the spread of germs. However, drying hands is just as important as washing them. This course introduces the reader to the main features of air knife hand dryers and discusses how their technical components, such as high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filtration, touch-free operation, and fast dry times, contribute to their hygienic performance.

Displaying 1 - 25 of 619 results.

FIRST [1-25] [26-50] [51-75] [76-100] [101-125] NEXT LAST