This program will provide an overview of Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Integrated Bridge System (GRS-IBS), a bridge design concept being promoted by the Federal Highway Administration to accelerate construction time and offer significant cost savings for the construction of local, county and state bridges. Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) facing elements, along with geosynthetic reinforcement material, is proving to be a viable solution for a majority of the bridges known to be structurally deficient and in need of replacement across our nation. The presentation addresses the design concept, key materials, specifications and important construction details. A case study example illustrating the construction sequence is also provided.

Vehicle barriers are needed to protect property and occupants against various threats. This course reviews the types of barriers and their related testing and performance.

This presentation covers best practices for designing, specifying and building segmental retaining walls (SRWs) as developed by industry since its start. The purpose of this session is to promote a zero wall failure initiative by educating the designers and specifiers in best practices related to segmental retaining walls.

Roof top paver systems have become an integral part of commercial roofing that not only improves the energy efficiency but also increases the life expectancy. Roof top pavers provide a durable surface protecting the roofing system from thermal shock, UV degradation and impact. In addition to these benefits, roof top pavers also add the ability to increase the useable square footage of a structure by providing a durable pedestrian surface on roof decks.

Today’s building professionals seeking better moisture management and energy efficiency from the exteriors of their projects are turning to rainscreens as a solution to both. Wood-plastic composite (WPC) provides a durable and long-lasting material suitable for use in rainscreen systems, decks, railings, and more. Reviewed in this course are the manufacturing process, performance and green benefits, and installation of WPC cladding that is fully capped with a polymeric plastic “shield,” providing long-term resistance to moisture, staining, and fading.

This education course includes a thorough overview of landscape edging and restraints. From the important reasons to use edging on projects, to the many different applications that require edging, to the many edging shapes, to the various materials used for edging, this short one hour course covers it all.

This presentation reviews ASCE 68-18 Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement, which is the design standard published by the American Society of Civil Engineers in late 2018. The topics covered include design parameters and limitations, site selection and optimization, structural design, and hydrologic design of permeable paver systems. Other topics include construction and maintenance of permeable paver systems including in-depth knowledge of specification writing to ensure that the design intent is clear.

Belgard Commercial is committed to partnering with the design community to help you find solutions to meet or even exceed your client’s needs and expectations. In this session, we will review Belgard Commercial’s product line options, features, benefits, and design support services.

One of the most exciting developments in outdoor living is the arrival of ¾” thick porcelain outdoor pavers. The concept began to spark interest in 2012 and is continuing to grow in popularity. Outdoor porcelain pavers have the same benefits as regular porcelain –being frost-resistant, skid-resistant, durable and easy to clean – combined with incredibly high breakage loads (up to 2,000 pounds) creates the perfect solution for gardens, terraces and high traffic outdoor areas. Outdoor porcelain pavers can be dry laid onto grass, gravel, dirt and sand – or onto terraces and roofs using raised supports – without grout, adhesives or specialized workers, making installation incredibly easy.

This program will provide an overview of how interlocking concrete pavement systems can be applied to commercial projects to enhance the value, performance and pavement life cycle costs. The presentation addresses how pavers can aid in defining themes, character and space through creative patterns, and explains how paver systems work. Site conditions that impact paver performance are highlighted, including issues related to access, safety, specifications, and construction details. Finally, the program concludes with a discussion on sustainability and attributes that pavers offer commercial installations.

Vinyl has long been a material of choice for construction products for interiors and exteriors because of its durability, cleanability, affordability, and suitability for a vast range of applications. This course furthers the conversation by discussing vinyl’s recyclability and sustainability and the attributes of laminated rigid PVC exterior and interior wall panels and siding and soffit products.

Alaska yellow cedar (AYC) is one of the most visibly unique woods available to builders, architects, and homeowners. It is sustainable, rot resistant, and has a natural beauty that requires very little staining or finishing. AYC is popular for exterior and interior residential applications including decking, landscaping features, shakes and shingles, paneling, mass timbers and beams. This course examines the performance characteristics of AYC including fire resistance and durability and various applications are also discussed.

Synthetic (artificial) grass, specifically designed for use with dogs, is a cost-effective solution that offers a clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing environment for dogs. Presented here are the health, safety, performance, and cost benefits of installing synthetic grass specifically designed for dogs; its suitable applications; design considerations; installation factors; and maintenance guidelines.

This course features an overview discussion on modified bitumen roofing solutions for lowslope roofing applications. It provides an explanation of the features, benefits and differences between SBS and APP systems, including how these systems offer a sustainable, built-to-last roofing solution.

Designers, owners, and occupants all value the appeal of natural brick and wood for exterior cladding and interior surfaces. But these natural materials come with drawbacks. Wood can split, warp, cup, mold, and attract insects. Brick is heavy and susceptible to efflorescence. Quality control is not assured. The fresh alternative is resin cast shapes that mimic wood and brick, delivering the benefits of biophilia and a sense of connection with the natural world, but without the problems. This course examines the wood and brick aesthetic of resin cast shapes and demonstrates their sustainability and performance qualities. They are durable, lightweight, easy to install, and contribute to a continuous building envelope. Case studies of noteworthy projects illustrate the superior form and function of this next-level cladding alternative.

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 presentation provides an introduction to permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) systems. An overview of the problem with impervious surfaces and the advantages of Low Impact Development, specifically stormwater infiltration practices through pavement surfaces. The presentation addresses designing for hydrological and structural requirements, and reviews required details. The design approach discussed is based on the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute’s PICP design manual. Specifications and maintenance requirements are reviewed along with information on winter performance. Several project case studies illustrate the construction process.

The construction industry poses a sustainability threat to the environment. Reusable construction materials however, provides a great avenue for designers and contractors to reach their organization's sustainability goals. Site protection is a serious topic as flying debris and dust are problems every professional must consider in the planning phases of renovations and new construction. This is an introduction course for Architects and Construction Managers aiming to meet their sustainability goals for construction projects. Learn how to improve overall project sustainability rating right from the design stage with recyclable and reusable walls. Learn material selection for dust and debris containment for improved safety on construction sites. Make time and cost savings for contractors and clients using BIM families embedded with rich information; a big game changer for any designer. This course highlights effective site protection, human safety & sustainability decisions which can be achieved with reusable modular wall systems.

Roof top paver systems have become an integral part of commercial roofing that not only increases usable square footage of the structure but also improves the energy efficiency and increases the life expectancy of the overall roof system. Additionally, roof top paver systems allow great access to the outdoors helping improve occupant comfort levels and encourage social interaction. Changes to codes and standards along with recent storm events have brought wind uplift to the forefront as a vital component to roof top paver systems. As a result, many factors must be considered when designing and installing roof top paver systems. The industry has developed various methods for addressing wind uplift, many of which are covered in this course.

Rooftop HVAC equipment, waste receptacles, and other unsightly equipment are commonplace in today’s commercial industries. Unfortunately, these items are necessary but unsightly. However, screening can help building owners enhance aesthetics and meet code requirements. Screening offers not only a visual benefit but also helps to improve the safety and security of your property. This course offers an in-depth discussion of rooftop and ground screening, the various ways to screen, and considerations when selecting a screen for your project. Different installation techniques and comparative characteristics of traditional screening methods versus unit-attached and modular screening methods are also discussed.

Terrazzo is versatile and durable, comes in a range of colors, and has multiple applications. It can be used in interiors and exteriors and, depending on the manufacturing process, can be customized to fit complex geometries. In this course, we discuss different applications of precast, cementitious, and epoxy terrazzo and the installation requirements, as well as the ability to customize these products to fit different design requirements.

Synthetic (artificial) grass or turf has improved steadily since its first installation half a century ago, and it is now a sophisticated surfacing system that can be customized to suit specific purposes. This course reviews that development and then focuses on the specifics of synthetic grass suitable for use on playgrounds. This focus includes a detailed examination of its construction, installation, and maintenance, and a number of sample installations.

Without a doubt, the human-nature connection contributes to well-being and improves our mood. Water features are one way to extend this connection to the indoors. In this course, we'll review the components of indoor water features, design options and considerations and look at a few case studies.

Concrete products such as precast pieces, pavers, and terrazzo have long provided builders with a flexible range of options for their projects. Beyond their versatility, these concrete products are highly sustainable, thanks to their ability to be recycled, low carbon footprint, and long life span.

Geosynthetics have been used for decades in pavement systems and can provide many benefits to permeable paver systems when properly applied. Geosynthetics can provide the following functions: separation, reinforcement, filtration, drainage, and containment. The most common geosynthetics used within permeable paver systems are geotextiles, geogrids, geomembranes, geocells, and geocomposites. This presentation will provide an overview of each geosynthetic mentioned above and will discuss in-depth what functions each type performs and how and when to use each one.

The enhanced need for water conservation and a decrease of harmful runoff resulting from lawn maintenance has pushed the demand for environmentally-friendly alternatives for landscaping and recreational areas. Explored in this course are the uses, benefits, and specification and installation considerations of artificial turf products that replicate a natural grass look and feel in any environment.