Waterproof, fireproof, nonporous, and eco-friendly natural slate has great value as a building material, particularly given its ability to protect structures for generations. This course reviews the characteristics and properties of slate, presents some of the many design options, and provides guidance on sourcing and specification. The sustainabil...
Single-skin metal siding can be used for a wide range of projects, from commercial buildings to educational, healthcare, residential, agricultural, and even high-end architectural designs. These siding panels can also contribute to green designs and certification programs. This course explores the different types of single-skin metal siding, specif...
Rapidly changing trends in our society, such as urbanization and a modern lifestyle, have resulted in the isolation of humans from experiences within nature. Research has shown that the psychological effects of biophilic design on noise perception have a significant influence on the well-being and health of humans. In this course, we review the sci...
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This course focuses on building connectors, providing an understanding of deflection and its importance in accommodating movement. Participants will learn about various types of deflection and drift clips used in the industry. The course also explores different support clips suitable for rigid attachments in building construction, as well as specia...
Participants will learn first-hand through instruction and observing the manufacturing process of how insulated metal roof and wall systems are made. Guests will tour the plant floor, testing areas, and storage yards, getting a preview of insulated metal panel systems to be installed throughout the country. Additionally, because of the highly speci...
This presentation will focus on the overview of various waterproofing, water retention, and drainage methods that meet the standards of today’s green roof applications. Along with an overview of soil options and vegetation that it can support....
This one-hour course will study the rainscreen principle for implementation in your architectural designs. We will examine conventional wall systems and introduce two types of methods utilizing the rainscreen principle. Through a series of application examples we will consider a variety of design strategies and best practices based on climate condi...
As the number and volatility of threats to facility security and safety continue to escalate, protection is becoming paramount in the scope of today’s facility design. Whether it’s high-level protection from ballistics, blast, storm impact or forced entry, this course reviews the various protection levels, testing standards, best practices and ...
View the USBP - United States Bullet Proofing, Inc. Course Library
As interest in cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings grows, the market for building enclosure products as a whole has yet to fully provide the water-resistant barriers, vapor retarders, and air barriers to optimally support the unique characteristics of wood. Furthermore, there are few building enclosure design guides specific to detailing wood-fr...
Identify key fenestration design criteria that will fortify buildings against ballistic, blast, forced entry, and environmental threats....
View the USBP - United States Bullet Proofing, Inc. Course Library
Commercial roofing systems are quite varied. As such, their performance expectations are varied, and their suitability for different applications vary. Certain types of high performance roofing systems require specific components, and performance standards to achieve energy efficient and durable life cycle performance. This course describes the hig...
As incidents involving active shooters and gun-related assaults continue to increase, more buildings are adopting ballistic-rated products to enhance occupant safety. This course explores various levels of ballistic protection, relevant product testing standards, available solutions, and best practices for designing buildings that mitigate ballisti...
View the USBP - United States Bullet Proofing, Inc. Course Library
This course will educate the AEC team on the advantages of utilizing cold-formed steel framing in the construction of mid-rise structures. It discusses reasons for using cold-formed steel framing in the structural framing of buildings, the preferred method of construction to frame buildings, as well as the advantages realized by the members of the ...
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...
This course features an overview discussion on modified bitumen roofing solutions for low slope 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....
A discussion about the use, protection and viability of Shutters in the 21st century from design to storm protection to future of design....
Having an up to date specification starts with understanding what is in the building code. This course reviews the requirements that steel framing must meet to be compliant to IBC 2021. It covers the standards for manufacturing tolerances, minimum thickness and protective coatings. Participants will also review fire-rated partitions...
It is an expectation that today’s buildings have to be more than just aesthetically pleasing: they have to provide measurable environmental benefits. This course outlines how insulated concrete forms (ICFs) help meet sustainable design objectives and examines the advantages that ICFs and ICF technology have over conventional construction material...
A high-performance building envelope, such as one made with architectural insulated metal panels (IMPs), serves as the building’s primary defense against environmental elements and protects the health and well-being of its occupants. This course reviews the components and benefits of IMPs, which offer all four control layers—air, vapor, thermal...
Designing beautiful, sustainable, high-performance buildings can help your structures leave a lasting impression and positive impact. Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) accomplish that while providing innovative design possibilities for single or multistory projects. Learn about the features and advantages of building with ICFs designed as a cost-eff...
What roof type is ideal for photovoltaic (PV) system mounting? What about “solar zone,” roof orientation, environmental and collateral loads, system sizing, the building enclosure, and life-cycle cost analyses? All these factors affect the sustainability and financial pro forma of the roof and PV system. New technologies can be daunting. When i...
With the rise in popularity of green roofing, many municipalities are adopting requirements for sustainable design from LEED and other sources. As this creates an increased frequency, design professionals require an increased level of knowledge as to how to create green roofs within the framework of waterproofing, thermal envelope, elevation limits...
Discover the art and science behind SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) membrane production in this comprehensive course. Investigate the key components that comprise this durable material, including SBS, Asphalt, Filler, and Reinforcement. Through hands-on learning and practical insights, participants will gain an understanding of the SBS membrane man...
Concrete is a very versatile and fundamental building material; however, because it is porous and wicks water through its matrix, concrete has water-related design challenges. This program examines the sustainable benefits of integral concrete waterproofing and analyzes traditional waterproofing methods as compared to integral methods in terms of p...
This course explains the NFPA 285 test method, its origin, its procedures, when it is required, and design considerations necessary for compliance. Criteria in ASHRAE 90.1 for continuous insulation and air/water-resistive barriers are reviewed and identified as contributors to the rise of NFPA 285 requirements. The course also addresses code compli...