Architectural acoustic design focuses on managing airborne and impact sound within indoor and outdoor spaces. This course addresses the acoustic challenges associated with outdoor recreational spaces, focusing on the surge in pickleball popularity. Participants will learn the fundamentals of sound propagation in open-air environments and explore how modern acoustic products can reduce unwanted noise while maintaining functionality and the design intent. Acoustic solutions for indoor spaces requiring noise reduction are also covered, as well as the role of acoustic barriers in meeting the requirements of the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ v2....
Green roof systems are typically described in terms of soil depth (intensive vs. extensive) or where they are assembled (built-in-place vs. modular). These are useful categories, but do not address key elements of green roof design, such as drainage, water storage, roof slope, and other considerations. This presentation will review different green roof systems and components, and their use in meeting project goals relating to storm water management, integration with hardscape, and constructability....
When structural stability and thermal continuity collide, structure has historically taken precedence necessitating tradeoffs such as increased insulation in other areas or acceptance of energy loss and potential moisture damage. The foundation transition from below grade to masonry ledge to masonry veneer wall is one such challenge. What if there was a solution? This presentation explores solutions for perimeter foundation insulation including information needed to specify and install correctly....
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, reduces interior pollutants, and acts as a pivotal fire prevention tool. This course looks at how attic ventilation systems work, the benefits they provide, and the associated building codes and regulations. ...
This panel discussion explores building sustainable designs for energy efficiency, water efficiency and stormwater management starting from the roof. With urban heat island effect compounding the global warming from climate change, we are in urgent need of understanding how the roof can be very effective in delivering sustainable, high performance buildings while incorporating stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs). Smart material choices and quality and environmental performance certifications are part of assuring performance meets design intent. In addition, job site pain points and project insights for maximizing building design performance will be shared....
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This seminar discusses the life cycle of buildings and materials, exploring some of the feasibility and reasons for reuse of existing building stock and/or their materials. Adaptive and non-adaptive reuse scenarios will be touched on, along with architectural salvage and appropriate material reclamation. Potential health and safety issues will be addressed, which sets the stage to continue the discussion in Re-Solution Part II: Sustainable Solutions and Hygrothermal Principles for Existing Buildings. The language of carbon is ever-present in environmental product declarations (EPD) and their lifecycle assessments ( LCA), and even some material disclosure platforms. We aim to define its relationship to existing and new buildings with a holistic view....
Plaza decks are highly complex assemblies that must safely support people, vehicles or landscaping over occupied spaces while protecting the building from water intrusion. Improper design or detailing can lead to leaks, structural deterioration, and safety risks for occupants. This course examines protected membrane (IRMA) waterproofing systems used in plaza deck applications and explains how they differ from traditional roofing assemblies. Participants will learn how proper slope, drainage, detailing and system selection help manage water, reduce risk and extend service life. The course also reviews common failure points and waterproofing options to help design professionals create plaza decks that are durable, watertight and supportive of occupant health, safety and welfare....
A metal roof combines performance and aesthetics to give commercial and residential buildings strength, longevity, and character. This course examines the features and benefits of standing seam metal roofing and explains the factors to consider when selecting a project-specific metal roofing system....
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, and other complex issues. This program will provide the attendees with a solid background to solve these problems....
This course examines the material composition, reinforcement types, and testing standards associated with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified bitumen membranes. It explains how fiberglass, polyester, and combination reinforcements affect membrane strength, flexibility, and dimensional stability. The standards that establish testing methods for tensile strength, elongation, and long-term performance are covered in detail. The course also outlines how material selection and installation practices influence roof durability, moisture resistance, and occupant safety....
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....
Tour a single-skin metal panel manufacturing facility to discover the ins and out of metal panel production. From attaining quality raw materials, assurance of a precise finish coat and measuring quality control specifications prior to being loaded for roll forming, metal breaking or bent into a modular metal panel by a completely autonomous line. See first-hand through the process cycle how quality panels lend to create a building envelope able to withstand the effects of long-term exposure to the elements. All this while striving to be part of the safest metal handling companies in the world....
Insulating concrete form (ICF) products use a cost-effective and robust structural material option (reinforced concrete) to turn a building envelope into a high-performing thermal, moisture, and air enclosure with disaster resistance and built-in compliance with energy code requirements. As a result of ICF performance, building owners can complete a whole structure with ICFs and reinforced concrete, including intermediate suspended floors, rooftops, and multistory designs. This course examines the advancements in ICF technology and discusses the potential contribution of ICFs to supporting improved sustainability and resilience....
High-quality architectural stone veneer is a lower-cost, easier to install, sustainable alternative to natural stone. Though traditionally more often used in exterior applications, stone veneer is making its way into more interior applications across a wide variety of industries. This course will review performance and aesthetic characteristics of stone veneer and how it’s used in different applications. Learners will also explore how stone veneer contributes to biophilic design principles and helps architects specify for changing residential building trends....
The course covers the functions of the air barrier system in the building envelope enclosure. Benefits of proper air and moisture control through the envelope are reviewed, and the various types of air barrier systems and their limitations and performance is also covered....
The ultimate replacement for natural cedar and the perfect accent for engineered wood and fiber cement....
Waterproofing problem solving using PMMA CFA (Cold Fluid Applied) Roofing and Waterproofing Membrane Systems....
The impacts of noise on occupancy health and wellness must be taken seriously. By understanding the importance of good noise control, learners will be able to understand the link between acoustic control and health, well-being, learning and productivity. This course will describe different scenarios like healthcare facilities, schools and offices. The course will give you an insight into the different sound absorbing materials that can be used to improve room acoustics. In addition, we will discuss best practices using different solutions such as incorporating Melamine Foam as a sound absorbing material in different scenarios...
An introductory course on spray polyurethane foam (SPF) that covers component chemistry, different types of SPF, and the proper use of SPF in construction applications. In addition, the course addresses code compliance related to SPF for residential and commercial construction across the US and Canada markets, as well as safe SPF installation practices. Participants will come away with a strong knowledge of how the proper use and application of spray foam can improve the efficiency, quality and durability of the built environment....
Roofing technologies have come a long way from labor-intensive BUR systems that achieved watertightness through redundancy. Today’s single-ply membranes are thin, light and reliable, and installation is safe and efficient. This course focuses on thermoplastic single-plies, particularly those that are PVC based, and explores their benefits and limitations as well as the important factors to consider when selecting a roof system, ranging from fastening techniques to warranties to sustainability....
The increase in building energy efficiency requirements has led to the use of exterior continuous insulation (CI) to improve the performance of the building envelope. This presentation reviews the benefits of polyiso continuous insulation and then examines in detail the NFPA 285 test standard and fire safety requirements of the 2021 International Building Code for the use of polyisocyanurate insulation in exterior walls of commercial buildings (Construction Types I–IV)....
View the PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association Course Library
PIMA - Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association
Focusing on Canadian construction code and construction, this spotlight highlights the versatility of BASF Canada’s WALLTITE closed-cell insulation system, providing innovative project solutions and code-compliant assemblies for exceptional design flexibility. Discover WALLTITE’s unique properties and benefits that make it the ideal choice for various construction applications....
This course covers two widely used acoustic metrics, the STC and IIC ratings. Although these ratings are required by building codes and frequently used, they are still often poorly understood and there are many myths and misconceptions around their use. This course looks “under the hood” of the STC and IIC ratings to get a better understanding of what they are, how they work, and what they do and don’t tell us. Importantly, this course covers shortcomings of the STC and IIC ratings that if not understood can lead to poor designs for noise control. In that vein, this course also looks at two new acoustic ratings, HIIC and LIIC, that provide a better insight into the impact-noise reduction provided by floor/ceiling assemblies. Finally, the course uses the knowledge gained about ratings to discuss general methods of improving the acoustic performance of floor/ceiling assemblies....
This course is a targeted course of instruction and professional development for engineering firms engaged in the design of chemical, industrial, and environmental projects such as secondary containment of hazardous waste, industrial wastewater, ozone contactors, and others. The course is technical in nature and describes the role of waterstops in fluid-proofing concrete joints, chemical resistant polymers and steels, and state and federal regulations of compliance....
