EDUCATION PROVIDER PROGRAM (EPP)

ONGOING - 1 HOUR - FREE

This presentation provides a review of life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA), a process increasingly conducted by road agencies for pavement projects. LCCA enables and, in some cases, justifies a pavement type that best meets an agency’s needs and budget. This presentation emphasizes the whole-life costs for interlocking concrete pavements (ICP), which combine the performance advantages of conventional concrete and asphalt with potentially lower life-cycle costs compared to other pavement materials.

ONGOING - FREE - 1.0 HOUR

Risks of self harm and suicide are inherent in behavioral health facilities. The common areas for concern in psychiatric inpatient units are ligature attachment points that present a hanging risk. In this course we review the evolution of patient safety hardware with a focus on ligature-resistant hardware designed to prevent the opportunity for self harm.

Light-manipulating glass products transport, redirect, refract, and reflect light to create architectural spaces that engage occupants with the unexpected interplay of light and shadow. This course explores these durable, functional products and their many options for customization. Also reviewed is how glass panels may apply to several credits and features in the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2.

Light-manipulating materials use internal channels to capture, bend, scatter, and redirect light and create visually stunning spaces. Panels and slabs in resin, glass, and terrazzo make an experiential surface for privacy screens or signage, primary or accent lighting, and countertops or flooring—anywhere the interplay of light and shadow is desired for beauty and inspiration. This course describes the different types of light-manipulating materials and substrates, design and installation options, and the contributions of these products to sustainability goals as well as occupant health, well-being, and engagement in a wide range of dynamic, unique applications.

Over the past century, designers and owners have benefited from the use of structural lightweight concrete. In recent decades, some designers have turned away from specifying it due to incomplete evaluation of the full life-cycle benefits of lightweight concrete and substantial misunderstandings surrounding concrete moisture vapor emissions compared to normal-weight concrete slabs. This course explores the full sustainable aspects of using lightweight aggregate concrete and illustrates how structural lightweight concrete is the sustainable design option. 

ONGOING - 1.25 HOURS - FREE

A loading dock must be properly designed for safety and the efficient movement of product over the dock. This course outlines some of the basic design considerations for the site and the loading dock and examines the selection criteria for four dock equipment categories: gap bridging (dock levelers), safety, weather protection, and lighting equipment.

While providing fresh air intake and exhaust, reducing noise, and keeping out unwanted water and debris, louvers can also provide architectural style to a building design. This course discusses the aesthetics, performance, and weather resistance features of a variety of louver designs from the basic to the extreme. A discussion about the industry standards and test protocols for louver performance is included.

Today’s louvers not only are functional but also offer enhanced architectural design to the façade of many buildings. More than just a hole in a wall, louvers are responsible for reducing or eliminating water infiltration and offer protection from heavy storms and hurricanes. Different types of louvers and their applications are discussed in this course as well as specific terminology, AMCA/BSRIA testing procedures, and the Certified Ratings Program.

ON-GOING - 1.25 HR - FREE

Louvers are an essential part of every HVAC system, facilitating appropriate airflow and inhibiting unwanted penetration by water, snow, or debris through wall openings and into HVAC ductwork. However, they can have other purposes. Their simple design makes them a versatile addition and a unique style option to any project. This course presents the types, components, and applications of louvers, along with the primary specification considerations when selecting a louver solution.

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. 

As more companies invest in solar to generate clean power for their operations, meet environmental goals, or save money on electrical bills, architects and building owners may need to be prepared to accommodate rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems in both existing and new buildings. This course provides an introduction to rooftop PV systems, including a discussion of modules, components, and attachments, and best practices for a durable roof and PV system.

 ONGOING - 1.5 HRS - FREE

While all pavements require maintenance and eventually rehabilitation, the modular nature of interlocking concrete pavement (ICP) requires maintenance procedures distinctly different from those for monolithic pavements. This course provides information on surface cleaning, sealers, sealing procedures, and joint sand stabilization. Repair procedures for the subgrade, base, bedding, and paver layers are also provided. Snow management techniques are addressed, and the course concludes with an in-depth look at pavement management using ASTM procedures for establishing a pavement condition index.

The trend toward sustainable building design took on new dimensions during the pandemic and concurrent supply chain crisis. Coupled with the ongoing dilution of skilled labor in the construction trades, there emerged an increased urgency and opportunity to specify and install sustainable roofing systems. This course compares low-slope roofing materials in terms of reliability, sustainability, and financial benefits.

Today’s business environment presents significant challenges for commercial roofing systems. Shortages and disruptions in the supply chain, coupled with a diminishing labor force, have led to uncertainty, inflation, and scheduling difficulties for many projects. However, these challenges also open doors for innovative solutions. This course explores the financial and environmental advantages of using a PVC roofing system. It also highlights the benefits of choosing a roofing system from a single supplier.

ONGOING - FREE - 1.25 HOURS

This presentation aims to aid architects, engineers, and specification writers in choosing anchoring systems to comply with the 2022 edition of The Masonry Society’s (TMS) TMS 402 Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures and the International Building Code® (IBC®).