Today's designers are increasingly preferring large format tile for the monolithic appearance it provides. However, when the tiles become larger, special precautions need to be taken to prevent problems both during installation and throughout the life of the application. Wall applications can be particularly challenging. This course addresses these challenges and provides recommendations for how to achieve an aesthetically pleasing and long lasting installation with large format tiles. The DOWNLOAD for this course consists of two documents "Heavy Commercial Installation Guidelines" and "Moisture Mitigation Guidelines" which provide additional helpful information with regard to tile installation.

Mass timber represents a rapidly advancing technology that can be utilized as an alternative to steel and concrete to frame a variety of mid- and high-rise building types. This presentation provides an overview of available mass timber systems, with an emphasis on their advantages and unique design considerations. Topics will include connections and fasteners, which differ from those used in light-frame wood construction, including available options and code requirements. Practical design considerations with regard to project location, climate, material sourcing, weather and fire protection, as well as detailing for dimensional variability, will also be reviewed. Cost estimating will be discussed, as successful mass timber projects require a complete understanding of both the system itself and impact on trades.

This course was originally presented as an online webinar.

This presentation will answer many questions about forests and forest products, such as:  Where do our trees and forests grow?  How have forests changed over time? What is the relationship between people and forests – now and in the past? How are forests managed – and are they being managed responsibly?  Are our forests and forest products sustainable?  Why is wood an environmentally-friendly choice?

Designing commercial buildings requires that high performance becomes married with great aesthetics. Increasingly, both must be done while containing the material, labor, and installation costs. One area that has received attention in all of these regards is exterior cladding. While many different choices abound with varying degrees of weight, thickness, and ease of installation one product has emerged as a very appealing solution in many cases. Architectural Wall Panels made from fiber cement have a proven history of allowing architects to create building exteriors that are innovative, affordable, sustainable, and able to create a variety of aesthetic design appearances.

This course will explain the benefits of designing with structural insulated panels (SIPs) for residential applications. The designer will gain a better understanding of application, assembly and detailing in order to properly utilize SIPs for optimum energy efficiency and durability. Through case studies and design strategies, the designer will walk away from this course with a better understanding of designing for current industry standards with SIPs.

This course investigates the most recent code changes emphasizing building envelope performance. It explores next generation integrated solutions that simultaneously provide protection against moisture penetration, air leakage, and thermal bridging. Installation benefits and on-site quality control issues related to multi-solution integrated systems will also be evaluated.

In this course we'll explore the changing world of acoustics. 

An evolution in the built environment is creating an increased need for sound control. Growing evidence shows that adequate acoustics can have positive, rippling effects on occupants. In this presentation, we will investigate how the changes taking place are translating to tangible benefits in corporate, education and hospitality spaces.

VRF Technology: An Innovative HVAC System for Achieving LEED Points will educate you on Variable Refrigerant Flow Zoning Systems. At the end of this course, you will be able to describe the basic differences between VRF zoning systems and other HVAC options. Describe the major benefits of VRF zoning systems. Recall the LEED categories where VRF zoning systems provide credit opportunities.And describe at least two design challenges that were met using VRF zoning systems from the case study examples referred to in this presentation.

Potable Water Safety Through Backflow Prevention, presented by Zurn, provides a ground level understanding of how we can protect the potable water supply from contamination and pollution due to backflow. Backflow prevention measures and cross-connection controls are explored as methods to ensure clean and healthy potable water supplies. (Course includes a downloadable PDF study guide.)

This course provides an overview of the important factors - such as building codes, safety of use and fall protection, material selection, secure installation methods, and design - that must be considered when selecting or specifying a railing system for a commercial or residential project.