Architecture, Engineering & Construction Webinars

• Review building code requirements and testing methods for fire propagation and smoke development, with a focus on understanding the NFPA 285 assembly test in relation to modern wall assemblies.
• Examine insulation properties related to water, air, thermal, & overall durability for rainscreens and masonry veneers so as to optimize insulation choices and defend against increasing environmental pressures.
• Identify challenges such as thermal bridging, multiple drain planes, drainage efficiency, water absorption, and vapor transmission to better understand the building science acumen necessary for successful wall designs.
• Explore the varying manufacturing and sustainability profiles of the core options for continuous insulation in order to better assess how best to specify & utilize continuous insulation to offset project embodied and operational carbon footprints.

• The importance and proper use of an AOB
• Considering Direction to Pay vs. Assignment of Benefits
• How and when to use Limited Power of Attorney
• The importance of a Certificate of Satisfaction
• The benefits and drawbacks of Liens and Appraisals

1. Define the differences between air barriers and vapor retarders.
2. Cover how these materials impact roof and wall design and performance. 
3. Review code requirements and how to achieve compliance. 
4. Outline design and specification requirements to set achievable performance. 

• Digitize Job Safety Analyses and safety audits with offline mobile tools 
• Sync field data instantly for real-time KPI tracking 
• Improve documentation with GPS, signatures, and photo capture 
• Strengthen safety culture and compliance across every jobsite 

• 41% of skilled labor shortages due to workforce retirement 
• 44% of projects losing revenue due to mismanagement 
• 37% of projects at risk due to missed schedules/budgets
• 18% of project time wasted on searching for missing data

1. Identify and recognize the differences in characteristics of high winds, hurricanes and tornados.
2. Explain the importance of proper, code-compliant design for wind loads.
3. Assess whether conventional wind loads or tornado loads will govern wind design.
4. Determine ways of designing for resistance of wind and tornado loads.

What if you could grow your roofing business without overloading your team or breaking the bank? In this webinar, we’ll show you how the right approach to hiring remotely can help you find top talent, boost efficiency, and scale without the stress.

• Understand how hiring remotely can benefit roofing companies
• Discover a different approach to outsourcing, focused on growing, not replacing your team 
• Learn how to overcome common barriers and take remote hiring to the next level
• Feel confident about how remote hiring and outsourcing support business growth and where to start 

1. Describe regional design idiosyncrasies required in North America that mitigate risk from adverse conditions such as wind, moisture, sound, hail, impact and fire.
2. Recognize the prescribed test methods and standards commonly used to evaluate commercial roofing resistance systems against these adverse conditions.
3. Define and reference the correct manufacturing and product standard in specifications that will ensure optimum performance of the commercial roofing system.
4. Explore FM Very Severe Hail requirements and current methodologies approved to mitigate those risks.

1. Describe how resilient design strategies can address the future impacts of climate change and extreme weather events to protect occupant safety and building longevity.
2. Evaluate the role of lifecycle cost analysis and return on investment (ROI) in making the case for resilient design during pre-design discussions with project owners.
3. Identify emerging performance-based guidelines and standards that inform resilient design and explain their implications on the standard of care for design professionals.
4. Examine the interdisciplinary collaboration between architects, engineers, and risk management professionals in mitigating climate-related risks and enhancing public welfare.

• How AI-based tools are currently being applied in design, engineering, and construction workflows
• Real-world case studies demonstrating AI-driven improvements in project delivery, cost estimation, risk mitigation, and quality control
• Lessons learned from early adopters of AI technologies in construction
• Insights into the evolving role of AI in addressing labor shortages, safety, and sustainability challenges
• Emerging AI trends and what’s on the horizon for the construction industry

• Discover how reality capture technology can streamline workflows and reduce time spent on-site and in rework
• Learn how automated insights empower faster, data-driven decisions that improve project outcomes and team productivity
• See real-world examples of intuitive, accessible tools designed for small to mid-sized GCs, sub-trades, and facility owners
• Understand how to navigate rising costs and labor shortages with innovative solutions tailored to today's AEC challenges

1. Recognize the basics of curtain walls and how they perform in a fire.
2. Identify IBC and state building codes in North America regarding the requirements for perimeter fire barrier systems and their development.
3. Describe the impact of the ASTM E 2307 test standard on actual fire tests and new code requirements.
4. Identify the basics of non backpan perimeter fire containment tested system for a successful design.

• Design with drywall suspension and framing systems
• Handle complex ceiling designs
• Navigate seismic requirements in ceiling systems
• Plan a drywall suspension system project

• Sub overbilling/math errors
• Unapproved change orders
• Missing lien waivers
• Outdated compliance

• A better understanding of homeowner expectations for residential roofing contractors regarding the overall experience of purchasing a roof.
• Data-driven insight into where those expectations align with roofing contractors — and where they don’t.
• Market insight related to current and future trends in residential roofing.
• Exclusive viewpoints into current and future growth opportunities for contractors.

• Identify risks before they cause delays – Track potential bottlenecks in real time
• Forecast challenges with data – Leverage predictive analytics to prevent costly surprises
• Standardize reporting across job sites – Improve collaboration and execution efficiency
• Optimize workforce planning – Ensure the right people are in the right place at the right time

• Well-defined and quantifiable 
• Communicated thoroughly to every employee 
• Crucial measurements for tracking the progress of your goals 
• Applicable to your firm and industry 

1. Identify and apply innovative design and construction strategies that go beyond industry norms to achieve highly sustainable projects.
2. Evaluate methods and materials that contribute to reducing embodied carbon in building design and construction.
3. Navigate and leverage local rules and regulations to foster sustainable innovation while ensuring regulatory compliance.
4. Adapt sustainable building techniques and strategies for application across projects of various scales and complexities.

• Explain the principles of air and moisture movement in above-grade building enclosures, including illustrating common pathways and potential consequences.
• Define the term "air barrier" and explain its critical role in achieving a durable and energy-efficient building envelope.
• Compare and contrast different types of air barriers commonly used in building construction, including their advantages and limitations.
• Analyze key design considerations when selecting an appropriate air barrier system for a specific building project, including factors such as climate, building materials, and construction methods.
• Identify and describe common jobsite challenges encountered during the installation and application of air barrier systems, and explain potential mitigation strategies.

1. Identify appropriate content within engineering analysis reports on exterior walls.
2. Review the different types of engineering analysis reports.
3. Cover the engineering analysis process and considerations when reviewing fire test data for extension.
4. Identify the relevant code path that allows for engineering analyses.

1. Identify the components that comprise a liquid applied roof.
2. Describe the differences and similarities among the types of liquid applied roofing technologies.
3. Cover how liquid applied roof systems comply with building code and other roof specification requirements.
4. Discuss the advantages of liquid applied roof systems and the types of projects that most benefit from them.

1. Embed leadership training into your firm’s daily operations, fostering a culture that motivates employees and builds trust among clients and team members.
2. Explore scalable frameworks that adapt to the unique needs of small, mid-sized, and larger AE firms, empowering growth at every level.
3. Recognize and nurture emerging leaders, equipping them with the skills to take on meaningful roles and responsibilities.
4. Create a self-sustaining team that contributes to higher retention, profitability, and business continuity through effective delegation.

• Understand the benefits of reduced installation time with self-adhered FRP panels.
• Explore the advantages of eliminating traditional adhesive methods.
• Learn about engineered two-piece self-adhesive moldings for seamless application.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through advanced wall installation technology.

This one-hour course will cover Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) testing methods used for quality assurance of roofing and waterproofing membranes. Participants will learn about the principles outlined in the ASTM Standard Guide D7877 and ASTM Standard Practice D8231 and will be able to identify which assemblies are compatible with electronic testing and active monitoring. 

1. Recognize the differences between the four electronic testing methods for roofing and waterproofing membranes.
2. Explore the capabilities and limitations of electronic leak detection (ELD) as outlined in ASTM Guide D7877 and ASTM Practice D8231.
3. Identify potential future design and construction failures based on analyzed data from real time construction monitoring.
4. Distinguish different applications for fully monitored embedded leak detection systems and how they function. 

• Understand the seamless integration of EVM with scope, schedule and cost
• Learn how detailed quantity tracking can improve the accuracy of percent complete calculations
• Explore real-world EVM implementation challenges and how to overcome them
• Discover best practices for data aggregation and reporting to enhance project management

• Boost Revenue Recognition Accuracy: Leverage refined daily reports to ensure precise backlog dates, PO values, and final approvals for seamless revenue tracking. 
• Optimize Project Phasing: Use structured insights to anticipate resource needs, align schedules, and improve project delivery timelines. 
• Master Data Transformation with Power Query: Turn raw, disconnected data into a centralized, actionable database that updates daily. 
• Supercharge Excel for Strategic Insights: Build custom pivot tables and slicers to analyze data through your unique business lens. 
• Close Gaps in Data Accuracy: Collaborate with Project Managers to resolve discrepancies and enhance reporting integrity, ensuring data you can trust. 
• Drive Firm-Wide Performance: Empower cross-functional teams with easy access to insights that inform decisions in finance, operations, sales, and manufacturing.

1. Explain the impact of the chemistry and formulation on modified bitumen roof membranes
2. Differentiate between different types of modified bitumen membranes and how they compare to built up roofs.
3. Identify the different application types and surfacing options for modified bitumen systems.
4. Articulate the advantages of modified bitumen assemblies compared to other roof systems.

• Fostered better communication and understanding to close deals faster and manage projects with fewer disputes
• Implemented AI-powered tools like Document Crunch to identify key contract provisions and confidently negotiate terms that benefited all parties
• Trained legal and project teams to work smarter, not harder, by integrating AI into their workflows for better consistency and reduced risk

1. Explain the role and impact of establishing a minimum performance standard for any building project—and why regular updates to the standard matter with regard to climate action.
2. Define what a carbon assessment is for a building project and what should be included in the scope of the assessment.
3. Describe the process by which building performance simulation (BPS) tools can be implemented in building projects to optimize strategies for reducing operational and embodied carbon.
4. Express the importance of building enclosure commissioning (BECx) as a means of quality assurance with regard to high-performance outcomes.

1. Identify the challenges and concerns with conventional Design-Build and how PDB may address them.
2. Assess the challenges and concerns in the implementation of PDB.
3. Explain how PDB improves the availability and capacity of surety and project-specific professional liability insurance on infrastructure projects.
4. Determine if PDB presents potential benefits on private projects and vertical construction, or if its utilization is limited primarily to heavy civil, horizontal projects.

1. Cover code changes and how they impact durability in roofing assemblies.
2. Employ a vapor control strategy that meets the code requirements for life safety, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency.
3. Describe the impact of value engineering decisions related to sprinklers on roof performance.
4. Recognize how hygrothermal modeling can inform the amount, type, and placement of insulation in a roof assembly. 

1. Identify and able to recognize the critical components required for a functional cement plaster assembly or building enclosure system regarding water and air infiltration.
2. Assess the options for stucco designs with the related risk due to environmental factors for the structure.
3. Explain the importance of proper design and installation practices for a stucco exterior that will perform as intended for the building owner.
4. Determine available options and make design decisions through case studies of successful and failed projects using stucco. 

1. Define modern EIFS products and features which include an air/water-resistive barrier, drainage plane, continuous insulation, and many new finishes.
2. Describe uses and benefits of modern EIFS, known as EIFS with drainage.
3. Explore how EIFS with drainage are typically single-source solutions for a building’s exterior wall cladding and how they meet model building codes and industry standards.
4. Examine important considerations and details of EIFS with drainage used in high-performance building enclosures.

1. Discuss and analyze key energy code requirements and their market impacts.
2. Describe the Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) process.
3. Identify and explain essential construction and functional testing procedures and personnel qualifications
4. Examine and learn valuable insights from case studies and lessons learned, demonstrating real-world applications.

• Facing Unique Challenges: Understand the specific challenges the South Fork Wind Substation project faced as the first of its kind in the U.S. Learn how Kiewit tackled new obstacles in offshore construction, logistics, and environmental concerns.
• Lessons in Project Execution: Gain valuable insights into the lessons learned during the planning and execution phases of this and other challenging projects. See how Kiewit’s strategic approach, supported by InEight’s integrated software, manages intricate details and maintains control throughout the process.
• Setting New Standards for Renewable Energy Builds: Explore how South Fork Wind and other projects are setting new benchmarks for future renewable energy projects. Discover how innovative technology, expert teamwork, and real-time data from InEight’s tools contributed to the project's success and how these can be applied to future projects.

1. How scheduling and sequencing affect a successful project.
2. The importance of system integrity and continuity.
3. Site conditions to be aware of and how to address them.
4. The critical nature of system resistance to physical damage.

1. Understand how their team can leverage 3D geological modeling to enhance the holistic understanding of the site
2. Adopt strategies to effectively use complex and evolving site investigation data across the project life cycle
3. Enhance collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams through accessible platforms and digital tools
4. Utilize visualization tools to improve project planning and decision-making

1. Describe best practices for optimizing capital projects.
2. List techniques for improving project forecasts, tracking actual costs, and consolidating project information.
3. Implement effective strategies to bridge communication gaps and enhance collaboration among project teams and stakeholders.
4. Analyze the increasing criticality of standardizing project management practices.

1. Explore the role and importance of wood nailers in roof perimeter systems.
2. Identify key industry standards and design guidelines for nailer requirements.
3. Evaluate impact of the wood nailer on roof edge securement.
4. Gain key insights on the nailer’s impact to building sustainability. 

1. Establish building sustainability and longevity concepts.
2. Explain the science behind thermal, air, and moisture control for steel stud construction.
3. Interpret code requirements for building envelope design and performance.
4. Discover how polyiso meets requirements and outperforms traditional methods for optimal control.

• Actionable Insights from the Top 600 leaders to stay ahead of the curve
• Exclusive Industry Forecasts to help you plan for 2024 and beyond
• Proven Strategies from firms at the top of their game

1. Recognize the system build up, and technical characteristics of each component.
2. Cover how the components are installed.
3. Describe how full-service technical support benefits all parties.
4. Review a protected membrane roof project and identify the application and performance advantages.

• Track project progress in real time to deliver profitable projects on time
• Connect jobsite progress to customer billing and subcontractor payments, improving cashflow
• Have full visibility to change orders with a robust change management solution
• Leverage technology-driven scheduling, planning, procurement, and logistics solutions

1. Infrastructure Boom Impact: See how WK Dickson is gearing up for the surge in large-scale projects through 2025 and beyond.
2. Essential Functionality: Get a deep dive into Newforma’s key features that make managing massive infrastructure projects easier.
3. Real-World Success: Hear stories of how WK Dickson used Newforma to meet tough regulatory demands and enhance project outcomes.

• Strategies for internal advocacy and recognition.
• Building support for industry-benefiting legislation and funding.
• Advocating for alliances and collaboration within industry groups.

• AI in construction
• Data maturity as a concept and why it matters
• Role of data and tech maturity in regards to AI 
• How Procore is utilizing AI to streamline construction workflows

• The top 5 challenges companies face today
• The 3 most important short-term goals
• The top competitive differentiators
• The technology capabilities companies plan to adopt in 1-2 years

• The importance of choosing the right digital tools
• Beginner mistakes to avoid at the start of implementation 
• Key project areas that benefit from modern digitization  
• Why having a tech evangelist is vital to accelerating internal adoption

• The trending aesthetics in lighting design, including popular form factors and finishes
• Light layering solutions implemented indoors and outdoors, including tunable white and color
• Architectural lighting options used in the field to create unique design and show-stopping focal points
• New lighting technologies used to enhance spaces

While commissioning of MEP building systems has been around for many years, Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) is relatively new to the construction industry. This presentation will provide an outline on the practice of BECx and its benefits with real world case studies. It will begin by walking through the fundamental building science principles pertaining to heat and moisture movement through building enclosure assemblies, as well as describe the function and order of importance of the primary environmental control layers (water, air, vapor and thermal). 

The building science principles will serve as foundation for understanding anticipated building performance and what is expected for high performance buildings today while comparing to what was required historically. The presentation will then dive further into the various approaches in the industry today like LEED v4.1 and ASTM E2813, focusing on the key activities performed during each construction phase. Each stage of the BECx process will be thoroughly described including the typical deliverables (e.g., BECx Plan/Record, BECx specifications examples, design peer reviews, construction observation, item tracking log, functional performance testing, etc.).

Learning objectives: 

1. Explore building enclosure history and design principles.
2. Explain BECx requirements.
3. Summarize BECx deliverables.
4. Describe BECx functional performance testing.

• Creating an integrated, collaborative project team, including designers and contractors
• Developing constructable designs and minimizing risk, early and often
• Driving cost and schedule certainty from design through construction

1. Discuss the requirements to manage moisture, air, vapor, and thermal continuity in roof and wall assemblies.
2. Apply recent changes in energy codes to building enclosure roof and wall assemblies for improved energy efficiency.
3. Utilize various sustainability standards across the various project phases in the design of the building enclosure and interfaces.
4. Apply specific examples and air barrier systems to current and future project designs.

1. Define thermal bridging and understand ways to minimize the impact through roof system design.
2. Analyze the risk of condensation based on vapor movement in a building enclosure assembly.
3. Identify key aspects of building science and building enclosure design needed for resilient buildings.
4. Develop strategies to prevent changes in the specification that can cause lower building performance. 

• Obtain ideas on effective workforce development strategies
• Standardize processes across disciplines for enhanced operational efficiency
• Harness construction technology for superior operational excellence
• Gain insights into assembling and nurturing a top-tier construction team

• Efficient Information Exchange: Learn how Vanderweil utilized email and digital communication platforms to ensure timely and accurate information flow among project stakeholders. 
• Submittals and RFIs Management: Explore the methods and tools used to manage submittals and Requests for Information (RFIs), ensuring clarity, tracking, and quick resolution of issues. 
• Project Team Applications: Understand the role of specialized project management apps in coordinating site visits, managing tasks, and real-time updates. 
• Collaboration and Coordination: Insights into the coordination between Vanderweil, contractors, and other project partners, emphasizing the importance of clear communication channels. 

1. Cover the historical context and evolution of special inspection provisions within the International Building Code, including the transition from the Uniform Building Code.
2. Identify the specific requirements and conditions under which special inspections are mandated for construction, including the distinction between periodic and continuous inspections and the types of construction elements subject to special inspection.
3. Recognize the roles and responsibilities of the building official, the registered design professional in responsible charge, and the special inspector in the special inspection process, including qualifications and approval criteria for special inspectors.
4. Evaluate different joint treatment types for their advantages and disadvantages, particularly regarding their durability, cost, safety, and longevity
5. Identify a variety of wall-to-wall, bottom-of-wall, and head-of-wall joints, including their UL assemblies and ratings

For a project to be successful, it takes more than good number crunching by an engineer. The engineer is only one part of a much larger team working together to design and construct the project. Sometimes, the lines of responsibility can be unclear, leading to delays, arguments and stress. Who is responsible for what? How is the burden of responsibility determined in cold-formed steel (CFS) design and construction practice? This webinar will introduce and share recent updates to the AISI Code of Standard Practice (COSP), discuss the contents of the COSP as it applies to a typical CFS project, and answer participant questions by way of an expert in both CFS design and CFS project management.

Learning objectives: 

1. Cover the different roles that architects, engineers, contractors, fabricators and other parties play in a CFS framing project.
2. Gain knowledge of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Code of Standard for Structural Cold-Formed Steel Framing (COSP).
3. Become familiar with common examples of items in the COSP and how they can be used in actual projects.
4. Identify new items/changes in 2020 edition of the COSP.

• Sub overbilling/math errors 
• Unapproved change orders
• Missing lien waivers
• Outdated compliance

1. Prepare specifications that include tapered insulation.
2. Describe the impact of language change in IECC 2021 compared to IECC 2018.
3. Evaluate multiple options to find optimal tapered design solutions by changing things such as the location of drains and size of crickets.
4. Analyze the impacts of not including proper roof drainage in your design and design documents based on a contractor’s perspective.

1. Leverage automated reporting and invoicing, transforming daily routines into efficient workflows, dramatically improving cash flow and reducing administrative tasks. 
2. Ensure balanced workloads and timely project completion by making human resource allocation a regular practice. 
3. Utilize technology to gain accurate insights into project costs and staff productivity by making daily time tracking a non-negotiable habit. 
4. Foster a culture that embraces adaptation and continuous improvement through small, habitual changes in how technology is perceived and utilized within the firm. 

1. Apply the foundational elements of ASCE 7 when determining wind loads acting on a building.
2. Recognize the code requirements for edge metal and understand its importance for overall wind resistance. 
3. Cover the best practices for designing a roof to resist very severe hail.
4. Evaluate options for managing water from large rain events, including tapered insulation and water retention and detention.

• Ensure robust cash flow, a key element to the swift execution of projects
• Empower engineers with vast context to effectively address RFIs
• Foster owner trust in project progression without needing an on-site inspection
• Provide safety managers, BIM managers, Project managers with clear visibility of the site

1. Recognize when, where, and why to use an air barrier vs. vapor barrier vs. vapor permeable retarder in low-slope roofing applications.
2. Describe the technology changes of low-slope roofing systems over time and their importance to building performance. 
3. Gain clarity on how building science fundamentals, specifically heat, air, and moisture management, influence both energy efficiency and compliance with regulatory requirements.
4. Identify how to mitigate common issues from moisture and air movement that impact occupant’s health and safety.

• Internal processes that are most important
• Purpose and value of AOBs and LPOA
• Effective use of appraisals
• When it makes sense to get legal help

• Ditching manual tasks in favor of automation
• The how and why of establishing a complete project record
• Tactical recommendations to instantly improve your Construction Administration (CA) process 

1. Review air barrier types, properties, and characteristics.
2. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of different air barrier types and become familiar with recent trends.
3. Recognize common pitfalls related to the design and construction of air barrier systems and how to avoid them.
4. Cover how to implement testing and QA/QC measures into your projects.

•  Understand the limits of traditional data-centric approaches in program controls
•  Discover the benefits of integrated, intelligence-driven solutions
•  Explore the theory and implementation of a controls engine, using a real-world case study of a major program in the US
•  See how the shift from disparate systems to a single source of truth enables more informed, strategic decision-making

1. Identify new and varying ways in which construction project owners are increasingly seeking to incorporate mass timber and other wood products into their structures.
2. Determine engineering and construction methods that can be used to achieve aesthetically striking design results using mass timber and other structural wood elements.
3. Recognize the sustainable benefits of cross-laminated timber, and other wood products, such as carbon sequestration, sustainable sourcing, and durability, among others.
4. Describe various industry entities and resources that can provide further educational information and market insights.
   

1. Cover the performance criteria used to specify through-wall flashings and transition membranes.
2. Cover how to design a resilient and durable flashing system that will minimize life cycle costs.
3. Define the attributes of a variety of membrane materials.
4. Recognize the compatibility between cavity wall components.

• Homeowner expectations for residential roofing contractors when it comes to the overall experience of purchasing a roof.
• Data-driven insight into where those expectations align with roofing contractors – and where they don’t.
• Market insight related to current and future trends in residential roofing
• Exclusive viewpoints into current and future growth opportunities for contractors. 
• What factors influence the contractor-selection process.
• Ideas to improve customer communication and operational efficiency that grow profits.

1. Explain how to access the International Building Code, 2024 Edition, the other related 2024 I-codes and past editions of the codes.
2. Identify the new formatting and arrangement of provisions in the 2024 I-codes.
3. Determine important changes in the roofing-related provisions of the International Building Code, 2024 Edition.
4. Assess how the code changes will impact roof system designs.

• The significance of 'Standard of Care'
• The purpose behind water damage documentation
• Strategies for maximizing efficiency through purpose-driven documentation
• Techniques to minimize costs and streamline job cycle times

1. Explain long-term trends that make solar array installations a compelling choice.
2. Identify the different approaches to maximizing output.
3. Describe how roof material choices contribute to the long-term success of a solar installation.
4. Discuss different types of solar panels, installation options, and solar financing.