Construction Specifications Canada

Construction Specifications Canada strives to educate, connect and lead the design and construction community to achieve excellence in project delivery.

Click to Learn More About Construction Specifications Canada

Visit www.csc-dcc.ca and Join Now!

Displaying 1 - 25 of 632 results.

FIRST [1-25] [26-50] [51-75] [76-100] [101-125] NEXT LAST

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines how inclusive outdoor environments and well-designed site furnishings can promote health, safety, and well-being for all individuals. While everyone can benefit from being outdoors, many people experience exclusion due to design barriers in public spaces. Learners will explore strategies and furniture specifications, including layout and materials, that support accessible and inclusive design and contribute to LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C), WELL Building Standard™ v2, and SITES® v2 goals. Case studies highlight real-world applications in communities, school campuses, and public spaces. 

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Lighting is one of the most influential elements of the indoor environment, with far-reaching effects on the human body, mind, and spirit. For architects, designing spaces prioritizing natural light is critical to fostering comfort, productivity, and well-being. This course explores the health and wellness benefits of tubular daylighting systems and their role in creating healthier, more sustainable indoor environments. Also noted are applicable credits in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and features in the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. The course concludes with a review of several case studies.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Architectural canopies are versatile additions to a wide variety of commercial buildings and serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. They can highlight entrances, create visual interest, support signs and lights, and offer protection from snow, rain, and sun. This course examines canopy types, styles, materials, finishes, and wall attachment considerations and offers guidance on how to select the right system for a project. Case studies demonstrate how canopies can assist in solving common building design challenges.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Highly customizable electric heating solutions can provide either the main or supplemental heat for most indoor and outdoor spaces. Such solutions can harmonize beautifully with every architectural context and building configuration while addressing the full range of health, safety, comfort, and energy efficiency issues facing contemporary designers. This course examines the many supplemental electric heating solutions and devices available, their capabilities and configuration options, and how they can be customized to suit every unique architectural and engineering demand. It concludes with several illustrated cases.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    An air curtain, also known as an air door, employs a controlled stream of air aimed across an opening to create an air seal. This seal separates different environments while allowing a smooth, unhindered flow of traffic and unobstructed vision through the opening. This course discusses how air curtains work and why they can contribute to occupant comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality when the door is open. It also reviews how air curtains improve whole-building energy efficiency versus conventional methods.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines the role of access doors and panels in building design. It covers their functions, material options, and performance requirements. Topics include resistance to fire, sound, and moisture, as well as durability, code compliance, and integration with surrounding finishes. The course also presents best practices for specifying and installing access components that support safety, accessibility, and design continuity across a range of project types.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Artificial turf is essentially a flooring fabric made from a variety of materials and layers. Since its creation, the artificial turf industry has studied the behavior of natural grass and the safety and sustainability of artificial grass. This course examines today’s artificial grass systems and discusses how they are carefully planned, designed, and built to suit the specific needs of an outdoor residential or commercial landscape.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Various control strategies are used to prevent rain from penetrating a building envelope and entering a building assembly. This course compares exterior wall metal cladding systems and takes an in-depth look at the design options, testing, specifications, environmental implications, and the detailing of single-skin metal panel systems as used in a pressure-equalized rainscreen (PER) application.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Designers increasingly focus on creating environments that improve the health, welfare, and productivity of occupants. This includes providing the benefits of daylight, fresh air, and access to the outdoors. This course explores how retractable roofs can extend the use of outdoor spaces year-round by converting them to daylit indoor spaces seasonally or with sudden weather changes. It explains the economic benefits, structure, and operation of various retractable roof types and how they can be customized to suit multiple site sizes and types, including rooftops. The course concludes with a series of case studies.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Segmental retaining walls (SRWs) are used in many landscaping applications, including small residential backyards and large commercial and transportation situations. This course provides an overview of segmental retaining wall systems and materials, including SRW terminology, soils, geosynthetics, general uses, and potential site issues. This program is best suited for those with little to no background in segmental retaining wall systems or materials or those desiring a refresher course in segmental retaining walls.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Obesity rates in the U.S. have reached epic numbers and correlate to significant health and economic impacts. Outdoor obstacle courses in public green spaces can provide appealing, effective, and free training equipment to the community to help increase physical activity. Review the theories of obstacle course training and guidelines for their design and installation.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    The diffuse light-transmitting and composite technology of translucent structural sandwich panels has increasingly caught the imagination of architects and designers because it is possible to maximize wall or roof daylighting while minimizing energy loss, with consequent savings in the running costs of heating, air conditioning, and artificial lighting. This course explores the fundamental connection between light and health by examining how translucent structural sandwich panels deliver glare-free, diffuse daylight deeper and more evenly into spaces with maximum thermal efficiency.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    One of the most important concepts behind biophilia is the “urge to affiliate with other forms of life” (E.O. Wilson). Humans are connected to nature, inspired by nature, and desire to be harmonized with nature. This course discusses the main principles of biophilic design and explains how a connection with nature benefits human well-being, increases classroom performance, and reduces stress. Multiple case studies demonstrating the positive benefits of daylight and views on building occupants are discussed, and applications of biophilic design are examined.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course addresses the health, safety, and welfare concerns to account for when specifying and installing a modular masonry fireplace. The course discusses the advantages of modular masonry fireplace systems and their uses. When installing fireplaces, it is necessary to understand that safety codes, clearances, and restrictions are for the well-being of the installer as well as the homeowner. We cover these codes and regulations in this course.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Water is one of our most valuable resources, yet many states suffer water shortages due to preventable problems such as overuse and leakages. This course discusses the increased need for water conservation and examines the requirements in CALGreen and the LEED® v4.1, Green Globes®, and BREEAM In-Use green building rating systems. The EPA’s WaterSense® initiative is also discussed, along with case studies explaining the benefits of concealed toilet systems and their contribution to water conservation. This course is one of two identical courses titled Water Conservation: Initiatives and Standards . You will receive credit for taking only one of these courses.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Firestopping is the process of sealing openings around penetrants or in joints or gaps between fire-rated assemblies to restore hourly fire resistance ratings. It is a critical part of fire containment and a balanced fire and life safety plan. This course outlines resources and code requirements that architects and designers should be aware of while preparing specifications for firestop systems in their projects. The course also reviews common mistakes to avoid.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Increased energy efficiency in both new and existing construction continues to be a large factor behind the design decisions we make and the materials we choose to integrate into our buildings. Concrete masonry construction can provide a wide range of benefits. This course illustrates how building envelopes constructed with concrete masonry create high-performance buildings that can exceed energy code requirements.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Buildings, roads, and man-made landscapes can harm the natural environment with their effect on the natural water cycle. Architects and designers need to be aware of the best practices and experts’ recommendations to specify the correct type of drainage system that serves users and protects the environment. This course discusses the positive contributions of modern drainage systems to the built environment and their role in improving sustainability. The technical and aesthetic aspects of trench drain design are also covered.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    As the market continues to transform the way sustainable buildings are designed, single-skin metal roof and siding products are at the forefront of contributing to healthier built environments. This course breaks down the material inputs and sustainable attributes of single-skin metal roof and siding panels and includes an overview of how the panels can contribute toward earning several LEED ® for Building Design and Construction credits in v4.1.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Leading aluminum extrusion manufacturers have established a variety of methods pertaining to material grade, surface protection, and component solutions to maximize the benefits of aluminum to suit a wide variety of applications. These advancements in technology have led to the development of sustainable wood-patterned aluminum products designed for exterior and interior applications. This course focuses on how these products can be used as a beautiful, high-performance, durable alternative for real wood in a range of applications, including screens, facades, decking, fencing, gates, cladding, and more.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Stormwater management is a critical component in any municipality to retain and infiltrate increased runoff volumes and flow rates from developed land that creates increased impervious cover (roofs and pavements). The course discusses the hydrologic and structural design fundamentals of permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) and why it is an excellent choice to help meet stormwater management goals. Discussions include the benefits of using PICP, components of PICP, design and construction considerations and how use of PICP can help earn LEED® credits.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This presentation provides an overview of sustainable materials for the bath, including production, performance, maintenance, and frameworks for assessment, and focuses on recycled copper, sustainably made concrete, FSC®-certified bamboo, and reclaimed wood.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Well-designed and detailed skylight systems can significantly improve both building and occupant performance. This course explores the benefits, techniques, and importance of daylighting systems that utilize high-performance skylights to optimize daylighting benefits, avoid negative impacts, and contribute positively to building, occupant, and envelope performance. It examines how daylighting with skylights can help meet the requirements of the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL v2 Building Standard™.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Ensuring proper use of methods and materials allows masonry walls to perform well and enjoy a long life. Use of masonry joint reinforcement and accessories is an essential part of this. This course provides a brief history of solid masonry walls leading up to the modern cavity walls of today, including a discussion of the basic working knowledge of masonry joint reinforcing, structural codes, and moisture control in cavity wall construction.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER
  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Fire safety is an important building enclosure design factor and needs to be addressed hand-in-hand with energy code requirements. NFPA 285 is a critical consideration with modern building assemblies incorporating combustible materials in noncombustible construction. This presentation reviews the history and scope of the NFPA 285 test standard and its adoption into the International Building Code® (IBC®). The compliance criteria are outlined, and triggers and contributors under the standard are identified. The course also reviews how the selection of building components such as insulation, air-/water-resistive barriers, and claddings affects the fire performance of an assembly, and solutions and common paths for compliance are presented.

    Ask a Question
    SAVE FOR LATER

Displaying 1 - 25 of 632 results.

FIRST [1-25] [26-50] [51-75] [76-100] [101-125] NEXT LAST