American Construction Inspectors Association

The American Construction Inspectors Association (ACIA) was formed in 1954 and incorporated in 1959 to provide educational opportunities and promote standards of knowledge and conduct for all construction inspectors.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 599 results.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The building envelope is the physical separator between the conditioned and unconditioned environment of a building and provides resistance to air, water, heat, light, and noise transfer. As a thermal barrier, spray polyurethane foam (SPF) offers numerous opportunities to contribute to building envelope performance and indoor air quality in several project types. This course presents the sustainable aspects of SPF, SPF fire and strength testing, and the benefits of SPF in below- and above-grade and rooftop applications.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    From pitched to low-slope roofing, a myriad of designs are possible. Conventional roofing with the waterproofing membrane located weather-side and protected membrane roofing with the waterproofing membrane located at the deck can be used on buildings of various end uses. Roofs can be low or high albedo to impact solar gain; add to this vegetative roof assemblies (green roofs), roofs with solar arrays, and blue roofs (stormwater management), and no two roofs are alike. Join us to review the modern roof taxonomies and associated benefits and drawbacks, learn about the latest options in roof construction, and reflect on performance differences.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    With the advent of “cool” single-ply roofs featuring heat-reflective exterior surfaces and the use of mechanical attachment, new questions have emerged concerning the internal forces at play within the roofing system, especially in regard to vapor movement and the potential for moisture condensation within the roof. This course reviews the fundamentals of vapor movement in roofing systems, current roof condensation research and the tools available to assess roof condensation. It also provides the building design professional with strategies to deal effectively with moisture movement within the roofing system.

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  • ( ~ 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™.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Deck railing systems provide the finishing touch to an outdoor area, as well as safety and improved accessibility. Choosing a system that suits a deck project’s needs depends on a variety of factors, including cost, durability, style, customization, maintenance, and eco-friendliness. This course explores the many railing materials that are available, with a focus on aluminum, composite, and aluminum and composite railing systems, whose characteristics are ideal for most projects. 

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Throughout history, concrete mixes and carved natural stone have combined to create substance, beauty, and longevity in our architecture. Glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) was created to ensure that the attributes of concrete and stone continue to be enjoyed but with efficiency in the application that is expected in today's world of design. This course covers the creation of GFRC, its components, fabrication, applications, and design capabilities. It compares GFRC to other types of architectural concrete and presents GFRC performance and sustainable design advantages.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In this video series course, we cover common metal roofing installation considerations. The first video discusses typical metal roof penetrations and details for proper installation. The second video presents metal enhancement options and design and installation tips to prevent premature corrosion in marine environments. The final video explores the expansion and contraction of standing seam metal roofs and how points of fixity accommodate thermal movement.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The commercial space design trend toward open plans has had a major impact on interior electrical and digital infrastructure. Offices, hotels, retail spaces, and transit areas all utilize open spaces, each with their own specific issues and requirements. This course provides designers with the information required to provide code-compliant, user-friendly, and convenient power, data/communication, and AV access for a wide variety of spaces and end users, including facility managers, cleaning staff, and visitors.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Choosing the best rolling door or commercial sectional door solution for an application can be challenging, so understanding the benefits of each type of door is essential to ensure the correct product is specified. This course covers the components, installation requirements, optional safety features, and design options for both types of doors.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Typically, all the brick selected for a given project will be either full bed depth (anchored) or thin brick (adhered); however, situations may benefit from combining the two types of masonry veneer on a project. The intent of this course is to differentiate between the types of brick masonry veneer, discuss the unique detailing required when combining veneer types, and provide project examples demonstrating where both types of masonry veneer have been successfully integrated. This course will focus on exterior applications of anchored and adhered masonry veneer.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Light in the hands of a lighting designer is like a brush in the hands of an artist—it can make or break a show. In this course, we’ll explore the controllable properties of light, the various lighting fixture types and configurations commonly used in a stage setting, and the power and control distribution methods that underpin an effective lighting design. We’ll also review industry standards for low- and medium-voltage control methods, the evolution of related data systems, and the changes it has wrought in the industry.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Rapidly changing trends in our society, such as urbanization and a modern lifestyle, have resulted in the isolation of humans from experiences within nature. Research has shown that the psychological effects of biophilic design on noise perception have a significant influence on the well-being and health of humans. In this course, we review the science of sound, identify the potential problems associated with noise, and introduce the range of acoustic solutions formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) felt designed to provide sound-dampening benefits for busy commercial, educational, and healthcare facilities.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Modern hydronic radiator systems are an energy-efficient, healthy, and hygienic solution for residential and commercial applications. This course discusses the principles of radiant heating and panel radiators, and how to size panel radiators for residential applications.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Vapor barriers beneath concrete slabs on grade are critical for controlling moisture vapor infiltration from the ground. This course provides an overview of vapor barriers used beneath concrete slabs on grade and in crawl spaces, showcasing common flooring failures that occur when a slab is not properly protected. We’ll explore how moisture enters and moves in the concrete, review key prevention and testing methods, and examine relevant industry standards and specification guidance. Finally, we’ll apply these concepts to practical case studies.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course provides architects and designers with a comprehensive understanding of the transformative potential of modern gas fireplaces in contemporary design. It covers key technologies such as direct vent systems, frameless designs, natural heat release systems, and heat control innovations. Participants will recognize how to incorporate fireplaces as both functional heating solutions and architectural design elements. The course also reviews important safety features, including double-glass heat barriers, to ensure compliance with modern standards.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Redwood offers warmth, character, durability, and strength in products from sustainably managed and harvested forests. This course provides insights into forestry practices and the environmental benefits of redwood lumber, and compares redwood with other common decking materials. Details are presented on how to differentiate and specify grades of redwood; finishing options and methods are also discussed. The course concludes with examples of applications that showcase the unique beauty and attributes of redwood.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Movable pool and spa floor technology enables an entirely flexible, multifunctional living and recreational space to complement any architectural vision. Presented here are types of movable pool floors, pool floor technology, options and amenities, and safety and sustainability performance considerations.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Concrete-faced insulated products are composite prefinished panels that are used to construct walls and roofing assemblies to maximize the energy efficiency, durability, and performance of a building envelope. This course discusses the design criteria used in designing energy-efficient buildings using concrete-faced continuous insulation systems for low-slope roofing, walls, and foundations. The functional and physical features of protective membrane roof (PMR) systems, concrete-faced insulated panels for walls and foundations, and concrete structural insulated panels (CSIPs) are evaluated.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 30 minutes ) 

    The principles, tools, and techniques for sustainable community planning (SCP) outlined in Part 1 of this course have evolved into various approaches to the actual implementation of SCP around the world. These approaches have been developed in response to local context and in communities ranging in size and form from large cities to small ecovillages and housing clusters. Part 2 of this course describes a number of these approaches for both land and water and also suggests a means of integrating them into a single, comprehensive planning model. The course concludes with case studies of a range of built sustainable community examples and planning exercises and includes some of the lessons learned.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Natural and artificial lighting surrounds us at all times. Light helps us to work safely, enhances design, creates atmosphere, and influences our well-being. This course discusses the circadian rhythm, occupant health, and lighting color temperature, and it examines LED lighting requirements and options for lighting-integrated bathroom mirrors and cabinets.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Mouldings and trim occupy a small amount of space on a home’s exterior; however, their aesthetic value outweighs their size. Cellular PVC mouldings and trim are durable; stain, rot, and insect resistant; maintenance-free; and recyclable. For properly arranged exterior mouldings and trim, architects and designers need a thorough understanding of the materials and the design rules and functions for each location. This course takes the reader through the layout and installation of exterior mouldings, particularly cellular PVC, and looks at some common mistakes and solutions.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Concrete masonry units (CMUs) are made from dry-cast concrete, which uses less cement and sequesters carbon at a faster and greater rate than wet-cast concrete. This course begins with an overview of concrete products and the differences between dry- and wet-cast concrete, then explores the relationship between concrete and the carbon cycle, recent research into CMU sequestration rates, and the results of mini life-cycle assessments comparing different wall systems. Finally, some practical strategies for further reducing embodied carbon are reviewed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Can commercial overhead doors contribute to the sustainability goals of buildings requiring garage, drive-through, fire, dock, and service products? To meet these goals, commercial sectional and rolling doors should be engineered to provide energy efficiency and personnel protection, and to mitigate fire and wind damage. This course examines the sustainable attributes of commercial overhead doors and explores their design potential in LEED® compliant projects.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    With limited exceptions, the International Building Code® (IBC®) requires testing and compliance with NFPA 285 for exterior wall assemblies of buildings of Types I, II, III, and IV construction containing foam plastic insulation. This course examines three methods for demonstrating that an exterior wall assembly design complies with NFPA 285, including engineering analysis. The course also discusses how and where to locate NFPA 285 information for each compliance method.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Commercial building interiors see all kinds of wear and tear on a daily basis. Various forms of wall protection can combat this wear and tear to help extend the longevity of a space, maintain a clean look, and cut down on maintenance costs. This course discusses the different wall protection products available, how to identify which wall protection products fit certain applications, and which building codes apply to these products.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 599 results.

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