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 602 results.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Polyisocyanurate (polyiso) insulation is one of North America’s most widely used, readily available, and cost-effective insulation products. While polyiso is currently most commonly known for its use on roofs and walls, this course focuses on the many benefits of using it in below-grade installations in order to meet energy codes, maximize the building foundation’s thermal performance, and extend the overall life of the structure. The course explores the requirements for three primary characteristics of any below-grade insulation—thermal performance, water absorption, and load capacity—and describes how polyiso meets or exceeds those requirements and protects the foundation waterproofing system.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The availability of parking and the time it takes to park a vehicle are major challenges when designing a new development. Parking garages typically require big volumes and are not efficient with land use. Automated parking can practically reduce parking space, while providing the same (sometimes more) number of parking stalls as a conventional garage. It also improves the user experience, providing a valet parking experience, just without the valet.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Saunas that exude authentic Nordic minimalism and elegance promote wellness, relaxation, meditation, and socialization. There are many different types of saunas for private or public purposes, but a few unique features and finishing options set some sauna designs apart. This course explains why the sauna has a much deeper tradition than wellness and discusses the considerations for selecting a ready-made or tailor-made sauna solution.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Designing with green roofs affords design professionals opportunities to plan projects with exciting new elements, added value, and significant, tangible benefits, thereby enhancing the built environment with newly-created landscapes. This course examines green roof systems, including the types, benefits, components, and related standards. As well, it provides a discussion on how green roofs mitigate urban heat island effect and reduce stormwater runoff.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Modern security bollards are highly engineered and tested devices that can withstand deliberate ramming by a 15,000 lb vehicle. Bollards are more than decorative boundary markers; they are an essential tool to protect lives and property. This course explains bollard crash testing standards, reviews the pros and cons of available bollard materials, and discusses steel bollard designs for low- and high-impact applications.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course details the benefits and selection process of magnesium oxide (MgO) sheathing in multifamily and commercial construction. MgO sheathing offers structural, fire resistance, and other properties that enable architects and designers to simplify the design and installation of building enclosures. Comparisons of MgO sheathing to traditional sheathing materials such as gypsum are included.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The issue of lead in drinking water is a significant concern that affects many communities. This course explores the harmful effects of lead consumption through drinking water. It addresses fundamental questions about lead’s common sources, how it enters our water supply, and the populations at high risk. Additionally, the course reviews water regulations and strategies for safeguarding against this widespread toxin, emphasizing approaches to reduce lead contamination through the use of filtered water delivery systems.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Cable railings are a beautifully minimalist way to meet safety requirements without obstructing the view. Learn how to assemble a commercial-grade cable railing with sophisticated fittings engineered to simplify installation, comply with building codes, and reduce overall labor costs.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course provides an overview of the industry standards and code references for flashing materials used in the installation of windows and doors. The code-referenced material standards for window and door flashings are summarized and compared, and the standard installation practices developed by the three main fenestration industry organizations are reviewed. Applications of the window and door installation standards and principles are shown using standard flashing materials with a focus on commercial and multifamily buildings.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Wood is not only visually appealing; it plays a vital role in shaping acoustics. This course examines the acoustic properties of wood and its applications in wood-based architectural solutions, focusing on how acoustic wood products can help control noise in commercial and residential environments. Also reviewed is how these products support sustainable design objectives, including their role in meeting the criteria of the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems, as well as the WELL Building Standard™ v2. The presentation features design strategies and case studies that illustrate the effectiveness of acoustic wood products in achieving superior performance.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course provides a comprehensive overview of quartz surfacing as a sustainable material in contemporary design. It examines the environmental impact, safety standards, and wide-ranging applications of quartz surfacing. The course focuses on manufacturing processes, performance characteristics, and the material’s contribution to sustainability, equipping participants with the knowledge to effectively utilize quartz surfacing in residential and commercial projects.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Daylighting has traditionally been considered a functional way to bring natural light into building design. This course explores innovative applications of daylighting using various methods to deliver natural light into spaces and create visually appealing natural lighting as part of an overall design. It also examines daylighting strategies, considerations, and material options for successful project planning. By incorporating daylighting into projects, architects can create innovative environments that meet the sustainability goals of the building and the health, safety, and welfare needs of its occupants. Applicable credits and features in the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction rating system and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2 are noted.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Custom window products include a range of products, from truly one-of-a-kind fabrications to customizable components. This course takes a detailed look at what design options are available to the architect in premium and luxury window products. Installation and performance issues pertaining to large window combinations are also discussed, as well as recommended solutions and mitigation strategies for structural and water infiltration challenges.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The spread of smoke in mid- and high-rise building fires is recognized as a major threat to the safety of the building occupants and responding fire personnel and the effectiveness of firefighting operations. This course explains how smoke migrates in a multistory building fire and discusses how building codes have evolved to address this danger and why they mandate smoke containment in specific areas of a structure. Product applications and assemblies designed to meet building code requirements and limit vertical smoke migration via elevator hoistways and lobbies are examined.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The demand for mass timber construction has increased significantly in recent years due to its numerous benefits, including sustainability, strength, faster construction times, cost savings, and a natural wood aesthetic. However, a major drawback of mass timber construction is its poor acoustical performance. This course examines the various mass timber construction types and provides acoustical solutions to meet and surpass building codes.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Today, architects and designers need to give special consideration to building acoustics when developing plans for new and newly renovated construction projects. Excessive noise in any environment is considered a serious problem that can negatively impact occupant comfort, leading to learning difficulties, sleep deprivation, delayed recovery from illness, and lack of privacy. Sound basics are discussed in this course, and STC, IIC, and sound attenuation (reduction) techniques are explained. Various case studies are examined to develop further understanding of the performance of common sound abatement assemblies that are essential for occupant well-being and comfort.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Commercial fenestration products including sectional doors, rolling sheet doors, and rolling steel doors can improve building performance and provide essential building/opening protection. This course discusses common door features, hardware, insulation, installation, and optional types of electric operators, and evaluates the performance criteria required for a specific dock or drive through opening.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Quartz surfacing is a man-made material consisting of up to 93% natural quartz crystal. In this course, you will discover the other components behind the beauty, durability, and flexibility of this surfacing material. You will see the composition, production, and quality assurance processes that go into making the material and the resultant attributes and capabilities, as well as the installation basics of quartz surfacing materials.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Railing systems perform various functions, meeting safety requirements and serving as a key component of a building’s aesthetic. This course includes a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of aluminum and structural vinyl railing systems, how they are made, and how they are used in the building industry, including a detailed summary of how they meet various code requirements.

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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 ) 

    Architects and other design professionals have a critical role to play in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions through building design and product selection. The urgent need to reduce both operational and embodied carbon means that building designers must be familiar with transparency documents that facilitate low-carbon product selection. In this course, we review the types of carbon of concern, transparency documents that provide critical information, and tools for sourcing embodied carbon information. We also look at the contribution of insulated metal panels to both low embodied and low operational carbon buildings.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines the design and benefits of pre-engineered trench drains in a sustainable wastewater management system. Discover how they effectively manage water runoff, prevent ponding, and enhance safety in transportation, industrial facilities, and public spaces while supporting sustainable practices. Explore system types, maintenance strategies, and performance optimization, along with guidance on funding and compliance. Gain the knowledge to implement smarter, safer, and more efficient water management solutions in your next project.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In response to a stronger emphasis on natural resources, building efficiencies, and occupant welfare, manufacturers continue to improve design service offerings, product performance, and installation solutions. Fiberglass fenestration meets these demands for residential and commercial design in the built environment. This course explores the performance attributes of fiberglass fenestration, energy efficiency and structural benefits, testing and verification processes, and contributions to healthy building occupancy.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Noise pollution is excessive environmental noise that disrupts the activity or balance of human life. As urban environments have become increasingly dense, the noise problem has magnified, negatively impacting mental and physical health. Sound is everywhere, but it can be controlled with architectural solutions. This course provides a refresher on the basic science of acoustics and how sound interacts with our surroundings. From there, the course explores various architectural solutions, the technology behind them, and how they are successfully integrated into buildings to reduce noise. Discussion of installation applications addresses sound control options for retrofits and new construction.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In food and beverage, food processing/distribution, and cold storage facilities, it is important to use doors that can provide speed, safety, separation, and security. High-speed, high-cycle, roll-up doors provide all these elements better than conventional doors. This course provides an in-depth discussion of the different types of high-performance doors—fabric, rigid, and rubber—along with their benefits and functions in different applications. The specification criteria, design, and installation considerations for high-performance doors are also discussed.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 602 results.

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