Professional Development

About

This 1-hour course focuses on giving the attendee a basic understanding of what Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) is and its uses in construction. The attendee will learn why there is benefits for concrete to be reinforced with GFRP and what applications make the most sense for its use. The pros and cons, as well as common misconceptions of the product, will be covered. Additionally, differences in designing concrete structures with FRP based on the ACI 440.11-2022 Code will be covered.

About

As the concrete industry begins to grapple with the concept of sustainability, it is important to understand the complex factors to consider in truly declaring something sustainable. This presentation begins by helping the audience to understand why being sustainable matters, and why CO2 has been the critical focus of environmentalist and more recently regulators. It then leads the audience to more broadly discuss sustainability not as a single metric (CO2 emissions), but as a multivariable conversation. Critically concrete is well positioned to address many of these present challenges by simply reframing the conversations we have with the construction community. It also highlights some newer developments that will position the concrete industry to be leaders on issues of sustainable development.

Objectives

• Understand the growing scale of real dollar impacts of climate change
• Understand why CO2 has been a focus of environmentalists and regulators
• Understand that sustainable is more than just the lowest CO2 emissions, but rather a multivariable problem
• Show that concrete is well positioned to address the full breadth of the sustainability challenge

Concrete is among the largest sources of embodied carbon emissions during building construction. When batching concrete it is possible to sequester CO2 reducing the carbon footprint of concrete through the process of CO₂ mineralization.

This course presents an overview of global emissions challenges, reviews the carbon reduction goals of green building programs, and discusses how the cement and concrete industry can use innovative CO₂ mineralization technology to reduce embodied carbon while increasing performance [CarbonCure]. Building materials and construction account for approximately 11% of annual global CO₂ emissions; in order to shrink the carbon footprint of new buildings, embodied carbon in concrete must be reduced.

Current trends in architecture include the desire to reintroduce traditional articulated detailing concepts in a modern way. This course discusses the various types of features that can be incorporated into anchored brick veneer, the limits of the prescriptive limits presented in the Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures (TMS 402), and general detailing concepts to adapt these types of details to anchored brick veneer construction.

Methods for keeping water out of the wall assembly is top priority in this talk. We’ll also discuss movement (expansion joints), how to add accent materials to a masonry wall, and special details such as corbelling and curved brick walls.

We identify various types of cracks that occur in masonry and how to avoid them. Material properties that affect movement are explained and how and why movement joints used to accommodate these movements. Optimal sizing and spacing of expansion joints are explained. This is good, basic information that every designer should know. The participant will be able to successfully design movement joints into buildings after this seminar.

While frequently chosen for aesthetics and durability, clay brick is not often considered when energy efficiency is a primary concern, even though it historically played a significant role in occupant comfort before widespread use of HVAC systems. This course discusses the basics of heat transfer, relevant energy code provisions for walls, and how current research by the National Brick Research Center demonstrates the role that brick veneer can play in meeting or exceeding energy requirements in modern wall assemblies.

These days, most buildings include multiple exterior materials brick, steel, glass, stone – and systems, such as curtain walls and EIFS. Participants will learn how brick performs with other building materials and how to combine them without creating problems. Brick and mortar, steel, block and stone combinations will be discussed.

We cover the proper design of these long-lasting brick- and-block assemblies, with emphasis on water resistance and crack control. This talk also covers a short history of cavity walls and properties of cavity walls including fire resistance, thermal design, and wall tie requirements. Since workmanship issues have such an impact on performance we discuss materials and installation procedures that promote proper performance.

These cost-effective wall systems have come a long way since they first appeared in the 1960s. You’ll learn to properly design and detail brick veneer/steel stud walls, including material specifications, wall ties, and insulation. You’ll also learn more about typical brick detailing issues, such as flashing and expansion joints.

Various brick paving systems are more appropriate to certain applications—patios, sidewalks, and other pedestrian venues are very different from requirements for vehicular routes. You’ll learn basic information about ASTM paver standards, base design, setting beds, edge restraints, bond patterns, and installation.

This presentation reviews the key components of adhered manufactured stone veneer (MSV) systems, minimum building code requirements and ASTM standards governing manufactured stone and its installation, and industry recommendations addressing gaps not covered by existing building code requirements.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the presentation, participants will:

1. Understand the MSV system and its components.
2. Know material and property requirements for manufactured stone units contained in the building code.
3. Learn detailing and installation practices for manufactured stone for performance and durability
4. Know code requirements and ASTM standards applicable to MSV systems.

Keywords: manufactured stone, adhered veneer, code requirements, detailing

This presentation introduces the best practices for specification, construction and inspection for segmental retaining wall (SRW) developed in since the industry started.

Learning Objective

1. Understand the industry recommendations for SRW design and construction
2. Understand the industry recommendations for SRW inspection
3. Be familiar with the SRW roles and responsibilities
4. Understand material specifications for commercial SRW projects

Keywords: segmental retaining wall, best practices, SRW, geotechnical engineer, designer, site civil, design, construction, inspection, roles and responsibilities.

This presentation covers a basic overview of segmental retaining wall (SRW) systems and materials; including how SRW units are manufactured, terminology, soils, geosynthetics, and construction practices and requirements. This program is best suited for those with little to no background in segmental retaining wall systems or materials; or for those desiring a refresher course in segmental retaining walls. The information presented here is built upon in more advanced topics covered in other programs by NCMA.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the segmental retaining wall terminology
2. Understand the components of an SRW system
3. Be familiar with the minimum material requirements for SRW systems
4. Be familiar with the material testing for SRW components

Keywords: segmental retaining wall, SRW, SRW specifications, designer, reinforced segmental retaining walls, geogrid, infill.

This program presents an overview of energy code compliance, based on the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Details are provided on both prescriptive and trade-off compliance alternatives, with an emphasis on concrete masonry assemblies and resources. The uses and advantages of the COMcheck compliance program are presented.

Learning Objectives:

1. understand the various methods available for energy code compliance,
2. use both the R-value and U-factor prescriptive tables within the International Energy Conservation Code,
3. understand application of the COMcheck program, and
4. utilize concrete masonry energy resources.

Keywords: energy codes, concrete masonry, compliance, R-value, U-factor, COMcheck

This program provides a general overview of strategies to provide moisture-resistant concrete masonry assemblies, including material requirements and quality design and construction practices. A brief overview of mold and mold abatement is also included.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify key material characteristics desirable for moisture-resistant assemblies.
2. Recognize the basic types of CM wall construction, and the moisture-related qualities of each.
3. Know the basics of effective flashing/weep installations
4. Know how to effectively incorporate sealants and water repellents in concrete masonry assemblies

Keywords: concrete masonry, water penetration, water repellents, sealants, flashing

The topic of sustainable construction and ‘green’ building has become a market driver in recent years. Codes, standards, and ratings systems have been developed to address all aspects of sustainable construction. Concrete masonry systems and products are well suited to meet the needs and goals of such systems. This program will introduce basic concepts of sustainability, the governing standards and systems in North America, and how concrete masonry products and systems can help achieve compliance, credits, and sustainable buildings.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the core concepts of sustainability and green building.
2. Understand the goals of sustainable construction and the needs of the green building industry
3. Know the major codes, standards, and rating systems for sustainable construction
4. Understand the areas where concrete masonry can contribute within sustainable codes and rating systems

Keywords:  concrete masonry, sustainability, green building, rating systems

This presentation addresses the proper application of empirical crack control measures into concrete masonry wall systems as presented in NCMA TEK 10-2D. It includes causes of cracking, use of control joints and horizontal reinforcement to minimize cracking, details and banding (mixing courses of clay and concrete masonry).

Learning Objectives:

1. Causes of cracking in concrete masonry
2. How to minimize cracking potential
3. How to control cracking through the use of reinforcement and control joints
4. How to maintain the fire resistance rating of a concrete masonry wall at a control joint

Keywords: banding, bond beams, carbonation, concrete masonry, construction details, control joints, crack control, expansion joints, joint reinforcement, movement, reinforcing steel, shrinkage, thermal movement, wall movement

This presentation addresses the requirements and procedures of grouting concrete masonry wall systems per the I-Codes and The Masonry Society Standards TMS 402 and 602. It includes material, inspection, testing, and placement requirements.

Learning Objectives:

1. ASTM and Code requirements for masonry grout materials.
2. The difference between self-consolidating grout and conventional grout per code.
3. The inspection and testing requirements for grout for concrete masonry as required by the building code
4. Placement requirements for grout for concrete masonry per code.

Keywords: admixtures, aggregates, cleanouts, consolidation, demonstration panel, grout for concrete masonry, grouting, lift height, pour height, puddling, reinforced concrete masonry, self-consolidating grout, slump, testing

This presentation introduces the concepts of mitigating unwanted noise using concrete masonry assemblies and systems. Topics covered include a basic review of sound and noise, what requirements are mandated by building codes to address sound control, how to determine the sound transmission class and inside-outside transmission classification of building assemblies, noise reduction coefficients, and proper methods of detailing concrete masonry systems to maximize its effectiveness as a sound barrier.

Learning Objectives

1. Common sources of internally- and externally-generated sounds and code minimum requirements for mitigating unwanted noise.
2. Standardized means of calculating the sound transmission class (STC) and outside-inside transmission classification (OITC) of concrete masonry assemblies.
3. Reflected versus absorbed sound and the role of the noise reduction coefficient in concrete masonry design.
4. Appropriate layout and detailing options for maximizing sound reduction within buildings for optimum user comfort.

Keywords:  concrete masonry, sound control, sound transmission class (STC), outside-inside transmission class (OITC), International Building Code, ASHRAE 189.1, sustainability, noise reduction coefficient (NRC), detailing, building layout

This presentation introduces the various codes, standards, and specifications that govern concrete masonry units, materials, design, and construction. Specific topics include ASTM standards for materials, Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures (TMS 402 and 602), and the relationship between these documents and the International Building Code (IBC). Typical specification formats and resources are also discussed.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the various reference standards used for concrete masonry materials and structures
2. Understand the requirements for products and materials used in concrete masonry construction.
3. Review and understand the basic code requirements for design and construction of concrete masonry.
4. Understand the commonly used guide specifications for concrete masonry construction and resources available for preparing specifications for concrete masonry.

Keywords: concrete masonry, masonry standards, ASTM standards, specifications, building codes.

This presentation covers a basic overview of concrete masonry systems and materials; including how concrete masonry units are manufactured, masonry terminology, masonry mortars, masonry grouts, and construction practices and requirements. This program is best suited for those with little to no background in concrete masonry systems or materials; or for those desiring a refresher course in concrete masonry. The information presented here is built upon in more advanced topics covered in other programs by NCMA.

Learning Objectives

1. The different types of manufactured concrete products and the process by which they are produced.
2. Masonry-specific terminology and definitions; including code-specific terms as well as regional nomenclature.
3. The standards covering manufactured concrete products and the relevant physical requirements stipulated within these standards.
4. Products and materials used in the construction of concrete masonry systems, including reinforcing steel, grout, and mortar; and the relevant code provisions covering these materials.

Keywords: concrete masonry, mortar, grout, masonry terminology, masonry standards, ASTM specifications, masonry design, masonry construction, masonry overview.

This program provides a brief overview of production methods for concrete masonry units.  Typical materials used in concrete masonry production are reviewed, along with the basic configuration and elements of CMU.  The method of production from material control through to final product packaging is discussed.  Finally, specialized processes for architectural finishes are reviewed.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand material components necessary for producing concrete masonry units
2. Understand the evolution of production methods
3. Understand the current production methods for concrete masonry units
4. Understand special processes for architectural finishes

Keywords:  concrete masonry units (CMU), concrete masonry production, architectural finishes

Tour the Parker Block facility in Millsboro, DE

Products Produced: CMU, Lintels, Pave Drain

Tour the Ernest Maier plant in Bladensburg, MD

Products Produced: CMU, Retaining Wall, Ground Face, PaveDrain