Professional Development
The construction profession is constantly changing with new products and techniques being introduced every year. Critical to taking advantage of these innovation is understanding how to use and benefit from them. The Ernest Maier Family prioritizes educating our customers to give you an advantage in a competitive marketplace. Feel free to invite us over for a Lunch and Learn or roadshow. Many of our formal courses provide HSW (health, safety, and welfare credit).
Course Listing
Offered Courses
To schedule an AIA, BIA, or NCMA Continuing Education presentation at the Ernest Maier Architectural Design Center or at your office, call us at (202) 510-5545 or email info@emcoblock.com.
Introduction to Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Concrete Reinforcement (Rebar Alternatives)
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.
Objectives
After attending this session, participants should be able to
- Understand what alternatives to steel rebar are in the market, including Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP).
- Articulate the material advantages of GFRP over steel rebar as reinforcement in concrete, specifically focused on increased strength, lighter weight, and complete resistance to corrosion.
- Identify applications that stand to benefit from selection of GFRP over traditional steel rebar: high corrosion environments, marine, difficult-to-maintain, cost sensitive, etc.
- Aware of the incorporation of GFRP into building codes: ASTM D7957, ACI 440.1 (referenced by ACI 318), TMS 402/602-22 (forthcoming), AASHTO GFRP-1
- Understand best practices for the use of GFRP in construction
Permeable Articulating Concrete Blocks (P-ACB) for Stormwater Management
About
Objectives
- After attending this session, participants should be able to: Compare and Contrast Articulating Concrete Blocks (ACB) [ASTM D6684] with Interlocking Concrete Pavers [ASTM C936]. Both of these systems support sustainable building by helping to better manage stormwater, because they are permeable pavement surfaces. The presence of open joints, substantially changes the properties of the system.
- After attending this session, participants should be able to: Understand how a P-ACB pavement system can be installed. The ideal process is: 1) Plan out the system, 2) Place and compact the base (including geofabrics) 3) Place the blocks 4) Place and pave asphalt/concrete. Correct installation is critical for its performance as a stormwater best management practice.
- After attending this session, participants should be able to understand the expected performance of a P-ACB pavement system as a stormwater best management practice.
- After attending this session, participants should be able to understand best practices to maintain a P-ACB pavement system to ensure proper performance over the life of the product as a stormwater best management practice
More Sustainable Concrete
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.
SRW Best Practices
This presentation introduces the best practices for specification, construction and inspection for segmental retaining wall (SRW) developed in since the industry started.
Learning Objective
- Understand the industry recommendations for SRW design and construction
- Understand the industry recommendations for SRW inspection
- Be familiar with the SRW roles and responsibilities
- 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.
Introduction to SRW Systems
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
- Understand the segmental retaining wall terminology
- Understand the components of an SRW system
- Be familiar with the minimum material requirements for SRW systems
- Be familiar with the material testing for SRW components
Keywords: segmental retaining wall, SRW, SRW specifications, designer, reinforced segmental retaining walls, geogrid, infill.
