This presentation will introduce the attendee to the use of precast elements to construct an entire bridge structure. Attendees will learn the different project types including Abutment Block, Modular Deck, CIP Component Replacement, and (PennDOT) Standard Details. Case studies are used to illustrate the different project types. Attendees at the completion of the course understand the specific benefits of Total Precast Bridge Construction including Safety, Speed, Quality, Field Operations, Minimal Disruption and Financial Benefits.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how Total Precast Concrete Bridges are constructed
• Understand the different project types and how they employ precast elements
• Understand the benefits of precast bridge systems including speed, quality and safety
• Understand the advantages and the benefits of Total Precast Bridge design as they relate to minimal disruption for the traveling public

Credit: 1.00

Recent code changes, increasing sustainability requirements, and a challenging economy are just some of the factors increasing demand for high-performance structures. However, high performance is not business-as-usual. The concept of ‘high-performance’ encompasses sustainability; however, it goes beyond a ‘this-or-that’ approach by requiring optimization of all relevant attributes for a project on a life cycle basis. This presentation will explain what high performance structures are, and how precast concrete can help you achieve your high performance project goals. The presentation also covers the basics of precast concrete, its applications, finishes, etc..

Learning Objectives:

• Define what high performance structures are
• Discuss the advantages and long-term benefits of high performance design
• Describe how precast concrete contributes to design versatility, energy efficiency, and long-term building performance
• Explain the concept of resiliency and how high performance design incorporates it to provide multi-hazard protection

Credit: 1.00

The aesthetics of a structure are very important, as it is what most people identify with. High performance materials should provide aesthetic versatility in order to efficiently meet a structure’s architectural requirements. Precast concrete provides incredible aesthetic versatility from providing multiple colors and textures, to developing shapes, forms and very ornate details. Precast can also simulate or be veneered with natural materials providing all of their beauty, but with the added speed, durability, many other benefits of precast. This presentation will provide an overview of the many finishes available with precast concrete, along with methodologies for achieving them. We will also discuss combining multiple finishes into single panels, veneers and embedded materials, selection of mix designs, approaches to achieving colors, proper specification, and procedures to ensure expectations are aligned.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the finish options of precast concrete
• Describe methods to achieve color, form and texture
• Explain how clay products and natural stones can be veneered to precast concrete to speed construction and reduce costs
• Discuss the latest innovations in aesthetics and finishes

Credit: 1.00

A structure’s envelope has considerable impact on its overall performance, as highlighted by recent code changes. The envelope not only serves as a barrier between the outside environment and conditioned space, but also as a part of the aesthetic expression for the structure. It must also serve as a protective shield against environmental forces. High-performance building envelopes can help reduce the overall energy consumption of a structure throughout the structure’s life, and maintain and protect its interior environment and occupants.

This presentation addresses what high performance building envelopes are, as well as key elements to their performance. It will discuss how to use precast concrete wall systems to meet the latest code requirements such as continuous insulation and air barriers, and include topics such as moisture management, thermal mass effect and how to calculate effective R-values, integration with other building systems, and more. This session will also touch on the idea of resilience. A structure must be able to resist environmental forces, such as high winds and earthquakes in order to protect life and fulfill its intended purpose. Case studies are used to highlight information presented.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the three basic types of precast concrete envelope systems
• Describe new envelope code requirements
• Explain thermal mass and how to use it to create more energy efficient buildings
• Discuss moisture management methodologies

Credit: 1.00

Educational Facilities are a vital part of the fabric of our society that directly contribute to what our future will be. These are places where future generations learn more than just math and science, they learn about people, life, and develop key life skills. Today’s schools are more than just buildings, they are interactive learning environments. They are gathering places. They are safe havens for a community. This presentation will discuss recommendations on how to design and build high performance schools, which provide energy efficiency, safety and resiliency, as well as reduce life cycle costs. Aesthetics, acoustics, schedule, and fire protection will also be discussed. Case studies will be used to highlight topics discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe what high performance schools are, and the benefits they offer to students, teachers, and the community
• Identify key considerations in high performance school design
• Explain the basic approaches to high performance school design using precast concrete
• Describe concepts on how to control cost and quality, reduce maintenance, and meet sustainable design goals

Credit: 1.00

This course instructs participants about hollow-core products and how to design and build utilizing hollow-core floors and walls. Participants also learn about the inherent fire resistance of hollow-core, a major life-safety consideration. After this program, participants will be able to: Identify the different precast, prestressed hollow-core concrete systems Explain the benefits of using precast, prestressed hollow-core concrete Discuss the benefits of using hollow-core concrete with owners and other designers.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand fabrication techniques, erection procedures and transportation considerations for precast Hollowcore plank and wall panels.
• Understand design and detail for precast products including connections and economical layout considerations.
• Understand High Performance Building principles using precast concrete systems.
• Understand how to integrate the precast structural system with other building systems.

Credit: 1.00

Parking structures have changed a lot over the past decade. Today’s parking structures have to be built sustainably, reduce operational and maintenance costs, last longer, and have more stringent aesthetic requirements. In many cases, they have to be high performance structures exceeding standard expectations. This presentation will explain what a high performance parking structure is, as well as how to design and build them utilizing high performance precast concrete. The latest innovations and design methodologies, including connections, proper detailing and maintenance will be discussed. Aesthetic options and versatility will also be presented.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the primary attributes of a high performance parking structure
• Discuss the latest innovations in parking structure design
• Explain the differences in various structural systems for parking structures
• Describe proper maintenance procedures for parking structure

Credit: 1.00

In this program, owners and designers will learn about the low initial cost, low maintenance requirements, and long life expectancy of prestressed concrete bridges. Precast bridges have also proven to be high in long-term durability and fire resistance and have excellent riding characteristics.

Learning Objectives:

• Appreciate the growth in the demand for prestressed concrete bridges
• Explain the advantages of using prestressed bridges
• Differentiate non-precast bridges from totally precast bridges
• Consider the low cost, low maintenance requirements, and long life expectancy of prestressed concrete bridges when choosing design materials.

Credit: 1.00

Participants will explore building design solutions using precast and prestressed concrete products. They will learn what precast, prestressed concrete products are, how they are manufactured, including structural theory of prestressing, and quality assurance procedures. They will learn about the industry certification program (PCI) of plants, people and performance. Participants will explore numerous examples of architectural and structural concrete solutions for numerous building markets. They will explore a variety of architectural finishes and how each is created in terms of color, form and texture. They will explore common structural solutions using prestressed concrete products and explore integrated solutions; realizing the full potential of loadbearing architectural precast units. The session will end with an overview of industry support available to the design community, including published and electronic media and a question and answer session.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify numerous examples of architectural and structural concrete solutions for numerous building markets.
• Explain how architectural finishes are created in terms of color, form and texture.
• Make design choices for a specific application based on a variety of architectural finishes.
• Understand common structural solutions using prestressed concrete products and explore integrated solutions.

Credit: 1.00

After this program, participants will be more familiar with what a total precast concrete structure is, how a total precast structure can benefit a project, and what components are used to construct a total precast structure. Participants will also learn how to manage a successful project.

Learning Objectives:

• Make a distinct connection between precast products and their specific applications/benefits.
• Use total precast concrete structural systems in various applications.
• Identify various manufacturing processes involving precast concrete.
• See the value that a precast concrete manufacturer contributes to the project.

Credit: 1.00