Learn @ Lunch Programs

The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute Northeast is a chapter of The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI).  We have created a comprehensive environment that brings together educational resources and learning opportunities from a variety of industry sources. Our extensive course offering includes opportunities to earn valuable AIA Learning Credits or Professional Development Hours more conveniently than ever before.

Our Professional Education learn @ lunch programs for your office includes such topics as; Accelerated Bridge Construction, Precast Concrete Building Systems Using Hollowcore Slabs, Architectural Precast Concrete Detail & Structural Considerations, and Parking Structure Design & Construction. Each is approved for AIA/CES HSW credit. Professional Development Hours (PDH) certificates are also available. Our programs are recognized by the State of New York and Florida. These programs are easily tailored to conference room or classroom settings. There is no cost to host a presentation and lunch will be provided.

PCI Northeast producer members offer plant tours at their manufacturing facilities for design professionals and college students.
PCI Northeast also offers complimentary presentations for professional association meetings. Topics can be customized to the associations needs. Lengths can vary from 30 minutes to 4 Hours.

Learn @ Lunch Registration

Topics

Architectural Precast - Parking Structures - Precast Building Systems - Precast Bridges - Miscellaneous

Architectural Precast Topics

PCI Architectural Certification Program

Level 2: Intermediate | Length: 1.0 Hour | Credits: AIA HSW 1.0 LU | PDH: 1.0

Attendees will obtain a deeper understanding of the new categories for PCI’s Architectural Certification Program that are more specific to the various building market segments. These new categories ensure a high-quality product within each specified category, while aligning the designer’s expectations for the complexity of the project with the capabilities of architectural precast concrete. Projects bid after October 1, 2021 must be specified using the new categories.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the purpose and benefits of the new certification program
• Explain the effect of a Quality Assurance program on quality, safety and the overall construction process
• Describe the basic differences between the various PCI Architectural Certification Categories
• Explain how to specify Architectural Precast Concrete using the appropriate new PCI Certification Category 

The Aesthetic Versatility of Architectural Precast Concrete,

Level 2: Intermediate | Length: 1.0 Hour | Credits: AIA HSW 1.0 LU | PDH: 1.0

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. Industry-wide Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) will be discussed for precast products.

Learning Objectives:

• 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.
• Understand fabrication techniques, erection procedures and transportation considerations.
• Understand design & detail considerations including connections & panel layout.
• Understand design economy considerations.

High Performance Precast Concrete Enclosure Systems

Level 2: Intermediate | Length: 1.0 Hour | Credits: AIA HSW 1.0 LU | PDH: 1.0

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
•  Explain thermal mass and how to use it to create more energy efficient buildings
•  Discuss moisture management methodologies

•  Understand insulated panel fabrication techniques, erection procedures and transportation considerations.
•  Understand R-values & insulation types as it related to building envelope performance.
•  Understand detail considerations including connections & panel layout for insulated panels.

Parking Structures Topics

Mixed-Use Applications for Precast Parking Structures

Level 2: Intermediate | Length: 1.0 Hour | Credits: AIA HSW 1.0 LU | PDH: 1.0

Designing High Performance Parking Structures

Level 2: Intermediate | Length: 1.0 Hour | Credits: AIA HSW 1.0 LU | PDH: 1.0

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

Precast Building System Topics

Building High Performance Educational Facilities

Level 2: Intermediate | Length: 1.0 Hour | Credits: AIA HSW 1.0 LU | PDH: 1.0

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

An Introduction to Precast Concrete Residential Housing

Level 2: Intermediate | Length: 1.0 Hour | Credits: AIA HSW 1.0 LU | PDH: 1.0

In this program, participants will learn the basics of using precast/prestressed concrete in multi-family housing. 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. discussed include: acoustic properties, fire safety, indoor environmental advantages of concrete, maintenance needs, speed of construction, and outdoor environmental properties (LEED).

Learning Objectives:

• Utilize the precast concrete design for sustainable housing.
• Identify structural concepts, including enclosure systems, used with precast concrete housing design
• Design efficiencies into precast concrete structures through the use standard design systems.

• Identify the design resources available to aid in designing single and multi-family housing using precast products.
• 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 how to integrate the precast structural system with other building systems. 

Designing Industrial Structures with Precast/Prestressed Concrete

Level 2: Intermediate | Length: 1.0 Hour | Credits: AIA HSW 1.0 LU | PDH: 1.0

After this course, participants will be more familiar with how precast concrete systems allow an industrial structure to meet the demands of heavy use and dynamic production advancement. Additionally, the program explores the use of precast concrete components for specific industrial, retail, and manufacturing applications that take advantage of precast concrete's fire-resistance and long roof span capabilities. Participants also discover benefits to the designer and owner in terms of increased durability, flexibility of design, high quality of manufactured products, versatility, high-performance, durable materials and speed of construction because precast components can be erected quickly once they arrive at the site.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and discuss the different industrial applications for precast, prestressed concrete systems.
• Discuss High Performance attributes of Precast concrete systems in Industrial structures
• Explain the benefits of using precast, prestressed concrete in industrial structures
• Make an informed material choice for your next industrial building design

Precast Bridge Topics

Accelerated Bridge Construction using Precast Concrete

Level 2: Intermediate | Length: 1.0 Hour | Credits: PDH: 1.0

Overview of the PCI Northeast ABC guidelines, which represent the recommended design and detailing of precast concrete substructures. The presentation will discuss the developed material in more detail and how it can be used for accelerated bridge construction projects. The guide details will assist designers in determining the appropriate solution for precast substructures in design and construction. 

Overview and update on the NEXT beam bridge applications. Review of all three variations NEXT “F”, “D” and “E” will be discussed. Several case studies will showcase the versatility of the beam for bridges and infrastructure applications. The PCI Northeast Technical Committee developed guidelines for the Northeast Deck Bulb Tees.  The goal of this new section, which has already been used in New York State and Massachusetts, is to provide a fast construction option for bridges with spans from 80 to 140 feet.  The section resembles a standard NEBT girder except it has a wider thicker top flange that is the deck.  Small closure pours are used to minimize field cast concrete. Precast Full Depth Deck Panels will also be reviewed.  Deck panels offer exceptional advantages in schedule and quality for new deck construction or replacement.  Full Depth deck panels are usually specified for accelerated projects where construction schedules must be reduced for building the deck.  

Overview of Topics:

• Precast Substructures
• NEXT and Bulb Tee Beams for Super Structures
• Full Depth Precast Panels for Deck Replacements.
• Case Study of Projects including details. 

Best Practices for Precast Concrete Bridge Construction

Level 2: Intermediate | Length: 1.5 Hour | Credits: PDH: 1.5

 This workshop will cover the Influence of Design Considerations on the Fabrication and Installation of Precast Concrete Bridge Elements and Systems.

Topics

• Discussion of Precast Superstructures Products:

  Box Beams/Deck Beams, Bulb Tee Girders, NEXT Beams, Full and Partial Depth Deck Panels

• Discussion of Design and Fabrication:

• Straight Strand Design versus Draped Strand
• Beam Reinforcement Details
• Skewed Elements - Production and Design Issues
• Storage, Shipping and Handling
• Closure Joints for ABC projects
• Precast Substructures
• Camber and Profile Management
• Tolerances
• Resolution of Non-Conformances

Learning Objectives

• Learn about available design resources and how to use them for a project.
• Understand how to design an efficient prestressed bridge element.
• Learn about different bridge elements and how to select the best member for the design.
• Understand best practices in fabrication when designing a precast prestressed elements.
• Review strategies for design and construction that will result in less issues and a more effective solution

Miscellaneous Topics

Precast/Prestressed Concrete 101

Level 1: Beginner | Length: 1.0 Hour | Credits: AIA HSW 1.0 LU | PDH: 1.0

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. 

Precast/Prestressed Plant Tour (1, 2, 3, 4 hours)

Length: 1.0 Hour | Credits: 1.0 PDH; Length: 2.0 Hour | Credits: 2 PDH; Length: 3.0 Hour | Credits: 3 PDH; Length: 4.0 Hour | Credits: 4 PDH

Attendees will observe firsthand how designs and engineering details are executed in the precast manufacturing process. They will also observe the entire precast and prestressed manufacturing process from engineering and connections, forms set-up, casting and finishing. Attendees will gain a better understanding of precast and prestressed capabilities and related quality issues. Attendees will learn how precast fits within the entire building system and how to specify precast concrete accurately and safely.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the wellness/welfare aspects of precast concrete as a building material.
• Explain how the precast concrete production process applies sustainability concepts.
• Discuss the quality control procedures endemic to the precast concrete production process.
• Implement sustainable precast design and manufacturing concepts to their own production processes.