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Design with Assurance:
No Wait for Lightweight (ISL03M)

Course Description

Since the 1920s, designers and owners have benefited from the use of structural lightweight concrete. Unfortunately, over the past few decades, some designers have turned away from specifying structural lightweight due to incomplete evaluation of the full life cycle benefits of lightweight aggregate concrete, and substantial misunderstandings surrounding concrete moisture vapor emissions as compared to normal weight concrete slabs.

During this course we will explore the full sustainable aspects conveyed through the use of lightweight aggregate concrete and illustrate to the attendee how lightweight structural concrete is the sustainable design option. Further, we will discuss the need, and associated benefits, of implementing a systemic approach to designing structural slabs in conjunction with subsequent flooring, coating, or roofing materials.

Learning Objectives

  • 1. Discuss the beneficial attributes of structural lightweight concrete.
  • 2. Recognize the requirement to design the structural slab as a system with subsequent flooring, coatings, and roofing.
  • 3. Contrast the current approach for testing for concrete moisture against the principles of sustainability
  • 4. Specify appropriate sustainable design processes to maximize the benefits of structural lightweight concrete while proactively addressing concrete moisture vapor emissions.
  • 5. Calculate the time, financial, and sustainable design impacts of specifying a structural lightweight concrete slab system warranted against moisture vapor emission

Course Outline

  • Why Lightweight Concrete?
  • How do flooring and roofing interact with the concrete slab?
  • Why are we testing the slab for moisture?
  • Maximize the benefits of LWC while addressing moisture vapor emissions.
  • Calculate the design impacts of specifying a structural lightweight concrete slab system warranted against moisture vapor emission
  • Q & A

Note:

Credit(s) earned on completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.

This course is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.