IIBEC Online Education

In the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, several disciplines have seen how small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) or drones can make critical, and sometimes dangerous, tasks more efficient, precise, and accessible. This includes using drones to perform thermal imaging scans to detect air, moisture, and heat leakage from a building enclosure—the glass, concrete, insulation, and other materials separating the inside and outside environments. Leaky buildings can be costly and dangerous, leading to damaged finishes, increased energy costs, and mold growth within walls and roofs. Infrared thermography is a relatively cost-effective, easy-to-use, non-destructive tool for these types of conditions, but requires expert interpretation. SGH has implemented the use of drones on many projects, and by using drone technology, AEC professionals can get detailed results to make informed recommendations that address underlying building concerns. In this paper/presentation, we will explore how the AEC industry has implemented drone use to conduct thermal imaging scans of buildings, discuss some of the nuances with using drones around building enclosures, and discuss the differences compared to handheld scanning techniques. We will review industry standards and guidelines and share common project challenges and opportunities through a series of case studies. Kelsey Dunn, PE Simpson Gumpertz ​&​ Heger | Boston, MA Kelsey A. Dunn joined SGH in September of 2013 and is a senior staff engineer in SGH’s building technology group in Boston, MA. Dunn has been involved in a variety of projects involving investigation, design, and construction administration for existing building repair projects, rehabilitation of historic buildings, and new construction building-enclosure consulting. She has performed many partial and whole-building infrared scans using both the handheld and sUAS/drones while at SGH. Christopher Grey, PE Simpson Gumpertz ​&​ Heger | Boston, MA Christopher N. Grey joined SGH in 2011 and is a senior project manager in SGH’s building technology group in Boston, MA. His experience includes investigating, rehabilitating, and designing building enclosure systems on a wide range of project types, from historic buildings to contemporary high-rise structures. He specializes in the design, integration, construction administration, and in-situ testing of complex building enclosure systems with a focus on design efficiency, constructability, and performance. He works directly with architects, owners, contractors, and manufacturers in both the field and office through all project phases. Grey has performed many partial- and whole-building infrared scans, assists with managing SGH’s internal sUAS/drone usage and standards, is a certified sUAS Level I Thermographer, and also a contributing member of the American Architectural Manufacturer’s Association, serving on several industry standard task groups. Read more

This presentation was initially provided at the 2021 Convention and Tradeshow in Phoenix, Arizona Do you get projects that may involve steep roofs? The Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI) has inspected hundreds of steep roofs as part of its Wind Investigation Program (WIP). These post-hurricane investigations have led to a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the wind performance of metal panel, tile, and asphalt shingle roofs. This presentation will discuss the systems, strengths, and detail where consultants and inspectors can focus to ensure a wind-resistant steep roof. Since the inception of the RICOWI WIP in 1996, there has been wind tunnel, full-scale and laboratory-designed wind research and testing. This research has resulted in better products and systems, but the fury and duration of hurricanes test every aspect of design and installation. Using photos from six WIP investigations, participants will see how systems have improved and where more attention is needed. This information can be used to design roofs for all climates and wind zones. David Roodvoets DLR Consultants | Tampa, FL David Roodvoets has had a leadership role in all six RICOWI hurricane investigations. He has worked with ARMA on asphalt shingle wind resistance and test standards and has been involved with post-storm wind damage investigations for 40 years. Roodvoets has worked with wind research engineers in testing of asphalt shingles, vegetative systems, photovoltaic systems, single-ply, and ballasted roof systems. As a result, manufacturers have incorporated improved design and installation requirements, and changes have been developed, advocated for, and incorporated into the ICC family of codes.   Read more

These 3 sessions were originally presented at the 2023 IIBEC International Convention & Trade Show in Houston, Texas.  The courses include the recording of the session, a summative assessment consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions, and surveys required to claim continuing education credit. The bundle includes the following courses:  Durability, The Forgotten Pillar of Sustainability Increasing Sustainability in the PVC Low Slope Roof Market Through Recycling Enhancing Building Efficiency and Resilience with Solar-Reflective Walls Read more

This presentation initially took place at IIBEC's 2022 International Convention and Trade Show in Orlando, Florida. Although there is currently no ASTM method specifically for testing built-up and modified bitumen (bituminous) roof systems for hail-caused damage, laboratories routinely test bituminous roof systems for hail-caused damage. This presentation discusses the ASTM test methods that are commonly referenced in these laboratory testing reports. This presentation also includes findings from research the author’s company has performed using ASTM D3746, Standard Test Method for Impact Resistance of Bituminous Roofing Systems, to illustrate what hail-caused damage of bituminous roofs looks like and to compare our ASTM D3746 test results to actual hail-caused damage to bituminous roofs. The intent is to provide exemplar photographic examples for visual comparative purposes. Stephen L. Patterson, RRC, PE ROOFTECH | Fort Worth, TX Stephen L. Patterson has been in the roofing industry for almost 50 years. He founded Roof Technical Services Inc. (ROOFTECH) in 1983 and has been an active consulting engineer and roof consultant ever since. ROOFTECH has provided laboratory testing, including testing for hail damage, since the late 1980s. Patterson has been technical director/director of engineering for two roofing manufacturers and managed a roof contracting company for four years. Read more

This course was initially presented at the 2021 International Convention and Tradeshow. There have been significant developments in methods to quantitatively evaluate building enclosure thermal bridging. While these tools are available to the industry, it is apparent that many project teams do not know how to efficiently incorporate thermal bridging analysis as part of project design. As project teams are incorporating target value design and lean principles through an integrated project delivery, a thermal bridging analysis can bring huge value to the project. An effective analysis quantitatively identifies thermal performance and condensation risk, while working with the project team to determine the most cost-effective approach to meet the project goals. The thermal analysis can be reconciled with the owner’s project requirements, energy modeling, and HVAC design to realize the full value. This presentation will summarize the technical aspects of thermal bridging while using case studies to show how the process is used effectively to achieve maximum value. Elisa Cheung, PE Morrison Hershfield | Dallas, TX Elisa Cheung is a building science consultant and professional engineer with an education from one of Canada’s top universities. She has over four years of technical experience working on a variety of projects in the building design and construction industry. Her building enclosure project experience includes condition assessments, nondestructive and exploratory investigation, remedial design and construction administration, diagnostic water testing, and consulting on new construction projects. Cheung is passionate about her projects and loves problem-solving to help her clients meet project performance goals. Rick Ziegler, RRC, RRO, PE Morrison Hershfield | Dallas, TX Rick Ziegler is a professional engineer with over a decade of experience in the design, construction, and rehabilitation of the building enclosure. His technical expertise is broad but specifically includes thermal bridging analysis, energy code compliance, and roofing/waterproofing. Rick has consulted on existing buildings and new construction projects across all market sectors throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. Read more

The design, installation, repair, or retrofitting of a metal roof is a complex process that requires skill and patience. The first segment of this presentation will provide learners with a better understanding of the different types of metal roofing, testing practices, and site conditions that are not always a one-size-fits-all when determining the manufacturing process of the metal roof. In his second and third presentations, our speaker will share his wealth of knowledge regarding metal roofing and provide the learners with invaluable tips and tricks relating to design installation, repair, or retrofitting metal roofs.   Read more