 |
|
2010 ADA - A Primer for Small Business
|
$35.00 |
This 1 hour course provides general guidance to help business owners understand how to comply with the Department of Justice’s Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and the 2010 Standards, the design standards for accessible buildings. The ADA applies to both the built environment and to policies and procedures that affect how a business provides goods and services to its customers. Using this guidance, small business owners or managers can ensure that they will not unintentionally exclude people with disabilities and will know when they need to remove barriers in existing facilities.
|
|
|
2010 ADA - A Primer for State and Local Governments
|
$35.00 |
This 1 hour course provides general guidance to assist State and local governments in understanding and complying with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The Department of Justice revised its regulations implementing the ADA in September 2010. The new rules clarify issues that arose over the previous 20 years and contain new requirements, including the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010 Standards).
|
|
|
2010 ADA - Accessibility Standards - Chapters 1-2
|
$150.00 |
|
The Department of Justice published revised regulations for Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 "ADA" in the Federal Register on September 15, 2010. These regulations adopted revised, enforceable accessibility standards called the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design "2010 Standards" or "Standards". The 2010 Standards set minimum requirements - both scoping and technical - for newly designed and constructed or altered State and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
This 5 hour course covers chapters 1-2 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Chapter 1 covers application & administration. Chapter 2 covers scoping requirements. The revised Titles II and III are included as an appendix to the course.
|
|
|
2010 ADA - Accessibility Standards - Chapters 3-4
|
$65.00 |
|
Disabilities Act of 1990 "ADA" in the Federal Register on September 15, 2010. These regulations adopted revised, enforceable accessibility standards called the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design "2010 Standards" or "Standards". The 2010 Standards set minimum requirements - both scoping and technical - for newly designed and constructed or altered State and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
This 2 hour course covers chapters 3-4 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Chapter 3 covers Building Blocks. Chapter 4 covers Accessible Routes. The revised Titles II and III are included as an appendix to the course.
|
|
|
2010 ADA - Accessibility Standards - Chapters 5-10
|
$150.00 |
|
The Department of Justice published revised regulations for Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 "ADA" in the Federal Register on September 15, 2010. These regulations adopted revised, enforceable accessibility standards called the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design "2010 Standards" or "Standards". The 2010 Standards set minimum requirements – both scoping and technical – for newly designed and constructed or altered State and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
This course covers chapters 5-10 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Chapter 5 covers General Site and Building Elements. Chapter 6 covers Plumbing Elements and Facilities. Chapter 7 covers Communication Elements and Features. Chapter 8 covers Special Rooms, Spaces and Elements. Chapter 9 covers Built-In Elements. Chapter 10 covers Recreation Facilities.
|
|
|
2010 ADA - Title II & Title III
|
$35.00 |
|
The Department of Justice published revised regulations for Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 "ADA" in the Federal Register on September 15, 2010. These regulations adopted revised, enforceable accessibility standards called the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design "2010 Standards" or "Standards". The 2010 Standards set minimum requirements – both scoping and technical – for newly designed and constructed or altered State and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
This 1 hour course covers Title II and Title III of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Title II covers New Construction and Alterations for State and Local Government facilities. Title III covers Public Accommodations and Commercial facilities.
|
|
|
2023 Advanced Florida Building Code (8th Edition) - Fire Protection - FBC# 689.3
|
$35.00 |
This online course is designed to provide contractors, architects and engineers with an overview of the technical requirements contained in Chapter 7, Fire and Smoke Protection Features, of the Florida Building Code, Building Volume. This course will also assist code users in identifying specific code changes that have occurred in the 8th Edition (2023) of the code and to understand the reasons behind the changes.
|
|
|
2023 Advanced Florida Building Code (8th Edition) - Means of Egress - FBC# 1144.0
|
$35.00 |
This course is designed to provide contractors, architects and engineers with an overview of the technical requirements contained in Chapter 10, Means of Egress, of the Florida Building Code, Building Volume. This course will also assist code users in identifying specific code changes that have occurred in the 8th Edition (2023) of the code and to understand specific aspects of the changes.
|
|
|
2023 Advanced Florida Building Code, 8th Edition - Accessibility FBC # 970.1
|
$65.00 |
|
As one of the codes governing construction in the State of Florida, the 2023 Florida Building Code, Accessibility, 8th Edition has been released for public viewing. Since its inception, this code has included by reference, the architectural accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and was since upgraded to be in compliance with the 2010 ADA Standards and the Federal ADA Rules. But as with any set of guidelines, as real life circumstances and questions arise, portions are tweaked and content is added to answer or address situations that arose.
This course will address select changes that have been incorporated along the way, which have resulted in the most current publication of the accessibility code. Where opportunity exists for confusion, portions of the original ADA standards will be included. Commentary has also been added to help clarify why many changes were most likely implemented, to better accomplish the task of making buildings accessible for the citizens of Florida.
The goal of this course is to promote a thorough understanding of how these accessibility guidelines are to be implemented. A commitment by design professionals to do so, is the best way to make entire aspects of public life available to increasing numbers of citizens, whose enjoyment of the same has been made difficult by some level of disability.
|
|
|
A Closer Look at Dirt
|
$65.00 |
|
The substance we call dirt, on which we build the structures we inhabit, is
comprised of far more than meets the eye. Before beginning design, we should
investigate to determine whether a site will actually meet our project needs.
Analysis and testing are required to determine if on-site soils are adequate for
the needs of each construction project.
Such investigation might reveal the soil is inadequate to meet our
requirements. If so, another site may need to be located. On the site in
question, we can also explore ways to stabilize or modify the soil. Alternately,
we can remove and replace it with higher quality soil. A fourth option is to
change the standard way we design foundations. Alternative means can be
engineered to either distribute weight across poor performing soils, or carry
the building load down to below the inadequate soil.
The choice of response to inadequate soils has an impact on overall
construction expenses. A complete evaluation must include cost comparisons of
all options. That evaluation must begin with the analysis and testing of the
soil.
|
|
|
Access Management
|
$35.00 |
|
Access management is the control of connection points, median openings and signal spacings on the highway system to improve safety and maintain mobility.
This course provides a basic background knowledge of the history, development and purpose of access management. It reviews the Access Management Classification System. Specifics of the classification system are provided such as corner property access, how to determine measurements, existing and modified connections and joint use connections.
Design of medians is discussed to reduce the number of conflict points with the use of bi-directional left turn lanes and raised medians.
The requirements for driveway connections are discussed. The number of conflict points as it relates to the type of median opening are outlined. Signal spacing requirements are addressed. Driveway design covers geometrics, placement and throat length.
|
|
|
Accessibility - It's Ins and Outs
|
$65.00 |
|
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers various aspects of providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in the workplace, like ensuring accessibility in public spaces, transportation and communication services. The ability to use any facility begins in the parking areas used by occupants, and consists of the parking spaces, curb cuts, walkways, stairs, ramps and other pathways, by which building users exit their vehicles and make their way to the building. Inside, accessibility paths include entry doors, hallways, elevators and so forth, the interior streets and paths used to move through the facility. Accessibility concerns include far more than just physical mobility issues, but for the purpose of this 2 hour course, that is where we will focus. What do we need to do, to let physically challenged occupants get in and get out?
|
|
|
Accessibility for Correctional Institutions
|
$35.00 |
Many inmates in state and local correctional facilities have mobility disabilities and need to be housed in accessible cells. Yet, some correctional facilities do not have enough cells that are accessible to inmates with disabilities. Federal laws protect people with disabilities from discrimination by state and local governments, including entities that own or operate correctional facilities. All such entities are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and those that receive Federal funds are also covered by section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
This 1 hour course focuses on the prevention of discrimination against inmates with mobility and other disabilities, through the design and use of accessible correctional and justice facilities.
|
|
|
Accessibility for the Blind
|
$65.00 |
The ADA requires that state and local governments,
businesses and nonprofit organizations, communicate effectively with those who
are disabled.
Approximately 18.4% of all U.S. adults are blind or have
"some" or "a lot" of difficulty seeing, even when wearing corrective lenses. So,
we have developed ways to better assist those with vision-related disabilities.
Most forms of accommodation are simple in nature,
including the implementation and use of technology and / or the implementation
of better policies and procedures. They just require willingness on the part of
staff, employers and public servants, to set them in place.
In this 2 hour course, we will explore our mandate to
do so.
|
|
|
Accessibility for the Hard of Hearing
|
$35.00 |
|
The ADA requires that state and local governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations, communicate effectively with those who are disabled. About twenty percent of us live with some level of hearing loss. So, necessity has forced the creation of better ways to communicate with those who are deaf. These have resulted in multiple auxiliary aids and services.
From discreet hearing loops to advanced wireless connectivity systems, ALDs offers a variety of options to improve communication and ensure accessibility. ALS systems do the same. Interpreters, signage and technological advances in machinery, have all emerged as solutions. In this 1 hour course these solutions will be discussed. When organizations invest in any of these solutions, they demonstrate their commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all of their customers, even those who have not yet come through their doors.
|
|
|
Accessibility for Voters
|
$35.00 |
|
Voting is one of our nation's most fundamental rights and a hallmark of our democracy. Voting in-person on Election Day is the way most Americans cast their ballot and vote, but for far too long, many voters with disabilities who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices have had difficulties getting inside polling places to vote, because of architectural barriers. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public entities to ensure that people with disabilities can access and use their voting facilities. This course provides a brief discussion of physical barriers to access in five commonly found areas at polling places: parking, sidewalks and walkways, building entrances, interior hallways, and the voting area itself
|
|
|
Accessibility in Businesses
|
$65.00 |
|
The Americans with Disabilities Act was designed to ensure that an estimated 42 million Americans, who currently live with a disability, will be able to live fuller lives. The ADA mandates that businesses make their services accessible to all. Its regulations encompass a wide range of establishments, both public and private. Besides their moral obligations, businesses also face financial and legal consequences for not complying with accessibility standards detailed in this course. Should business considerations carry more weight than legal compliance or morality, consider this. More than 50 million Americans, roughly18% of our population, have disabilities and are all potential customers who patronize businesses that welcome disabled customers. 71.5 million rapidly aging baby boomers will soon be demanding products, services and environments that meet their physical needs. When they find businesses where they can shop, or get services in an accessible manner, they will become repeat customers. Society wins when ADA provisions are implemented. So do the businesses which do so.
|
|
|
Accessibility in General
|
$35.00 |
|
There are thousands of pages of information available on accessibility standards. They are difficult to wade through to assimilate them.
This 1 hour course presents a synopsis of the laws which govern accessibility of the built environment, for people who are handicapped. With a few minor exceptions, none of these regulations are suggestions. Compliance is mandatory to both obtain regulatory approvals and avoid increasingly successful litigation. Review and assessment of these regulations regarding accessibility should be part of almost any design project.
|
|
|
Accessibility in Paving and Parking Areas
|
$35.00 |
|
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990. Subsequent laws, regulations, statutes and codes, all based upon the ADA, have been passed since then. The amount of confusion generated, regarding how compliance with them is made, is evident by the subsequent publication of multiple sources of guidance, on the exact interpretation of those laws.
This 1 hour course is intended to focus primarily on one subject, contained within the myriads of access legislation. Here we will look at the paving, on which the disabled must travel, to even arrive at facilities which will hopefully also be accessible for their use. We will first examine transitions from public roadways to public walkways. Parking areas at publicly funded facilities will be discussed. We will then conclude with the requirements placed by the ADA, on the owners of private parking areas.
|
|
|
ADA Paths - Part 1 - No One Left Behind
|
$150.00 |
|
In September of 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice published the "2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design," a comprehensive set of standards about designing buildings to facilitate their use by the handicapped. The publication contained two parts, one establishing accessibility laws for facilities built with public funds, and one providing guidelines for public buildings built by private entities. Since that time, numerous model codes, building codes and published standards have been released, based in part or in whole on those standards, creating some confusion as to what exactly is required.
The standards themselves have been grouped into nine categories of information, roughly following the path used to gain access to and use facilities. This course is an overview of the first one portion of the guidelines and their intent. It begins with the creation of the standards and their applicability as regulations. The rest then focuses on additional standards addressing accessible parking facilities and accessible building entryways. Guidelines for paths through buildings are laid out, as well as changes needed to continue using specific space. It covers making it possible for the disabled to get parked, get inside and navigate inside our structures.
Hopefully, the resulting information will be of use in designing public accommodations and commercial facilities, making them readily accessible to, and usable by individuals with disabilities.
|
|
|
ADA Paths - Part 2 - Communication and Recreation
|
$100.00 |
|
In September of 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice published a comprehensive set of standards on designing buildings to facilitate their use by the handicapped. The regulations were titled “2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.” The anacronym referred to the “Americans with Disabilities Act,” previously passed in 1990. The 2010 publication clarified what was being requested from designers, by that earlier legislation. It included 275 pages of suggestions, including some graphic illustrations showing how to meet requested design goals.
We will look at those ADA standards and illustrations and summarize as best as possible, how to meet their intent. An earlier course examined pathways from parking, into and through buildings and spaces. This second part will examine the remaining regulations covering making equipment, appliances, and hardware more usable for the disabled, communication features to accommodate the handicapped, surface finishes that make the use of space safer and recreational facilities that provide equal access to enjoyable pursuits.
|
|
|
Addressing the Envelope
|
$65.00 |
|
Water can find its way into buildings through various means, over which we have
only limited influence. However, we can minimize the entry of excessive water
most of the time. We carefully select materials used to construct our buildings'
protective sheaths, shielding residents from potential water intrusion.
There are several ways to prevent rain penetration. Some are basic, like
single-line-of-defense systems known as face-seal walls. However, more effective
solutions involve multi-layer defense assemblies, possibly including a
rainscreen with a ventilated air gap and waterproof membrane.
Ultimately, success of any of these approaches will depend on the building
materials chosen. So, this course will explore common building envelope
components that are currently available to contractors. We will do so one layer
at a time as we work our way inwards.
|
|
|
Advanced Leadership for Engineers
|
$100.00 |
Advanced Leadership for Engineers will greatly benefit every engineer and technical employee that has aspirations to advance within their companies, or to take their resumes to the next level. This course defines the principles as well as the qualities necessary to assume a leadership role. This course then goes one step further by explaining how this leadership role becomes a strategy for advancement into the management hierarchy of the company.
|
|
|
Aging in Place - Eliminating Traps
|
$125.00 |
|
In millions of homes across our country, and in the homes of people we love, existing residences are slowly but surely becoming prisons for their occupants. This happens as the aging process inevitably removes our ability to successfully navigate stairs and perform daily tasks required to live and survive independent. Societal options exist to move from private residences into congregate living facilities, where oversight and care are offered at various levels for those facing challenges. But few are interested in thus surrendering their independence. We prefer to just age-in-place.
It is possible to remain at home as physical and / or mental deterioration makes doing so more challenging. Given the amount of research that preceded establishing design standards to accommodate the handicapped, new structures can be designed which are far more user friendly to the elderly. Changes to existing homes can also be made in incremental steps as needs arise, just not as efficiently as doing so from scratch.
The knowledge and technology to enable our elders to stay at home are well established. All that is lacking are finances to do so, the time to do so, the will to do so and wide-spread dissemination of knowledge on how to do so.
The last of those issues is addressed in this work.
|
|
|
AI (Artificial Intelligence) in Design for Engineers and Architects
|
$35.00 |
Artificial intelligence has arrived in the engineering and architectural
professions. It is an emerging computer science based technology that is
poised to transform the design and engineering profession. As we enter this
next frontier of engineering technology, it is essential to understand what AI
is and how it offers unique solutions to advance the productivity,
profitability and performance of the design activities of engineers and
architects. AI-powered tools are becoming integral to the design phase of
design projects. Generative design, an AI-driven process, allows architects
and engineers to input specific design goals and constraints, such as materials,
budget, and building codes, to obtain a range of optimized design options. This
approach speeds up the design process and ensures that the final plans are more
efficient and cost-effective.
|
|
|
AI and Calculus: Mathematical Functions that Power Machine Learning
|
$35.00 |
Calculus is the foundational mathematics for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). It enables algorithms to learn, optimize, and improve by analyzing continuous change. As we enter this next frontier of engineering technology, it is essential to understand what AI is and how it offers unique solutions to advance the productivity, profitability and performance of the design activities of engineers and architects. It is important to have a firm grip on the basics of Calculus because it is foundational to AI and other mathematically intense pursuits. Calculus is used very little by many engineers, and it is problematic that their skills with the discipline may have grown rusty from disuse. The basics of functions used in Calculus will be revisited in this course.
|
|
|
AI Tools for Engineers
|
$35.00 |
The quantity of very useful and helpful Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools numbers into the hundreds, if not thousands. AI tools offer many advantages for engineers and designers when approaching a new project. There has been intense focus on AI’s ability to do writing and coding. However, AI excels in areas requiring human input for the more visual tasks of designing. AI is associated with a plethora of new terms which may be confusing or overwhelming at first. This course provides context and meaning to some of these new terms. It also includes curated lists of AI tools for a variety of applications.
|
|
|
Alaska Pipeline
|
$100.00 |
|
American engineers achieved phenomenal success by creating the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, a project that many thought was almost impossible for a variety of reasons. Not only was the climate against them, but they also had to deal with the environment, the ecology, mountain ranges, and precipitous canyons at every turn. This latest course in the series of America's Greatest Projects and Their Engineers once again describes the nearly overwhelming challenges that were encountered by the engineers as well as the construction teams.
This 4 hour course, however, offers more insight and considerably more drama due to the fact that the author had access to the daily journals of those who actually performed the project tasks. Nevertheless, this course discusses the engineering challenges of the 1970's and how they relate to the basic concepts of modern engineering.
|
|
|
Aluminum
|
$35.00 |
This course is an overview of the basics of aluminum, its source, production,
applications and chemical and physical characteristics. This course is a
refresher for the experienced design engineer and a primer for those new to
metallurgy. Included in this course are descriptions of the metal, its
refining, the methods of working into various products, the
hardening/strengthening processes and some examples of successful applications
of aluminum. The various aluminum alloys, their differences and common
applications are described.
|
|
|
Applied Ethics for Engineers Part I
|
$100.00 |
Using case studies, this 3 hour course takes a practical approach to examining the role of ethics in the professional life of an engineer. We will examine the ethical dimensions associated with bidding, contracts, whistleblowing, and more.
|
|
|
Applied Ethics for Engineers Part II
|
$100.00 |
This is the second 3 hour course in Applied Ethics for Engineers. Although it shares similarities with Applied Ethics for Engineers Part I, this course stands alone and can be taken independently of the first course. This course explains ethical theory and applies it to engineering ethics. Select case studies illustrate important ethical issues. Specific cases are interpreted and analyzed in light of the engineering code of ethics.
|
|
|
Applied Ethics for Engineers Part III
|
$35.00 |
|
This is a self-standing, one-hour course that focuses on applied ethics for engineers. More than focusing on philosophical ethics or normative theory, it discusses ethical decision-making as well as four cases to help you understand and apply the NSPE Code of Ethics. After giving an overview of the DASDA method of ethical decision-making, the case studies are analyzed.
Although this course shares similarities with Applied Ethics for Engineers Part I and Part II, it can be taken independently of them. Some material on the nature of codes, engineering ethics, and ethical theory has been assimilated into this course. However, the courses are significantly different in the case studies chosen to illustrate the ethical theories.
|
|
|
Applied Ethics for Engineers Part IV
|
$35.00 |
This self-standing, one-hour course on applied ethics for engineers. Rather than focusing on ethical theory, it takes a practical, applied approach. It discusses ethical decision-making as well as several cases to help you understand and apply the NSPE Code of Ethics. After examining ethical decision-making, the case studies are analyzed.
Although the topic overlaps with Applied Ethics for Engineers Part I, II, and III, it can be taken on its own. It covers the nature of codes, engineering ethics, and ethical theory. This course discusses and explores new case studies.
|
|
|
ASCE - Ethics Guidelines for Professional Conduct
|
$35.00 |
This 1 hour course presents ethics guidelines for engineers. The guidelines have been developed for everyday use by engineers as they encounter common situations in their jobs. The course is based on an American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) document adapted from a standards-of-business-conduct document developed by a private company. Thus the course is useful not only to civil engineers but also to engineers in other fields.
|
|
|
ASME Professional Engineering Ethics
|
$65.00 |
Many engineering organizations have drafted codes of ethics to which their members are required to commit. Generally, these codes are quite similar and are based on a few fundamental principles which provide guidance to professional engineers in common situations. Nevertheless, there are many difficult or ambiguous situations in which the best ethical solution is difficult to determine. In this 2 hour course, background on the philosophical models that guide ethical behavior is discussed and then applied to specific situations in engineering codes of ethics. This course is based on the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Professional Practice Curriculum, Volume 8, Section: Engineering Ethics.
|
|
|
Avoidable Construction Disasters
|
$35.00 |
|
Potential disasters abound at so many points along the path to completion of just about any construction project. If the unpredictable nature of nature doesn't throw a wrench into the work then there is equipment and materials that aren't always reliable or foolproof. When all else has been accounted for and compensated for, there will still remain the human elements of inexperience, haste and our ill-considered exuberance for finding short-cuts and work-arounds. This course explores some of the many obstacles that have tripped up others, so they can be avoided in our own pursuits of excellence.
|
|
|
Basic Knowledge of Steel; What you should know
|
$35.00 |
This course, Basic Knowledge of Steel, is an overview of the basics of steel, its production, applications and characteristics. This course is a refresher for the experienced design engineer and a primer for those new to metallurgy. Included in this course are descriptions of the most common steel producing methods and the basic differences between carbon and alloy steels. The various alloying elements are described and their effects on the steel reviewed. Steel selection criteria are discussed and examples of problems created and solved by choices of material are included. Examples of some steel grading systems are included.
|
|
|
Basics of Instrumentation
|
$35.00 |
|
The topic of instrumentation is about the tools we use to detect, qualify and
quantify physical phenomena. The measurement and interpretation of physical
phenomena has been at the root of all technological advancement since mankind
began to study the world. Scientific experimentation would have required
intuition and guesswork without knowing the values of temperature, distance,
volume, mass, current flow, voltage, etc. This course is an overview of physical
properties and phenomena and the methods and units of measure used to quantify
them.
Included in this course are descriptions of measurable phenomena and the
values we derive from them. Various measuring devices and instruments are
described.
|
|
|
Basics of Petroleum Production Chemistry
|
$175.00 |
|
This 6 hour course provides a comprehensive review of basic petroleum production chemistry, emphasizing its critical role in oil and gas manufacturing and delivery. Students will explore how chemical management strategies optimize hydrocarbon recovery, maintain asset integrity, and improve operational efficiency. The course covers fluid properties, production system behavior, and key chemistry-related challenges that can impact productivity and safety. Through case study and real-world applications, participants will gain insight into the mechanisms of corrosion, scaling, emulsion stabilization and hydrate formation. Practical approaches to diagnosing and mitigating production problems using chemical solutions will also be discussed.
|
|
|
Belt Filter Presses
|
$175.00 |
This 6 hour course is an introduction and overview of belt filter presses which are used in commercial and municipal applications. Course describes belt filter presses and their main characteristics and features and how they differ from other types of liquid-solid separation devices. Course itemizes and describes the main types of belt filter presses and their main components and accessory systems, such as the working zones of the press, the types of rollers used, drives, belt cleaning, belt guidance. Safety issues, guarding and process controls and alarms are discussed.
|
|
|
Bicycle Planning Safety
|
$65.00 |
|
The purpose of this course is to provide guidelines for planning of safe on-road and shared use bicycle facilities. It will provide planners and designers the information to develop the safest most efficient facilities possible.
Roadway design standards are discussed as they relate to incorporating the design of bicycle facilities into roadway projects.
There is a growing need for designers, citizens and others to have a common vocabulary, common concepts and common knowledge of successful bicyclist systems and facilities in different places. Bicycling facilities planning is still not offered in most college and university curricula. This omission results in a wide variance in planning and design concepts, facilities placement and final design by individual designers.
We have become such a nation of specialists. Many planners lack the opportunity to see a project from concept to concrete. This lack of continuity is complicated by the tendency of planners to be assigned a vast territory, which means they rarely live in the neighborhood or even in the city they are helping to design. A consultant in Atlanta, Georgia may be completing a plan for a project in Ft. Myers, Florida. This course allows all of us to have a common general knowledge of how bicycling facilities work. In this way specific projects are more likely to do what they are intended to do – serve the public with well planned, well located, affordable, safe, secure and friendly environments.
|
|
|
Biodeterioration of Wood
|
$35.00 |
|
Under proper conditions, wood can provide centuries of service. However, wood
must be protected from wood-degrading organisms. The organisms that can degrade
wood are principally fungi, insects, bacteria, and marine borers.
Chemical stains, although they are not caused by organisms, are mentioned
in this course, since they resemble the stains caused by fungi. Wood must also
be protected from destructive insects. Termites are the major wood destroying
insect, but on a national scale, they do less damage than fungi.
Wood biodeterioration has been studied extensively. This course introduces
highlights of some of those studies along with some of the most well-known and
widely practiced protective measures.
|
|
|
Biological Wastewater Treatment
|
$125.00 |
|
The activated sludge process is very widely used for biological wastewater treatment. This 4 hour course includes background on biological wastewater treatment, a general description of the activated sludge process, information about several variations of the activated sludge process, discussion of design calculations for an activated sludge aeration tank, and discussion of activated sludge operational calculations. Example calculations and discussion of using an Excel spreadsheet for making the calculations are also included.
This course provides discussion of and detailed examples of process design calculations for a single stage BOD removal MBBR system, a two-stage BOD removal MBBR system, a single stage tertiary nitrification MBBR system, a two-stage BOD removal/Nitrification MBBR system a post-anoxic denitrification MBBR system and a pre-anoxic denitrification MBBR system.
This course includes discussion of process design calculations for the membrane module used in an MBR system, for an MBR aeration tank designed to provide BOD removal and nitrification, and for a pre-anoxic tank to go with an MBR BOD removal and nitrification system.
This course is intended primarily for civil engineers, environmental engineers, and chemical engineers. After completing this course you will be familiar with the common variations of the activated sludge process used for biological wastewater treatment and be able to make typical aeration tank design and operational calculations.
|
|
|
Bolts, Nuts and Joints
|
$35.00 |
This course is an overview of the basics of threaded fasteners and bolted joint
design. The lesson explores some of the theory underlying the design of
successful bolted joints, including a detailed examination of what happens to
the load on a bolt when external forces are applied. The effects of tightening
torque on the bolt are discussed. Included in this course are descriptions of
common nut, bolt and washer configurations and their main characteristics. The
lesson does not contain tables of nut and bolt dimensions.
|
|
|
Brakes - Friction and Non-friction with Actuation and Control
|
$65.00 |
|
This course is an introduction and overview of friction and non-friction brakes as used on vehicles and machinery. Section 1 describes the various constructions of friction brake designs, the advantages of each and operating characteristics. Section 1 identifies and explains the three primary functional requirements of friction brakes and itemizes and describes the main types of drum brakes and several applications. Disk brakes are compared to drum brakes. Basic friction brake calculations are described and explained.
Section 2 describes the various devices and methods, other than friction brakes, to control the speed of vehicles and machinery. It shows the advantages of retarders over friction brakes. It explores the development of dynamic braking on large off-highway haulage trucks and its applications to other vehicles. Section 2 also describes the main features and principles of operation of retarders of various types, including water brakes, eddy current brakes, compression release brakes, hydrostatic drive brakes and exhaust brakes. The difference between brakes and retarders is explained.
Section 3 describes the various means to apply and control brakes on vehicles. It explores the development of brake control systems from manually applied mechanical systems to full power hydraulic braking systems. Included in the discussion are mechanical brakes, manual hydraulic brakes, vacuum assisted brakes, air brakes, air over hydraulic brakes and full power hydraulic brakes. Anti-lock brake systems (ABS) are also introduced and briefly discussed.
Section 4 is a reference to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for Brakes.
|
|
|
Braking Dynamics
|
$35.00 |
The course describes the various basic calculations in brake design. It explores the phenomena of kinetic energy conversion, braking force distribution, straight line braking, braking on a curve, weight transfer and scrub radius torque effects. Both drum and disk brakes are discussed. Causes and remedies for common brake problems are described. Course explains how centrifugal force affects braking force distribution when braking on a curve. Course itemizes the main causes of brake pull and brake vibrations.
|
|
|
Bridge Inspector's Manual (FHWA) Part III: History of Bridge Inspection Programs
|
$35.00 |
|
The Federal Highway Administration’s Bridge Inspector’s Reference Manual (BIRM) is a comprehensive manual on programs, procedures, and techniques for inspecting and evaluating a variety of in-service highway bridges. BIRM serves as the basis of a comprehensive National Highway Institute training program in bridge-safety inspection. This 1 hour course is based on BIRM’s Section 1, Bridge Inspection Programs, and discusses:
1) the history of the National Bridge Inspection Program
2) responsibilities of the bridge inspector
3) quality control/quality assurance.
|
|
|
Bridge Inspector's Manual (FHWA) Part IV: Primer on Bridge Mechanics and Components
|
$125.00 |
The Federal Highway Administration’s Bridge Inspector’s Reference Manual (BIRM) is a comprehensive manual on programs, procedures, and techniques for inspecting and evaluating a variety of in-service highway bridges. BIRM serves as the basis of a comprehensive National Highway Institute training program in bridge-safety inspection. This 4 hour course is based on pp. P.1.1-P.2.36 of BIRM’s introductory sections, Basic Concepts Primer, and treats the topics of bridge components and elements and bridge mechanics.
|
|
|
Bridge Maintenance and Repair
|
$125.00 |
The construction of a bridge generally constitutes a significant cost in the operation of a transportation system. This cost can be avoided or at least delayed for many years by extending the bridge service life through a carefully planned program of maintenance and repair. This 4 hour course describes such a program. First, maintenance and repair tasks common to most types of bridges such as cleaning deck drains, bank restoration, scour protection, debris and snow and ice removal are discussed. Then, maintenance and repair tasks particular to specific bridge types, such as bridges made of steel, concrete, and timber are considered. In addition to discussing maintenance and repair, the course describes procedures for upgrades that expand bridge load-carrying capacity. The course would be especially suitable as a training course for consulting firms and government agencies responsible for bridge maintenance.
|
|
|
Bridge Maintenance Manual (FHWA) - Traffic Control, Worker Safety, & Environmental Concerns
|
$35.00 |
The Bridge Maintenance Training Reference Manual was developed to serve as part of a Federal Highway Administration training course. The objectives of the training are to 1) provide instructions in bridge maintenance and repair procedures, 2) provide an overview of general management techniques useful to a bridge maintenance supervisor or technician, 3) improve work-site safety, and 4) acquaint bridge maintenance personnel with the purpose and function of bridge management systems. This 1 hour course is based on Chapter VIII (Traffic Control and Worker Safety) and Chapter IX (Environmental Concerns) of the manual, and discusses guidelines for traffic control, procedures for ensuring worker safety, and environmental issues related to maintenance of bridge substructures.
|
|
|
Bridge Preservation Guide (FHWA)
|
$35.00 |
More than 25 percent of the Nation’s 600,000 bridges are rated as structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, and more than 30 percent of existing bridges have exceeded their 50-year theoretical design life and are in need of various levels of repairs, rehabilitation, or replacement. Recognizing the extent of this problem, in 2008 Congress approved legislation adding systematic preventive maintenance (SPM) for bridges as an activity eligible for federal funding through the Federal Highway Bridge Program. An SPM program for bridges can be defined as a planned strategy of cost-effective treatments to existing bridges that are intended to maintain or preserve the structural integrity and functionality of elements and/or components, and retard future deterioration, thus maintaining or extending the useful life of the bridge. This 1 hour course describes the attributes that an SPM program should have, if it is to be acceptable for federal-aid funding. More generally, the course provides bridge-related definitions and commentaries, as well as the framework for a systematic approach to a preventive maintenance program.
|
|
|
Bridge Safety Program (USACE)
|
$35.00 |
In this 1 hour course, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Bridge Safety Program is described. The Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1978 requires that all reportable bridges must be inventoried and inspected according to the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). Under these standards, each federal agency is required to record and maintain structure inventory and appraisal data on each bridge and report the data to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) upon request. The USACE Bridge Safety Program facilitates compliance with the NBIS for reportable bridges and ensures that appropriate evaluations are conducted and restrictions implemented to ensure public safety.
|
|
|
Build a Better Belt Filter Press by Design
|
$35.00 |
Belt filter presses have been manufactured by many different companies for decades. Each company endeavors to build the best machine. The best machine may be the one that produces the driest cake and cleanest filtrate. It may be instead the machine that operates without failure and requires little maintenance. To date no one has built the ultimate machine that provides optimal performance, lowest cost and trouble-free service. This course explores the features of a hypothetical belt filter press so that engineers may use these ideas to improve future designs.
|
|
|
Building a Safe Room: FEMA Guidelines
|
$100.00 |
This 3 hour course is based on the FEMA publication, “Taking Shelter From the Storm: Building a Safe Room For Your Home or Small Business” and covers the design and construction of storm-resistant safe rooms that provide near-absolute protection from tornado or hurricane winds and associated flying debris. The designs considered are applicable to homes, small businesses, and small community shelters. This course would be of particular interest to engineers in government agencies and the military concerned with construction practices and to engineers in the construction industry.
|
|
|
Building Fire Safety Fundamentals
|
$125.00 |
|
Building fire safety is the protection of occupants and firefighters during fire events. Generally, the risk of life loss due to smoke inhalation and fire exposure within buildings is mitigated through a “defense in depth” framework in which multiple layers of defenses are employed that range from prevention of ignition to prevent of building collapse due to fire exposure. Accordingly, building codes enforce societally acceptable minimum levels of protection for each of these defense-in-depth principles/features.
This course 4 hour course will cover the fundamental aspects of building fire safety and corresponding building code requirements. Most all U.S. states adopt and amend a version of the International Building Code (IBC) as their state building code. Accordingly, this course is based on the regulatory framework of the IBC, and the author will convey the salient aspects of key provisions based on experience gained as a fire/life safety code consultant.
|
|
|
Business Ethics
|
$65.00 |
This 2 hour course will help you think about why it is important to conduct business ethically, become familiar with key ethical issues, and learn how to make ethical decisions. Issues examined include employer-employee relationships, environmental sustainability, and computer ethics.
|
|
|
Can Wind and Solar Replace Coal in Texas
|
$35.00 |
In this 1 hour course, a study is presented showing a cost effective way of
replacing coal generation in Texas by using only currently planned wind and
solar energy generation projects. The key is to site the projects to take
advantage of the complementary timing of solar and wind in the state—in the
west, sunshine peaks midday while wind peaks overnight; near the coast, wind
peaks on summer evenings. The study shows that not all of the currently planned
projects would be needed; a subset of projects sited through complementary
timing would be sufficient to replace most coal generation in the Electric
Reliability Council of Texas system, leaving ten percent of coal power output to
be covered by natural gas and nuclear power.
|
|
|
Cast Iron
|
$35.00 |
This course, Cast Iron, is an overview of the basics of cast iron, its
production, applications and characteristics. This course is a refresher for
the experienced design engineer and a primer for those new to metallurgy.
Included in this course are descriptions of the most common cast iron and steel
producing methods and the basic differences between cast iron and steel. The
various alloying elements are described and their effects on the cast iron
reviewed. Applications for cast iron are discussed and problems created and
solved by choices of material are included.
|
|
|
Catastrophic Winds
|
$65.00 |
|
There are devastating forces we encounter in nature, which I term the hammers of
God. Despite knowing the danger represented, we choose to build in their paths
of destruction. In this course, we confront one hammer taking the form of
catastrophic winds.
Whether unusually high winds manifest as hurricanes, tornadoes, severe
storms or other events, they can cause substantial harm to both residential and
commercial properties. This results in significant financial loss and possible
loss of lives. The best solution would be to not build in hazardous areas, but
we are too stubborn to accept defeat. So, we do our best to learn all we can of
what to expect, and determine wind loads we can reasonably expect to mitigate.
We examine load paths for the various types of pressures and loads that we
expect buildings to be subjected to by wind. We research known ways to mitigate
expected forces. Then we seek to implement the best solutions we can afford, to
soften the blow of the hammer.
Precautions taken during either design or construction will be greatly
appreciated by building occupants when a high wind event occurs.
|
|
|
Characteristics of Successful Roundabout Projects
|
$65.00 |
In this 2 hour course characteristics of successful roundabout projects are identified. Roundabouts, which are simply modern versions of their primitive ancestors, traffic circles and rotaries have safety, environmental, and cost-saving features superior to those of traditional intersections. But implementing roundabout projects sometimes proves difficult, and it would be useful to know what makes for a successful roundabout project. Of course, all successful construction projects share some obvious characteristics: designers, contractors, tradespeople, suppliers and a host of other people must execute their jobs well if success is to be achieved. But the present course focuses on identifying characteristics that are especially important for achieving successful roundabout projects. The process of identification will include a detailed discussion of the advantages roundabouts offer over traditional intersections and a review of roundabout projects that the U.S. Department of Transportation considered worthy of mention.
|
|
|
Chemistry for Engineers
|
$35.00 |
Most engineers complete chemistry courses to meet the requirements for a BS
degree. With the exception of chemical engineers, many do not use their
chemical knowledge on a day-to-day basis after they begin their careers.
However, engineers of all technical disciplines will encounter situations where
they need some knowledge of the basics of chemistry from time to time. This
one-hour course is intended to be a refresher of the most basic principles of
chemistry. This is not an in depth study of chemistry, but rather a review of
the highlights. Consider it CHEM101 Lite.
|
|
|
Chinese Drywall
|
$125.00 |
During the period of 2004 through 2007 there was a very high demand for drywall material. Domestic supply shortages led to the importation of foreign drywall products which resulted in an environmental disaster of significant proportion. This course explores liability issues, identification and remediation of Chinese Drywall.
|
|
|
Choosing De Light
|
$65.00 |
This course examines core principles of lighting interiors. These include choosing the light's intensity, color temperature, direction, and quality. We examine how those choices shape the mood, atmosphere, and function of a space. We consider how bright versus dim lighting can influence behavior, how warm and cool temperatures affect warmth, clarity, and psychological responses, and how light direction together with surface finishes (glossy versus matte) alter depth, texture, and perception. Also discussed are natural light's seasonal shifts, the practice of layered lighting (ambient, task, and accent), and how to harmonize light with color, texture, and space, to create cohesive experiences across various rooms and activities.
|
|
|
Citicorp Center in NYC: A Case Study in Professional Ethics
|
$35.00 |
|
This 1 hour course for construction professionals, architects, and engineers discusses the ethical and professional dimensions surrounding the fascinating building 601 Lexington Avenue, New York City (formerly Citicorp or Citigroup Center) completed in 1977, designed by Hugh Stubbins and William LeMessurier. This intriguing case involves the skyscraper built above a church on “stilts” while using miscalculated measurements. You will learn the details of what happened, examine core ethical issues the case raises, and see what it can teach us about professional ethics and practice.
|
|
|
Climate Change: Economically Attractive Solutions
|
$35.00 |
This course presents an analysis of how the world can profit from engineers and architects becoming a part of the solution to climate change through economically attractive contributions to the built and transportation environment.
|
|
|
Concrete Evaluation & Repair
|
$35.00 |
|
Concrete is an important construction material widely used in roads, buildings, bridges and hydraulic structures such as dams and canals. Concrete is known for its strength and durability, but like all construction materials, it eventually deteriorates and needs repair where repair is broadly defined as replacing, restoring, or renewing of concrete or concrete surfaces after initial placement. Because concrete construction is so widespread, a large concrete-repair industry has grown up and now does about $20 billion/year business in the U.S. alone. The present course is concerned with concrete repair, specifically including methods for evaluating the condition of the concrete in a structure, determining causes for any deficiencies found, and choosing an appropriate method of repair. The literature on concrete-damage conditions and related repair techniques is vast, and this one-credit-hour course will discuss only a limited number of carefully selected topics in that literature. A brief discussion of possible causes of the collapse of the 12-floor beachfront condominium in Surfside, Florida, in 2021 is included.
|
|
|
Construction Accounting
|
$35.00 |
This one hour online course will discuss the basics of construction accounting regardless of the size of the firm. The introduction will define accounting terms and different approaches to construction accounting. Next, the course will examine the income side of accounting in terms of sales and accounts receivable. The course will continue with accounting for costs and expenses and associated accounts payable. Finally, a basic review of a financial statement for a construction firm will be presented.
|
|
|
Construction Claims
|
$35.00 |
This course will initially define the different types of construction claims and discuss examples of construction claims including construction defect, schedule delay, changes, disruption/productivity loss and standard of care. Next the course will present how to process a claim in accordance with the contract. Federal claim FAR requirements will also be discussed. Then the course will cover best practices in claim prevention and methods to reduce the likelihood and/or value of a construction claim. Finally, the course will present how to execute the preparation of a successful construction claim.
|
|
|
Construction Contracts
|
$35.00 |
This one hour online course will present various aspects of the construction contract including how a contract is formulated into specific sections. Standard forms of agreement versus home-made contracts will be discussed. Finally, contractual rights and responsibilities will be reviewed.
|
|
|
Construction Ethics
|
$65.00 |
This 2 hour course presents different ethical standards set by organizations in the construction field including the AIA, NSPE and the American Institute of Constructors. After initial definitions and ethical myths are presented, case studies are provided with rulings from various boards on the actions of their members.
|
|
|
Construction Marketing
|
$35.00 |
This course will initially define the basic elements of a marketing plan and then explain how a marketing plan is put together. Different marketing data and techniques will be presented. The course will also discuss the 80-20 rule with regard to marketing. Finally, this course will introduce and define new methods of marketing including social media.
|
|
|
Construction Trends
|
$65.00 |
This course will first present a guideline for Building Information Modeling. The course will define Building Automation Systems and their current trends. Next the course will provide information on the current status of 3D printing and its implications for the construction industry. The current and future utilization of robots in construction will be discussed. An update of modular construction will be provided. The current status of drones will be presented along with their utilization in construction. Lastly, emerging technologies such as geofencing and self-healing concrete will be discussed.
|
|
|
Construction Trends - Materials
|
$35.00 |
|
This course is
intended to add to a students knowledge of new materials and methods being
developed every day, to fill perceived needs in the construction industry.
Regardless of how
broadly such new innovations are used, and in which parts of the world, enough
new options will be adopted to result in better and stronger structures than
buildings of the past.
Broad categories
of materials and methods discussed will include; the use of artificial
intelligence, new structural materials, advances in concrete formulation,
environmentally friendly materials and advances in lighting and building
systems.
|
|
|
Construction Trends - Technology
|
$35.00 |
This 1 hour course will introduce students to new technology trends in the construction industry, such as building information modeling (BIM), drones, augmented reality, virtual reality, tech-enhanced safety equipment, robotics and how the cloud and wireless tech can be used to potentially help contractors with their businesses.
|
|
|
Contract Dispute Management
|
$65.00 |
This 2 hour course presents different types of claims that may be encountered in construction along with the causes for such claims and what justifies their successful pursuit. The student will learn the importance of avoiding disputes and how to avoid contract disputes. The claims process of alternate dispute resolution is also presented. The following types of claims will be examined: Delay Claims, Acceleration Claims, Changed Work Claims, Labor Productivity Loss Claims and Termination Claims
|
|
|
Copper and its Alloys
|
$35.00 |
This course is an overview of the sourcing, production, applications and chemical and physical characteristics of copper and its alloys. This course is a refresher for the experienced design engineer and a primer for those new to metallurgy. Included in this course are descriptions of copper, its refining, the methods of working it into various products, the hardening/strengthening processes and some examples of successful applications. Various copper alloys, their differences and common applications are described.
|
|
|
Cost Engineering
|
$35.00 |
Cost engineering is a field of activity that serves the function of cost control within a project. This 1 hour course will explain the concepts and benefits of cost engineering. This course will explain how to properly collect, interpret and present project cost information so that the progress and performance of a job can be reviewed and the steps needed to improve cost performance can be taken.
|
|
|
Danger in the Damp - Dealing with Mold
|
$125.00 |
|
Despite our best efforts to keep it out, water has found its way inside the building. This course examines the question of what to do next, since abandoning the building to its eventual collapse is not usually an option.
The material briefly examines design and construction methods of systems designed to withstand water penetration. An understanding of these systems gives us a starting point in finding sources of intrusion, and a starting point for how to best repair them and prevent further damage. Sealing a failed envelope is the first step in remediation. Otherwise, the appearance of mold will likely be the next step in rendering our damaged buildings uninhabitable.
Once the source of the problem has been addressed, steps can be taken to reclaim full use of the built environment. Assessment of moisture damage must be done next to best determine and prioritize steps toward repair or replacement of damaged components. Immediate and critical remedies are examined, as well as those which can be addressed after a couple days have passed. Lastly, any resulting mold growth must be eliminated, and steps taken to prevent its recurrence.
Because of its power and the many ways water finds to enter our buildings, water intrusion with accompanying mold growth is one of the most discouraging building maintenance issues to address. But we have enough accumulated experience from past battles to handle it far better moving forward.
This course is intended to equip others with that knowledge
|
|
|
Data Center Design
|
$35.00 |
Data centers are an integral part of today's technology infrastructure, housing the vital systems and data storage facilities that provide many digital services. The expansion and proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (Al) has necessitated the construction of many new and very large data centers. The design and construction of AI data centers presents unique challenges challenging problems for engineering professionals.
|
|
|
DC Electrical Circuits and Devices
|
$35.00 |
This course is an overview of direct current (DC) circuits and devices. All engineers need an understanding of the simple principles of DC circuits and devices. Included in this course are descriptions of the most common electrical devices and the simple circuits they are used in. The main circuit configurations include series, parallel and series-parallel. This course covers the basic mathematics that are necessary in evaluating and understanding electrical circuits. Various uses and applications of direct current in commercial and private situations are described.
|
|
|
Design Build Concepts
|
$175.00 |
The Design-Build project delivery system is growing in popularity in both the private and public sectors of the construction industry. This 6 hour course initially provides you with a discussion of the unique contracting issues involved in the design-build project delivery method. Next, this course provides you with an explanation of the legal issues associated with the design-build project and how they differ from other delivery methods. Next, this course provides you with a review of the various design-build procurement methods that can be utilized. Next, this course provides you with a discussion of the project management areas that should be executed differently on the design-build project. Next, this course provides you with a review of the various design-build team formations that are most commonly used today. Finally, this course provides you with a review of how the Design-Build project delivery system has emerged today and why this popular system is being used today.
|
|
|
Design Tips for Weldments
|
$35.00 |
This course is an analysis and overview of the basic design methods employed to design weldments used in many kinds of machinery and structural applications. Weldments useful applications, advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Considerations of factors that affect fatigue life of machine parts is explored. Included in this course are descriptions of the most common causes of fatigue failures and how to avoid them. This course discusses the use of weldments versus forgings and castings. Cost control measures are presented by illustrated examples.
|
|
|
Designing a Commercial Kitchen
|
$65.00 |
This course is an analysis and overview of the design, arrangement and equipment selection process for a commercial kitchen. A commercial kitchen is a food preparation factory and many of the same design concepts for creating an efficient manufacturing factory will also apply to kitchen design. This course will be helpful to prepare engineers and designers who may be embarking on a commercial kitchen design project. It is also very instructive to anyone having an interest in knowing more about commercial kitchens. The lesson highlights the areas for consideration when starting a kitchen design. Included in this course are descriptions of the most common pieces of kitchen equipment the designer will consider for the kitchen layout.
|
|
|
Designing a Fatigue Resistant Roller
|
$65.00 |
This course is an analysis and overview of the basic design method employed to manufacture rollers used in many kinds of machinery applications. The evolution of simple design, useful applications, advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Considerations of factors that affect fatigue life of machine parts are explored. Included in this course are descriptions of the most common causes of fatigue failures and how to avoid them. This course explores the use of forgings in place of weldments and demonstrates how one was applied to enhance the fatigue life of the rollers while making a major reduction in manufacturing cost.
|
|
|
Designing a Floating Decanter
|
$65.00 |
This course covers the basic design considerations for designing a floating decanter of the type used to draw off clear water from a tank of mixed liquids. The decanter is used in sequential batch reactor waste water treatment plants and other applications. Included in this course are descriptions of the most common floating decanter configurations and their main components. The main configurations include decanters with fixed and variable intakes. This course explores some of the design issues in arriving at a floating decanter with the correct buoyancy. Float design, piping, scum exclusion and operating mechanisms are discussed.
|
|
|
Designing and Building a 3D Printer
|
$35.00 |
|
Yes, you can do it and you should if you want a 3D printer with capabilities greater than those that can be purchased for a few hundred dollars. You may want to print larger and oddly-shaped parts that exceed the print volume of typical off-the-shelf affordable printers. Or, you want to make parts from higher strength materials that may be abrasive and require higher operating temperatures, and you don't want to pay many thousands of dollars for a commercial grade 3D printer. If you find yourself in one or more of these situations, you might want to consider a custom made 3D printer.
In this course you will see how to arrive at the size of the machine for your purposes, what materials to use, what components to buy, and how to make parts that are not available off the shelf. The calculations involved are simple and straightforward. The design and problem-solving approaches involved in building a custom 3D printer are similar. They are also applicable to other design-and-build projects.
|
|
|
Designing for Lower Cost Parts
|
$35.00 |
Creating a low cost part design does not mean cutting corners to compromise
safety and performance. Every engineer must be aware of the first canon of
ethics, to hold paramount the safety and well-being of the public. Reliability,
like safety, will always be an important item in mechanical part design
criteria. The reliability of the new design can be enhanced by careful design
and prudent component and material selection. There are some basic rules for
low cost design. This course explores how these basic cost cutting principles
can be applied to part designs.
|
|
|
Designing Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems with Energy Storage
|
$100.00 |
|
The purpose of this 3-hour course is to follow up on the previous introductory course on the design of grid-connected PV systems with no energy storage. This course will cover PV systems with energy Storage (ESS).
The course begins with a discussion of the classifications and operating modes of ESS, followed by detailed discussion of the nuances of system integration, including electrical, control, monitoring and communications, backup and grid-support options. Several designs are presented and discussed in detail. Because ESS technology is moving at a fast pace, emphasis is placed upon understanding basic ESS concepts to provide the student with the tools to understand the design and operation of future ESS systems. While the student may not emerge from this course as an expert in design of ESS systems, a basic understanding of how the systems work and what is involved in the design can be reasonably expected.
|
|
|
Designing Metal Stampings
|
$35.00 |
Designing Metal Stampings is an overview of the basics of designing parts made
by metal stamping. The course addresses the basic concepts that the product
engineer or designer must know in order to take advantage of an economical
manufacturing method often overlooked by persons with limited experience.
Included in this course are descriptions of the features, advantages and
limitations of metal stampings. Cost saving considerations revolving around
design decisions, dimensioning, tolerancing and material selection are
included. Numerous blank and part design tips are scattered throughout the
text.
|
|
|
Designing Parts for 3D Printing
|
$35.00 |
Fusion deposition manufacturing (aka 3D printing) has evolved from a laboratory
curiosity to an essential tool, much like the way that personal computers have
evolved. 3D printing is now commonly used for small quantity fabrication and
quick prototyping. For this reason, it is becoming a necessity that designers
and engineers know more about the way 3D printers work in order to produce
effective and efficient designs. Engineers and designers have worked for years
designing parts to be made by the traditional fabricating methods and they will
find that what works for castings, machined parts, sheet metal, stampings,
forgings and weldments does not work very well with 3D printing. Traditional
fabrication is mainly a process of removing material to make objects where 3D
printing involves adding material to make objects. Some existing parts have to
be completely redesigned if they are to be made by a 3D printer.
|
|
|
Designing Positive Displacement Piston and Plunger Pumps
|
$35.00 |
Experienced machinery designers will find this course helpful for their entry
into the piston and plunger pump design arena. This course is an analysis and
overview of the challenges encountered in designing piston and plunger pumps.
Examples of positive displacement pumps are reviewed with the special
requirements to be met. Included in this course are descriptions of the
components needed to make a piston or plunger pump. Recommendations are made
for an effective approach to designing pumps which may also be applied to other
design endeavors.
|
|
|
Designing Worship Facilities
|
$150.00 |
|
Many decisions need to be made when undertaking the design of a facility to be used for worship.
Satisfying the needs of people involved in the project will involve those both inside and outside of the client group. Unless societal guidelines, like codes, zoning restrictions and existing easements are honored, regulatory agencies can make sure the building process doesn’t begin. Lending agencies will impose restrictions that must be honored. Site conditions will result in sometimes inflexible conditions on how the land may be used. The needs of the building community that will be translating construction documents into a physical reality must be addressed, as well as the way that process will come to fruition. Finally, every member of the religious group called the client will be bringing their own ideas to the table regarding the desired end result.
This course is designed to look at the many, sometimes seemingly endless parameters and decisions that must be made and addressed, before and during the design of a worship facility.
|
|
|
Designing, Wiring and Operating Energy Efficient Swimming Pools - with 2020 NEC update
|
$35.00 |
This
course covers proper wiring techniques to ensure NEC compliance along with
recommended design and operating techniques to optimize swimming pool energy
efficiency. Emphasis is on general changes in NEC Section 680 for 2020 and
permanently installed residential pools.
|
|
|
Details of the Self-Cleaning Sand Bed Water Filter
|
$35.00 |
This course examines the design features and functions of sand bed water
filters. The two basic design types are defined by the method of cleaning the
sand bed. Larger municipal filters tend to use the periodic cleaning cycle and
smaller industrial filters tend to use the continuous cleaning cycle. Design
details and the purpose of each feature of the continuous cleaning cycle sand
filter are explored in detail using many drawings and photographs.
|
|
|
Distributed Solar and Building Energy Systems
|
$100.00 |
In this 3 hour course, the advantages of combining distributed solar energy with building energy-systems are discussed. Broadly speaking, distributed solar refers to energy produced by solar panels installed on building rooftops in a (possibly large) geographic area, in contrast to concentrated solar, which refers to energy produced by utility-scale solar power plants. "Building energy-systems" refers to any strategy or physical device that is responsible for energy consumption in buildings. Building energy-systems enable the deployment of distributed solar photovoltaics (DPV), and the combination of the two can provide "demand-side" services to the electric grid by, for example, shifting peak demand to times with lower demand and storing DPV output for use outside of the diurnal solar cycle. Together, DPV and building energy-systems could help grids achieve deep decarbonization more quickly and cost-effectively.
|
|
|
Dividing Responsibilities on Job Sites
|
$65.00 |
|
Many tasks need to be accomplished in the process of moving a building
project through inception to completion. These are all well understood at this
point in our history, but what may not be so well understood is the accurate
division of responsibility for these tasks between the principal participants in
most projects. Failing to understand those boundaries and staying in the right
lanes can become a major source of liability and confusion in a
project.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) standard agreement forms are
used for many construction projects. Most incorporate the General Conditions of
the Contract by reference. Together, these define the roles and responsibilities
of the three principal participants in a building project.
This course is intended for all construction project participants. The
course will clarify not only what is expected from those acting in their role on
a job site, but also what they should be able to expect from the other
participants. Establishing agreement on roles and expectations will go a long
way toward eliminating confusion, disappointment, and conflict.
|
|
|
DOE & EPRI Electric Grid Energy Storage Services & Benefits
|
$35.00 |
This 1 hour course discusses advantages for the electric grid that are gained through using electricity storage systems to supplement electrical generation systems. One example of an advantage is time-shifting, the purchase of electric energy when prices are low, and then storing it and using or selling the energy later when prices are high. Another example, possible only under certain grid conditions, is using energy storage to reduce the need to buy new central station generating capacity. A third example is using energy storage for grid regulation, that is, the damping of momentary differences caused by fluctuations in generation and loads. In general, the rapid-response characteristic (i.e., fast ramp rate) of most storage systems makes them especially valuable as a regulation resource. The course discusses a total of fourteen such advantages provided by an electricity storage capability, including ancillary services, grid system services and functional uses, end user/utility customer functional services, and renewables integration.
|
|
|
DOE Energy Efficient Windows for Residential Buildings
|
$125.00 |
|
Residential buildings account for about 21% of total energy consumption in the United States, and windows alone are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that upgrading the nation’s current window stock to meet DOE’s long-term performance goals could save more than 2 quadrillion Btu. Clearly, expanding the use of energy-efficient windows should be of interest to engineers and others interested in reducing energy consumption.
This 4 hour course presents guidelines to help architects, engineers, builders, homeowners, and designers select energy-efficient windows in new and existing residential construction in all U.S. climate zones. It includes information about window products, attributes, and performance. It provides cost/benefit information about window energy-savings and about non-energy benefits such as thermal comfort and reduced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning demands. The guidelines also provide information about the energy impacts of design decisions such as window orientation, total glazing area, shading conditions, and about proper window installation.
|
|
|
DOE Flywheel Energy Storage Part I: Uninterruptible Power Supply Systems
|
$35.00 |
|
In a flywheel, energy is stored by causing a disk or rotor to spin on its axis. Advances in power electronics, magnetic bearings, and flywheel materials coupled with innovative integration of components have resulted in direct-current flywheel energy-storage systems that can be used as a substitute or supplement to batteries in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems.
Although generally more expensive than batteries in terms of first cost, the longer life, simpler maintenance, and smaller footprint of the flywheel systems makes them attractive battery alternatives.
This 1 hour course describes flywheel technology, its variations, and installation requirements. Next a description is given of the market for flywheels, advice for choosing appropriate applications, and descriptions of the experiences of several users. One application is highlighted as a case study, followed by an illustrative life-cycle cost comparison of batteries and flywheels.
|
|
|
DOE Flywheel Energy Storage Part II: Analysis of Benefit of Area Regulation for an Electricity Grid
|
$35.00 |
|
Regulation of an electrical grid involves balancing electricity supply capacity with the minute-to-minute fluctuations of electricity demand. The need for cost-effective regulation is growing rapidly as variable sources of power such as wind and solar power generation become more common. Currently most regulation is provided by conventional thermal electric generation plants. These plants provide ‘up’ regulation by increasing output when electricity demand exceeds supply and ‘down’ regulation by reducing output when electricity supply exceeds demand. An alternative to using generation for regulation is to use storage. The storage facility provides up regulation by discharging energy into the grid and down regulation by absorbing energy from the grid. Notably, the rate of power from (or into) flywheel energy storage can change much more rapidly than output from thermal electric generation plants. Generation plants’ output (up or down) changes by percentage points per minute whereas flywheels’ output can change from full output (discharge) to full input (charging) – and vice versa – within a few seconds.
This 1 hour course describes a flywheel’s ability to follow a rapidly changing control signal in a way that the value of regulation from the flywheel is worth significantly more than regulation provided by generation plants. The course documents a particular demonstration plant’s performance as a high-value regulation resource and the possible financial costs and benefits from a commercial flywheel storage plant used as a regulation resource.
|
|
|
DOE Intro to Grid Services: Concepts, Technical Requirements, and Provision from Wind
|
$65.00 |
|
This 3 credit hour course describes the “essential reliability” services (ERSs)—for example, operating reserves—needed to maintain the reliability and stability of the national electrical grid, and discusses how wind can provide these ERSs.
Wind’s ability to provide energy and capacity is well understood in concept even if industry practices vary by region. What is not as broadly understood is the ability of wind technologies to provide ERSs, even as modern wind turbines have necessary capabilities built in. While the cost of providing operating reserves is a small fraction of the total cost of grid services, this share could grow under increasing penetration of wind (or solar photovoltaics)—and the provision of operating reserves from wind could grow as well. In fact, in certain regions, wind is required to provide some of the reserve services even today. This course presents the service requirements and pricing data needed to evaluate the potential of wind energy to provide ERSs.
|
|
|
DOT High Speed Rail in Florida: A Case Study on Implications for Financing Passenger Railways
|
$35.00 |
This 1 hour course discusses the problematic relationship between speed and financing for high speed passenger rail projects. On the one hand, to have any hope of financial viability a rail line must be sufficiently fast to attract passengers who would otherwise fly or drive. On the other hand, the higher the speed, the more expensive the line is to build and operate. Thus passenger fares must be set high, which hurts ridership. In this course, the experience of the State of Florida between 1981 and 2011 is used as an example. During this time period, Florida and private corporations, sometimes jointly, sometimes alone, made four different attempts to implement rail lines between Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, on which trains would run at speeds between 150 and 220 miles per hour. Yet, in the immediate future, the only new passenger line that is likely to begin operations between these cities is not very high speed and will not run on dedicated track. This course describes how both actual and perceived speed are related to obtaining financing and the implications of this relationship not only to potential high speed rail projects in Florida but also in Texas and California, where such projects are also being considered.
|
|
|
DOT Making Our Roads Safer - 20 Proven Safety Countermeasures
|
$35.00 |
In this 1 hour course a set of 20 Proven Safety Countermeasures that the FHWA has identified and is promoting are presented. The widespread use of these countermeasures can offer significant, measurable impacts as part of any agency’s data-driven, systemic approach to improving safety. These strategies are designed to enhance safety on all kinds of roads—from rural to urban, from high-volume freeways to less traveled two-lane State and county roads, from signalized crossings to horizontal curves, and everything in between. Each countermeasure addresses intersections, roadway departures, or pedestrian/bicyclist facilities—along with crosscutting strategies that address all three safety focus areas.
|
|
|
DOT Wireless Power Transfer for Electric Transit Applications
|
$100.00 |
|
At the present time, dozens of companies and government agencies throughout the world are heavily involved in developing wireless charging of batteries in electric buses and light rail vehicles. The attractions of wireless power transfer (WPT) are manifold: 1) Much smaller and lighter batteries can be used because they can be re-charged at transit stops rather than having to carry a large charge over an entire trip; 2) A convenient choice of fast or slow battery recharging with one infrastructure system is available; 3) Charging is automatically triggered when transmitter and receiver are coupled by an electronic “handshake”, thus avoiding problems of the operator forgetting to plug in, or manipulate cords and plugs; 4) High power transfer is potentially available in all weather conditions, without corrosion or exposed terminals; 5) No loose cords or potential for electrocution or tripping are present; 6) No adverse human safety or health impacts exist (as long as emissions of and exposures to magnetic and electric fields comply with applicable standards).
This 3 hour course provides a status review of emerging and existing international and U.S. WPT technologies applicable to electric bus and rail transit. The review identifies the respective WPT providers, system specifications and attributes. Regulations and consensus standards for emissions and human exposure to electro-magnetic radiation and protection from electromagnetic interference are described. Many of the techniques described for wireless charging of transit vehicles are applicable to electric automobiles as well.
|
|
|
Drier by Design - Designing to Keep Water Out
|
$150.00 |
|
With erosion paths cut into solid rock as solid evidence, water in various forms contains immense power to eat away or destroy whatever is in its path. Whether it takes a year, two hundred or ten thousand, without intervention, water can and will destroy our man-made structures. Once a problem develops that opens a pathway for intrusion, one rainy season can render a building unsuitable for human use.
We have the knowledge and tools to combat such destruction of our structures. We implement counterattacks in the design stage, during construction, and afterwards with proactive maintenance. But the battle against water begins in the design phase.
Moisture resistance principles and methods are discussed in a systematic fashion, as in one building system at a time. Fundamentals are first covered including basic principles of water behavior, and the multiple paths it takes while invading buildings. A thorough knowledge of how destruction begins and escalates, drives the known design principles and material decisions used to stop such migration. Then practical solutions are discussed in detail.
The discussion is needed. The physical price tag for both our structures and their occupants, is too high to allow water free entry into our occupied spaces.
|
|
|
Drywall Repair and Replacement
|
$35.00 |
|
Since the advent of enclosed dwellings, there is perhaps no more common building material given to intense scrutiny (and yet undervalued in the amount and cost of labor required for proper execution of craft) as drywall installation and repair. A gypsum core sandwiched between multiple layers of paper or fiberglass, gypsum drywall repair and replacement is a staple of many handymen, and the bane of many a homeowners or contractors punchout list. This one hour course will introduce various types of drywall material, repair material and techniques for proper drywall installation, drywall repair, and drywall replacement.
|
|
|
Effects of Direct Sunlight
|
$65.00 |
|
We will live our lives, build our buildings and occupy them under the light of
the sun, whether we wish to or not. The radiance from our neighboring star
carries the potential for both harm and for good. The trick of course, is to
maximize and capture its benefits, while blocking or avoiding its harmful
effects.
Dealing with the potential for good and bad effects of sunlight on and in
buildings lies within the capabilities of designers. On the one hand, we welcome
natural light. It carries many physical and psychological benefits, while also
reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and artificial light sources. On the other
hand, incoming light and heat can destroy the contents and furnishings in our
buildings and tear apart the materials that comprise their exterior envelopes.
It can also destroy the affordability of our utility bills in areas where
cooling is a primary concern.
Balance is needed to walk the tightrope of when to avoid and exclude or
when to embrace and welcome incoming sunlight.
|
|
|
Electrical Essentials
|
$35.00 |
The goal of this
course is to increase the understanding of a few technical electrical concepts,
such as electricity, electrical terms and common electrical components.
|
|
|
Electrical Wiring and Circuit Protection
|
$35.00 |
|
This course is an overview of electrical wiring and circuit protection
practices and requirements. The lesson describes wiring of ground conductors,
branch circuits, service load calculations and protection methods used to
provide a proper and safe installation.
Being able to install the wiring for electrical construction and remodeling
requires understanding wiring terminology and identification of the most common
types of wire and cable. This knowledge is essential when investigating wiring
problems and when choosing the wiring for new construction and remodeling
projects.
|
|
|
Electrical Wiring for Hazardous Areas
|
$35.00 |
|
This course is an overview of electrical wiring methods and the materials
used for installations in hazardous locations. This lesson describes the
various hazardous location classifications and the wiring methods and materials
used to provide a proper and safe installation.
Being able to install the wiring for hazardous areas requires an
understanding of basic area classifications and the materials that are allowed
to be used in each. This knowledge is essential when choosing the wiring,
conduits, fittings and seals for new construction and remodeling projects in
hazardous areas where flammable gases, liquids, vapors, dust and fibers will be
present.
|
|
|
Electrification of Aircraft: Challenges, Barriers, and Potential Impacts
|
$35.00 |
In this 1 hour course, an overview of the current state and potential future development of aviation electrification is provided. Early stages of aircraft electrification are already underway. Small-scale electric and hybrid aircraft are under development, with small e-aircraft already certified to fly and with test flights underway for retrofits of existing aircraft. Electric aircraft are expected to increase operational efficiency and reduce emissions and noise. Because of the limited battery capacity of current technology, regional markets, which are defined as markets in which trips are less than 500 km (~310 miles), are expected to lead growth for electric hybrid planes. To illustrate the emerging current and future challenges of e-aircraft, a case study is considered of the potential use of small electric aircraft for short flights between small regional airports and a hub airport.
|
|
|
Electrostatics and Magnetism
|
$35.00 |
This course, Electrostatics and Magnetism, is an overview of the basics of
static electricity and magnets. Electrostatics is the study of static
electricity. Everyone knows something about static electricity, but few are
truly knowledgeable about the subject. Static electricity, or electricity that
does not flow, is at the foundation of all electronic theory. Magnetism is a
very important phenomenon that is not well understood by most. In this lesson
the basics of electrostatic and magnetic theory are explored. Since so many of
our electrical devices that we use daily depend on electrostatics and magnetism
it is to the engineer's advantage to be more knowledgeable about those subjects.
|
|
|
Engine Design Considerations - Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines
|
$100.00 |
This course is an introduction and overview of the basic design considerations of reciprocating internal combustion engines. Included in this course are descriptions of the most common engine configurations and their main components. The main configurations include in-line, opposed, Vee block, and radial engines. This course explores some of the design compromises that are necessary in designing internal combustion engines. Vibration, balancing and cylinder arrangement and sequencing are discussed. Major engine components are described and discussed. The differences between opposed cylinder and opposed piston engines and the differences between radial and rotary engines are explained
|
|
|
Engine Development at Pontiac
|
$65.00 |
It was an exciting time for engine design and development in the early 1960s. A recent engineering graduate relates his experiences at the Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors (GM) during his rookie years. He describes the new configurations of engines, along with their main features and weaknesses. There was much work done during this time in an attempt to increase the performance and durability of large V8 engines. Concurrently, Pontiac engineers were developing 4 and 6 cylinder in-line engines. There was much attention given to overhead camshaft designs. This course explores some of the design compromises that are necessary when developing internal combustion engines. Corporate politics played a role in some of the major historical design decisions.
|
|
|
Engineering Ethics
|
$100.00 |
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of engineering ethics covering fundamentals of engineering ethics; key definitions; why ethics matters in engineering; ethical theories; professional codes; responsibilities to public safety; risk, safety and acceptable risk; whistle blowing, conflict of interest; honesty and integrity in engineering work; sustainability and environmental ethics; engineering and social justice; global and cross-cultural ethics; emerging technologies and ethics; ethics in software and data engineering; ethical decision-making framework; teaching and learning ethics; real-world dilemmas, and detailed case studies. The differences between ethics and morals, ethics and conflict of interest, and honesty and integrity as well as relationship among, ethics, morality, honesty and integrity are also provided in tabular form. The material is structured for practicing engineers. This course is relevant to all branches of engineering and engineering management.
|
|
|
Engineering Ethics Case Study: An Alternative Account of the Ford Pinto Case
|
$35.00 |
|
The Ford Pinto case is today considered a classic example of corporate wrong-doing and is a mainstay of courses in engineering ethics, business ethics, philosophy, and the sociology of white-collar crime. The conventional account of the case holds that Ford engineers made a serious design error in locating the fuel tank behind the rear axle, leaving the Pinto vulnerable to disastrous fires in rear-end collisions. As crash-test and field data began to accumulate and reveal the danger, management made a deliberate decision not to modify the design, because doing so would harm corporate profits. Ford’s decision was based on a cost-benefit analysis which balanced human lives against corporate profits.
In this 1 hour course, the factual basis of the conventional account is examined and misconceptions held by the public are identified. Questions about the placement and design of the fuel tank are addressed. Data available in public records but rarely discussed by Pinto critics are presented showing that Pinto accident-fatality rates were slightly better than the average for automobiles of comparable size. The discussion is then rounded out by comments on various other criticisms that have been leveled at the Pinto, and an alternative account of the Pinto case is formulated which differs significantly from the conventional account.
|
|
|
Engineering Ethics Case Study: The Challenger Disaster
|
$35.00 |
|
This 1 hour course provides instruction in engineering ethics through a case study of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. The minimum technical details needed to understand the physical cause of the Shuttle failure are given and the disaster itself is chronicled through NASA photographs. Next, the decision-making process—especially the discussions occurring during the teleconference held on the evening before the launch—is described. Direct quotations from engineers interviewed after the disaster are used to illustrate the ambiguities of the data and the pressures that the decision-makers faced in the months and hours preceding the launch. The course culminates in a discussion of several ethical issues raised by Challenger.
This course is an abbreviated version of the 3 hour course of the same title. This 1 hour abbreviated version is designed for Florida Engineers meeting the 1 hour Ethics requirement for renewal. This abbreviated version will also count towards any other State Requirement for 1 hour of Ethics
|
|
|
Engineering Ethics Case Study: The Taum Sauk Reservoir Failure
|
$100.00 |
|
In the morning of December 14th, 2005, the upper reservoir of the Taum Sauk Pumped Storage Project near Lesterville, Missouri, USA, was overtopped during the final pumping cycle. Overtopping of the 10 ft high parapet wall and subsequent failure of the rockfill embankment formed a breach about 720 feet wide at the top of the rockfill dam and 430 feet at the base. The breach widened quickly, and complete evacuation of the 4,350 acre-ft upper reservoir occurred within about 25 minutes.
This 3 hour course provides instruction in engineering ethics through a case study of the Taum Sauk failure. The interaction between decisions made in the original design process in the 1960s and errors made in installing new water-level control instrumentation in 2004 is discussed in detail.
|
|
|
Engineering Ethics: Case Studies in Bribery
|
$35.00 |
|
Bribery may be defined as something of value given with the intent of influencing the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of trust. Bribery is one of the few crimes mentioned explicitly in almost all engineering Codes of Ethics or Standards of Conduct, perhaps because so many engineers are involved in the awarding of construction contracts—a widespread activity that by its nature is especially susceptible to covert influence arrangements.
The purpose of this one hour course is to widen the professional engineer’s understanding of engineering ethics, through consideration of seven case studies of bribery. The studies are actual cases that have been successfully prosecuted by agencies of the Federal government. The ethical aspects of the bribery cases are developed by identifying the particular Standards of Conduct for engineers that were violated by the actions of the convicted engineers.
|
|
|
Engineering Ethics: Case Studies in Espionage
|
$35.00 |
The purpose of this course is to widen the professional engineer's understanding
of engineering ethics through consideration of three case studies. The studies
are actual espionage cases that have been successfully prosecuted by agencies of
the Federal government. Espionage was chosen as the subject of the case studies
because it provides exposure to ethical situations which are important but
probably unfamiliar to most PEs. The engineering ethics aspects of the cases are
developed by showing which standards of conduct for engineers were violated by
the actions of the convicted engineers.
|
|
|
Engineering Ethics: Case Studies in Fraudulent Safety Claims
|
$35.00 |
|
In this 1 hour course, the engineering-ethics aspects of fraudulent safety
claims are examined in light of standards of conduct expected of professional
engineers.
Fraud has been defined as "the intentional use of deceit, a trick or some
dishonest means to deprive another of his/her/its money, property or a legal
right (Dictionary at Law.com). When, for example, the seller of a product
deceives a buyer into believing that the product meets safety standards- and the
seller knows that it does not- then the seller of the product has committed
fraud.
The purpose of this course is to widen the professional engineer's
understanding of engineering ethics through consideration of three case studies
of fraudulent safety claims made by engineers working in large corporations. The
studies describe actual cases that have been successfully prosecuted by agencies
of the U.S. federal government, and that involved terrible consequences in
injury and loss of life. The ethical - rather than legal - aspects of the cases are
developed by identifying specific passages in published Standards of Conduct for
professional engineers that were violated by the engineers who were found guilty
of fraud.
|
|
|
Engineering Ethics: Case Studies in Theft Through Fraud
|
$35.00 |
In this 1 hour course, the engineering-ethics aspects of theft through fraud are examined in light of standards of conduct expected of professional engineers. “Theft through fraud” refers to a type of theft in which deception—rather than force or unlawful entry—is involved. The purpose of this course is to widen the professional engineer’s understanding of engineering ethics through consideration of six case studies of theft though fraud committed by engineers. The studies describe actual cases that have been successfully prosecuted by agencies of the U.S. federal government.
|
|
|
Engineering Ethics: Case Studies in Trade Secrets
|
$35.00 |
The United States Patent and Trademark Office defines a trade secret as
information that has three characteristics. The information:
1. has either actual or potential independent economic value by virtue
of not being generally known,
2. has value to others who cannot legitimately obtain the information,
and
3. is subject to reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy.
The purpose of this 1 hour course is to widen the professional engineer’s
understanding of engineering ethics through consideration of seven case studies
of the theft of trade secrets by engineers. The studies describe actual cases
that have been successfully prosecuted by agencies of the U.S. federal
government. The ethical—rather than legal— aspects of the cases are developed by
identifying specific passages in published Standards of Conduct for professional
engineers that were violated by the engineers who were found guilty of
theft.
|
|
|
Engineering Feats and Failures
|
$35.00 |
Unfortunately, many great ideas do not provide the benefits or revenues that the inventors imagine they should, or for economic reasons they never get the chance to prove themselves. Creating a new product design requires developing a good practical idea and taking all the necessary steps to prove its technical and economic feasibility. This course describes and illustrates by case examples some of the reasons that an otherwise great idea may never see the light of day. Insurmountable obstacles can arise unexpectedly and destroy the best of plans. It is in the engineer’s interest to avoid going down a design rabbit hole, wasting time and company resources on a product idea that will not be profitable.
|
|
|
Engineers in Space - The US Space Program
|
$125.00 |
This course chronicles the events and achievements of American engineers and scientists who had the responsibility for placing the first American into outer space. It summarizes the concepts and planning by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and other involved agencies, and describes the design efforts necessary to provide the equipment and the technical structure to allow our early astronauts to orbit above the earth's surface. This is the fourth in a series of Twentieth Century projects that overcame major technological challenges and were on the forefront of engineering innovation. The course details the contributions of the many engineers, manufacturers, and contractors, and their remarkable foresight.
|
|
|
Engineers in Space Part 2 - Project Gemini
|
$100.00 |
This course chronicles the events and achievements of American engineers and scientists who followed the Mercury Project, but who were very aware that there was a major hurdle between placing a man in space and placing a man on the moon and assuring his safe return. The members of this project had the responsibility for placing the first pair of American astronauts into outer space in preparation for a lunar landing. It summarizes the concepts and planning by the officials of NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and other involved engineers and contractors. This course describes the engineering and design efforts necessary to provide the equipment and the technology to enable our second group of astronauts to orbit above the earth's surface for lengthy periods of time, to walk in space, and to rendezvous with other spacecrafts. This is the sixth in a series of Twentieth Century projects in which engineers overcame major technological challenges and were on the forefront of engineering innovation. The course details the contributions of the many engineers, manufacturers, and contractors, and their remarkable foresight.
|
|
|
Engineers in Space Part 3 - Apollo Mission - Part 1
|
$100.00 |
The major goal of the Apollo program when it was first conceived in 1960 was to stay ahead of the Soviet Union in the “Space Race.” Many in NASA believed that placing three American astronauts in a spacecraft to orbit the Earth would achieve this goal. In the spring of 1961 President John Kennedy presented a challenge to a joint meeting of Congress to put a man on the moon and return him safely to Earth. Only then did NASA give a lunar landing serious consideration. At the time the Mercury Project had been well underway, but would not have given America the lead in the Space Race over the Soviet Union regarding manned space flight. Over the next several months NASA’s administration and engineering corps developed various plans for doing what President Kennedy had suggested by the end of the decade. In the meantime, NASA realized that a “bridge” program would be necessary between Mercury and Apollo. They created the second phase of America’s space flight program, Project Gemini. The decade of the 1960’s proved to be a technological masterpiece which the world had never seen before, and may not see again in our lifetime. This course is a synopsis of the magnificent efforts of the many talented personnel in American management and the engineering and construction industries, as well as the many American astronauts who risked their very lives in order to make Kennedy’s words a reality.
|
|
|
Engineers in Space Part 4 - Apollo Mission - Part 2
|
$100.00 |
Following President John F. Kennedy’s challenge to a joint session of Congress on 25 May 1961 to land an American on the Moon and return him safely to Earth by the end of the decade, there were several critical decisions that had to be made by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). Key among these was to develop and insure that the actual procedure for doing this would be both successful and less expensive to the American taxpayers. In this course the design considerations of the rocket, command and lunar modules are examined along with a look at the various pre-lunar and lunar landing missions.
|
|
|
Environmental Ethics: Building Green
|
$100.00 |
A must for anyone who works with the natural environment. This four hour course covers ethical issues in building, landscaping, and water use. You will learn about ecocentrism, biocentrism, anthropocentrism, and industrial ecology. By learning practical ways to “reduce, reuse, recycle, and rebuy,” and by reading success stories, you will learn how to save money and energy and to reduce waste.
|
|
|
Environmental Protection During Paint Removal
|
$65.00 |
This 2 hour course describes how to provide environmental protection during paint removal operations. The discussion includes both protection for workers removing paint and protection of the surrounding environment from hazards and degradation created by paint removal procedures and related waste disposal. The knowledge contained in this course is essential to anyone responsible for worker safety and environmental protection during renovation and maintenance projects involving paint removal.
|
|
|
EPA Citizen's Guide to Contaminated Soils
|
$125.00 |
EPA’s Technology Innovation and Field Services Division has developed a set of twenty-two guides summarizing cleanup methods used at Superfund and other sites. This course describes these methods, and, for each method, answers six questions in a concise and accurate manner: 1) What is it? 2) How does it work? 3) How long will it take? 4) Is it safe? 5) How might it affect the public? and 6) Why use it?
|
|
|
EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategies Part I: Combined Heat and Power
|
$65.00 |
|
This 2 hour course describes how local governments can use combined heat and power (CHP) systems in their facilities and throughout their communities. CHP, also known as cogeneration, refers to the simultaneous production of electricity and thermal energy from a single fuel source. Installing CHP systems can provide power and heat at less investment cost than the cost of building additional power plants. In addition, CHP systems provide other economic and environmental benefits, such as reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving energy security. This course includes an overview of the benefits of CHP systems, costs, sources of funding, and case studies.
This course was developed from the EPAs Local Government Climate and Energy Strategy Series titled "A Guide to Developing and Implementing Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs".
As prepared for Titan Coursework this EPA series has been separated into separate courses and may be taken out of sequence, each course independent from another.
|
|
|
EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategies Part II: Energy Efficiency in Local Government Operations
|
$125.00 |
|
This 4 hour course describes how local governments can achieve multiple benefits by improving the energy efficiency of their new, existing, and renovated facilities and their day-to-day operations. Saving energy through energy efficiency improvements can be more cost effective than generating, transmitting, and distributing additional energy from power plants. Energy efficiency also helps reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and improves energy security and independence. This course describes strategies for developing and implementing energy efficiency programs and gives actual examples of communities in which similar programs have been successfully introduced.
This course was developed from the EPAs Local Government Climate and Energy Strategy Series titled "A Guide to Developing and Implementing Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs".
As prepared for Titan Coursework this EPA series has been separated into separate courses and may be taken out of sequence, each course independent from another.
|
|
|
EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategies Part III: Energy Efficiency in Water and Wastewater Facilities
|
$100.00 |
|
This 3 hour course describes how local governments can improve the energy efficiency of their water and wastewater facilities. The course focuses primarily on three strategies: 1) equipment upgrades, 2) operational modifications, and 3) modifications to facility buildings. In addition, policy mechanisms that some local governments have used to support energy efficiency programs in their operations are described. Investment and financing opportunities, including federal, state, and other programs that may be able to help water and wastewater facilities with information or financial and technical assistance, are presented. The course gives two case studies of water or wastewater facilities that have successfully improved energy efficiency in their operations. Additional examples of successful implementation are provided throughout the guide.
This course was developed from the EPAs Local Government Climate and Energy Strategy Series titled "A Guide to Developing and Implementing Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs".
As prepared for Titan Coursework this EPA series has been separated into separate courses and may be taken out of sequence, each course independent from another.
|
|
|
EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategies Part IV: Green Power Procurement
|
$35.00 |
|
This 1 hour course describes how local governments can advance climate and energy goals by procuring or purchasing green power to meet their electricity needs. Green power is a subset of renewable energy that is produced with no greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, typically from solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass, or low-impact hydroelectric sources. It includes three types of products: utility products (for example, green power purchased from the utility through the electricity grid), renewable energy certificates (RECs), and on-site generation. The course outlines how local governments can work with utilities, local businesses, nonprofit groups, residents, state agencies, and green power marketers and brokers to purchase green power. The course describes the benefits of green power procurement; measures for purchasing green power; policy mechanisms that local governments have used to support green power purchases; and implementation strategies for effective programs. Two case studies of local governments that have comprehensive programs in place for purchasing green power are presented.
This course was developed from the EPA’s Local Government Climate and Energy Strategy Series titled "A Guide to Developing and Implementing Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs".
As prepared for Titan Coursework this EPA series has been separated into separate courses and may be taken out of sequence, each course independent from another.
|
|
|
EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategies Part V: On-Site Renewable Energy Generation
|
$65.00 |
This 2 hour course describes how local governments can use on-site renewable energy generation to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve air quality and energy security. Renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, biomass, hydropower, and landfill gas, reduce GHG emissions by replacing fossil fuels. Renewables also reduce emissions of conventional air pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, that result from fossil fuel combustion. This course describes these technologies and gives actual examples of communities in which the technologies have been successfully implemented.
|
|
|
EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategies Part VI: Resource Conservation and Recovery
|
$65.00 |
This 2 hour course describes how local governments can help achieve environmental goals by encouraging source reduction and the reuse of products and materials, as well as composting and recycling wastes generated by their communities. These strategies are collectively known as resource conservation and recovery and have as their aim a reduction in waste management costs, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy consumption. This course describes the process of developing and implementing resource conservation and recovery measures, using real-world examples.
|
|
|
EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategies Part VII: Transportation Control Measures
|
$65.00 |
|
This 2 hour course describes the process of developing and implementing transportation control measures, using real-world examples. Transportation control measures (TCMs) are strategies that reduce transportation-related air pollution, greenhouse-gas emissions (GHG), and fuel use by reducing vehicle miles traveled and improving roadway operations. For example, emissions from individual vehicle use can be reduced by offering less polluting alternatives, such as public transit, and strategies that decrease the need for vehicle trips, such as telecommuting. TCMs may also focus on making travel more efficient by improving the management of the transportation system. The course includes descriptions of real-life success stories of communities using TCMs.
This course was developed from the EPAs Local Government Climate and Energy Strategy Series titled "A Guide to Developing and Implementing Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs".
As prepared for Titan Coursework this EPA series has been separated into separate courses and may be taken out of sequence, each course independent from another.
|
|
|
EPA Guidelines for Construction & Demolition Debris
|
$100.00 |
Any company involved with building-construction, demolition, or renovation creates construction and demolition (C&D) debris. This debris can consist of three types of waste: (1) inert or nonhazardous waste; (2) hazardous waste as regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); and (3) items that contain hazardous components that might be regulated by some states. This 3 hour course describes the required procedures to be followed when generating, storing, transporting, or disposing of hazardous waste. Often the best way to deal with the waste is to keep it out of landfills by reducing its volume, reusing it, and recycling it, and the course provides guidelines on how this can best be done. Several successful case studies of recycling demolition materials are presented.
|
|
|
EPA Renewable Energy for Critical Infrastructure
|
$65.00 |
|
The Environmental Protection Agency has established a program called the RE-Powering America's Land Initiative, that encourages renewable energy development on current and formerly contaminated lands, landfills, and mine sites (RE-Powering sites). RE-Powering can provide cleaner energy sources in areas of high demand, while returning land to productive use. RE-Powering sites also may have attributes (for example, proximity to infrastructure) that can lower renewable energy development costs and shorten development timeframes.
In this 2 hour online engineering PDH course, a methodology is presented for determining if it is possible-in areas with high vulnerability to natural disasters-to match the need to maintain critical wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) with potential RE-Powering sites in ways that are economically beneficial. Although demonstrated in the course by application to WWTPs, the methodology was intentionally designed to be general enough to apply to other types of critical infrastructure-such as drinking water treatment plants, hospitals, schools, emergency centers, cell towers, fire stations, and natural gas distribution centers.
|
|
|
EPA Solar Power Installations on Closed Landfills
|
$65.00 |
Estimates for the total number of closed landfills in the United States run as high as 100,000. These landfills are attractive locations for siting solar power installations because 1) landfills are typically in areas where community concerns over aesthetic impacts are less likely, 2) the land often cannot be used for other purposes such as commercial or residential development, and 3) using landfills for solar power installations removes pressure to convert greenfield sites to power production. This 2 hour course provides an overview of the technical and regulatory facets of constructing solar farms on closed landfills. The different types of solar technologies are discussed, and their suitability for installation on a landfill cap is indicated. General guidance on some of the most common engineering obstacles of landfill reuse is provided. Finally regulatory and liability issues arising from building on a brownfield or Superfund site that has been cleaned up or is undergoing cleanup are discussed.
|
|
|
EPA The Clean Air Act: A Plain English Guide
|
$35.00 |
This 1 hour course describes the Clean Air Act. The Act was passed by Congress in 1970 and gave the newly created Environmental Protection Agency authority to clean up air pollution in the country. The course provides a brief introduction to the programs, philosophies, and policies in the Act. The control of air pollution from vehicles, the issue of acid rain, the reduction of toxic air pollutants, the protection of the ozone layer, and permitting and enforcement are all discussed.
|
|
|
Ethical Case Study - Building the Spring Factory on Maple Street - A Narrative
|
$35.00 |
This course tells the story of one engineer’s instructive experience planning, assembling, installing and starting up a spring factory to make large coil springs for railroad cars while carefully adhering to his standards of ethics. The course describes the steps to reach the final goal of producing thirty tons daily of large coil springs of good quality. The story includes descriptions of problems encountered along the way and their ultimate solutions. Part of the difficulties included working ethically with competing departments within the company, dealing with unreliable contractors and correcting mistakes made by all. There is much time spent in adapting existing equipment to keep costs within budget. It’s a little sad, a little funny and very instructive for anyone endeavoring to take on a new project with something with which you have no prior experience.
|
|
|
Ethical Issue: Deciding if Something is a Gift or a Bribe
|
$35.00 |
This 1 hour course will explore the ethical issue of where to draw the line between what is a gift and what is a bribe. This issue can be difficult, and it is not surprising that while codes of ethics of professional engineering societies almost always condemn bribery, they provide little or no help in sorting out when a gift constitutes a bribe. Many large corporations publish guidance on when gift giving is appropriate for their employees, but the guidance typically covers only a few cases and is couched in generalities. In contrast, the federal government has formulated detailed rules covering gifts given to executive-branch employees in many situations. The rules are published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and are illustrated through many examples. Even though the examples are intended for government employees (many of whom are engineers), they also apply to private-sector engineers in similar situations. The purpose of this course is to present selected CFR examples that furnish guidance on the ethics of gift giving.
|
|
|
Ethics for Building Professionals
|
$65.00 |
|
What is the best thing a building professional can do in given situations? The answer is often based upon ethics accepted as being relative to that profession. What are ethics? A brief definition is 'a set of moral principles, especially ones relating to or affirming a specified group, field or form of conduct.' Ethics seek to address questions and conflicts that may arise within many occupations before they actually occur. The point of discussing ethical standards for any profession is to clarify or identify standards that can be used to govern responses applicable to different possible scenarios. This discussion will be no different. Because once such principles are defined and agreed upon, lengthy debate is not needed when complex issues arise. There are various sets of guidelines seeking to establish 'standards' or 'rules.' The distinction between these two terms is significant because standards are advisory, whereas rules are enforceable. Rule violations are grounds for disciplinary actions like expulsion from a professional organization or forfeiture of a license to practice a profession.
|
|
|
Ethics for Design Professionals
|
$35.00 |
This 1 hour course will first discuss a basic strategy for making good ethical decisions. Next, all of the elements and requirements of both the AIA Code of Ethics and the NSPE Code of Ethics will be presented. Finally, Prohibitions under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) will be discussed since investigations and enforcement actions have spiked in the last several years.
|
|
|
Ethics for Engineers as Expert Witnesses
|
$35.00 |
Anyone can be an expert witness or forensic consultant providing they have the knowledge, experience and education. Everyone is an expert in some field. However, being a skilled and qualified engineer is not sufficient. The expert witness must possess personal integrity, maintain a reputation without blemish and adhere faithfully to the standards of professional ethics. This course is for the engineer who may want to pursue being an expert witness as a full time career or only part time work for supplemental income. The course teaches how to apply and follow professional ethics standards and principles which are of paramount importance.
|
|
|
Ethics for Product Design Engineers
|
$35.00 |
For the engineer who is involved in new product design and development, ethics are the guiding principles for a successful career. The course teaches how to apply and follow professional ethics standards and principles to the product design process. Examples, from the authors experience, show the dire consequences of some failing to apply the basic principles of professional ethics.
|
|
|
Ethics for the Employee
|
$35.00 |
Design Professionals are held to a high standard of performance and behavior. As a rank and file employee, you may feel these standards are not completely applicable to your employment situation. The basic rules of conduct in this lesson are down to earth principles that everyone will encounter from day to day.
|
|
|
Ethics for the Supervisor
|
$35.00 |
Engineers are held to a high standard of performance and behavior. The Code of Ethics sets high standards for professionals in positions of authority. As an engineering supervisor, you know these standards are completely applicable to your employment situation. However, there is another level of rules of ethics that supplement the Code of Ethics and also need to be observed. The basic rules of conduct in this lesson are down to earth principles that every supervisor will encounter from day to day.
|
|
|
Ethics of Products Liability - Whose Fault is it?
|
$35.00 |
Being a skilled and qualified engineer is not sufficient to avoid being blamed for a loss due to a product’s failure or misuse. The engineer must adhere faithfully to the standards of professional ethics. This course is for the engineer who is involved in any way with the design, manufacture and distribution of a product. The course teaches how to apply and follow professional ethics standards and principles which are of paramount importance. The faithful adherence to professional ethics can reduce the engineer’s exposure to litigation and financial loss.
|
|
|
Ethics, Professionalism and Disciplinary Actions
|
$35.00 |
Codes of ethics for engineers typically describe standards for professional behavior. The enforcement of those ethical standards that are inscribed into law lies with licensing boards of state governments. In this 1 hour course, ten case studies of actual enforcement actions by a state licensing board are presented. The cases have been selected to be representative of situations likely to exist in many states. Board procedures and the types of enforcement action available are shown by a variety of cases.
|
|
|
Fall Prevention in Industry
|
$125.00 |
|
This 4 hour course is based on the publication, A Guide to Fall Prevention in Industry which is intended to be consistent with all OSHA standards. If the reader considers this publication to be inconsistent with any OSHA standard, then the OSHA standard should be followed. This manual stresses the importance of preparation and education in preventing and reducing the risk of falls in industrial settings.
Each year, falls in industrial areas result in hundreds of fatalities. In recent years the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries has measured a trend. While fatal falls from roofs and tall ladders have gradually decreased, fatal falls to the same level and falls to the floor from the same level have increased. This course will introduce the basic principles of fall protection from all heights, with emphasis on falls from low heights. The seriousness of injury is not always proportional to the height from which the worker falls. The reader will gain a better understanding of fall hazards and fall prevention.
Nearly all falls result from conditions or practices that seem obvious; however, preventing such accidents requires maintaining safe conditions in the workplace and training to ensure safe actions by employees.
This course demonstrates the basic elements of fall prevention. Educating workers and employers on fall prevention can reduce the number of injuries and fatalities resulting from falls.
|
|
|
Fiber - It Does a Body Good
|
$65.00 |
|
The inclusion of fibers in building products has been a common practice for many
years. Fibers can significantly enhance the properties of base materials to
which they are added.
In this course, we will examine a few materials to which fibers are
commonly added. We will focus on fiber-reinforced concrete, horsehair plaster,
fiber cement siding, fiberglass products and fiber in asphalt.
|
|
|
Floating Photovoltaic System Cost
|
$35.00 |
In this course, the costs of solar photovoltaic systems installed on floats
anchored in bodies of water are estimated. Typical bodies of water used include
industrial ponds, hydropower reservoirs, agricultural ponds, and flood control
reservoirs. Floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems are advantageous in places where
land use is constrained, land is not easily accessible, or land leasing is
expensive and a body of water is available. In this course, an analysis of the
installed costs for a FPV system constructed for average site conditions shows
that the FPV system costs are approximately 25% higher than ground-mounted,
fixed-tilt PV installed over bare ground. Higher structural costs related to the
floats and anchoring system are the largest contributors to the increased cost.
FPV deployment is in an early stage, and additional experience, best practice
development, and new configurations and technologies might help reduce the costs
of FPV systems over time.
|
|
|
Florida PE 2025-2027 - Laws & Rules
|
$35.00 |
|
This 1 hour course is designed to meet the Florida Board of Professional Engineers continuing education requirement that a minimum of 1 PDH per renewal period must be devoted to study of recent changes (that affect engineering practice) in:
Chapter 61G15 of the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C), Board of Professional Engineers Organization & Purpose Chapter 455 of Title XXXII of the Florida Statutes Business and Professional Regulation: General Provisions Chapter 471 of Title XXXII of the Florida Statutes - Engineering The course is for the current biennial cycle, 2025-2027 (renewal date of February 28, 2027). The changes described in the course went into effect during the immediately preceding biennium cycle, 2023-2025. Examples of recent disciplinary actions taken by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers are also included.
|
|
|
Free Speech vs Regulation of Professional Engineers: Ethical Implications
|
$35.00 |
This online course discusses the relationship between the actions of a licensing board for professional engineers and the Constitutional right of free speech. The course considers the background and findings of a legal case arising when a state licensing board attempted to restrict the right of an engineer from speaking about a public safety issue. Actual legal documents and associated correspondence are discussed and their implications analyzed.
|
|
|
Fundamentals of Business Management
|
$100.00 |
This course will provide the student with basic concepts in business management. An overview of the four functions of management – planning, organizing, leading, and controlling will be reviewed. The student will gain knowledge of establishing goals, developing strategy, managing change, organizational structure, human resources, team building, leadership models, decision making, problem solving, motivation, counseling, discipline, ethics, compliance, quality control, and protecting sensitive information.
|
|
|
Fundamentals of Concrete
|
$35.00 |
This course is an
overview of the basics of concrete. In Part I cement types are described. The
various characteristics and uses of each type are explained. In Part II
concrete production from the standard constituents is explored in detail.
Considerations for selecting constituents, proportions and treatments are
explained. Included in this course are descriptions of the various commonly
used concrete types and their applications. The main concrete types include
Portland cement Type I concrete, high-early-strength concrete, lightweight
concrete, waterproof concrete. Types of aggregates are discussed along with
their usual applications.
|
|
|
Fundamentals of Heavy Oil
|
$125.00 |
Heavy oil represents a significant portion of the world's oil reserves. Both conventional mining and modern in-situ thermal extraction methods play a critical role in global oil production. These methods represent recent advances in commercial application, but their future production levels are uncertain due to controversial environmental concerns. This 4 hour course takes an unbiased and pragmatic approach to these applications, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Fundamentals of Heavy Oil explains the geological, developmental and commercial aspects of heavy oil reservoirs. It aims to provide technical professionals with a comprehensive understanding of today's upstream heavy oil production, including recent innovations. It will also outline technology screening criteria and provide insightful evaluations of different approaches.
|
|
|
Fundamentals of Offshore Decommissioning
|
$150.00 |
|
This 5 hour course provides an overview of offshore oil and gas field decommissioning. This includes descriptions of applicable regulations, recommended planning and implementation strategies, and the sequence of steps associated with offshore decommissioning and onshore disposal. Participants will learn about each phase of the decommissioning process from financial and commercial considerations at the planning stage, well plugging and abandonment, and offshore de-activation of platforms, pipelines and subsea structures.
|
|
|
Fundamentals of Roadway Signage
|
$35.00 |
|
The effective use of roadway signs is as critical as the roadway design itself to the functioning of a roadway. Roadway signs provide guidance to the driver informing them of regulations, warnings and positive guidance. Information is provided to the driver related to the use of a roadway that increase the safety and efficiency of the roadway. Information pertaining to design of signs is included and guidance of installation of ground mount signs is discussed as it relates to sign panel sizes, mounting height, lateral offset, orientation, posts/mountings and maintenance. Installation of overhead signs is covered as it relates to mounting.
|
|
|
Fundamentals of Solid Waste Management
|
$35.00 |
In this course we will define several terms related to solid waste management, discuss the characteristics of solid waste, generation rate and effect of climate and other pertinent factors in generation of solid waste. We will also discuss the process for storage, collection, treatment, if any, disposal procedure and perspectives as well. We will also solve a few problems related to moisture content, density, and energy content determination for mixed solid waste.
|
|
|
Geothermal Energy - Harnessing the Heat Beneath our Feet
|
$100.00 |
Geothermal energy is energy in the form of heat radiating from the Earth’s mantle. It is a sustainable, renewable, and practically inexhaustible energy source for the United States, potentially being used for electricity generation, heating, and cooling, while emitting only small amounts of greenhouse gases. Geothermal resources can be found nationwide, are “always on,” and represent a potentially vast domestic energy supply. Only a fraction of these resources have been used thus far, because of technical and non-technical barriers that constrain industry growth. In this 3 hour course various types of geothermal energy systems are described, and the problems that must be solved before these systems can be widely implemented are outlined.
|
|
|
Get a Grip - Options in Fasteners
|
$65.00 |
Acquiring the ideals, like love, that bind us together in intangible ways
requires giving away a great deal of ourselves. No such sacrifice is required to
obtain the nails, screws, bolts, rivets, adhesives, and welds that are used to
combine material objects together. The material objects we wish to join together
on construction projects are typically made of wood or various metals.
The first three types of hardware (nails, screws, and bolts) are described
as fasteners, since what they join together can be separated without too much
material damage to the components. That is not so much the case with rivets,
adhesives, and welds. They are intended to create far more permanent
connections.
It is important, when specifying any of these above, to be able to do so
using terms which are standard in the industry. It is also important to choose
fasteners that are compatible with the project at hand.
|
|
|
Getting Decked
|
$100.00 |
|
Despite our need for shelter from elements that can kill us, we have always sought opportunity to get back into or close to nature. We prefer to do so on our terms, rather than whatever climate and circumstances nature decides to offer when we feel that need. A large part of our effort to reunite with nature has revolved around creating outdoor spaces adjoining our houses. There, we can get outside to enjoy favorable climate conditions, at whatever time we choose.
These outdoor spaces go by many names and have manifested as lanais, porches, screened enclosures, patios, etc. The most common outdoor spaces, constructed and attached to homes in western cultures, are outdoor decks, balconies and patios. This course explores options available to build decks and balconies and presents the installation, coatings, maintenance and advantages of several popular decking materials.
|
|
|
Gravel Roads: Maintenance and Design Manual
|
$200.00 |
The United States has over 1.6 million miles of gravel roads, amounting to about 53% of total road mileage. Gravel roads are usually considered greatly inferior to paved roads, but in many rural regions the volume of traffic is so low that paving and maintaining a paved road is not economically feasible. Yet gravel roads serve important functions: providing a means of getting agricultural products in and out of farm fields, timber out of forests, or providing access to remote areas such as campgrounds and lakes. Many gravel roads serve rural residents as well. Given the importance of gravel roads to the economy, especially of rural areas, engineers must understand maintenance and design issues associated with gravel roads. The purpose of this 7 hour course is to provide clear and practical information on the maintenance of gravel roads. The course material includes many photographs of existing roads that show examples of both good and poor practices in maintenance and design and will provide a) detailed design methods for determining gravel road thickness, b) an example of a worksheet for gradation and plastic index determination, c) charts for quantity calculations, d) a guide for deciding if a gravel road should be converted to a paved road, and e) a checklist for motor grader maintenance.
|
|
|
Green Design & Construction
|
$65.00 |
This 2 hour course will look at Green building and the economic and environmental drivers associated with it. The course will include information on the LEED rating system. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System TM is a “voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings.” The course also outlines several systems for reducing energy use through various technologies and designs.
|
|
|
Green Streets - Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure
|
$35.00 |
|
This 1 hour course presents methods for using green-street designs to alleviate pollution from urban stormwater runoff. Roads present many opportunities for green infrastructure application. One principle of green infrastructure involves reducing and treating stormwater close to its source. Urban transportation right-of-ways integrated with green techniques are often called green streets. Green streets provide a source control for a main contributor of stormwater runoff and pollutant load. This course presents methods for using green-street designs to alleviate pollution from urban stormwater runoff.
|
|
|
Grid Energy Storage Technology - Cost and Performance Assessment
|
$100.00 |
In this 3 hour course, an abridged version of the Department of Energy's 2022 Grid Energy Storage Technology Cost and Performance Assessment is presented. The Assessment is part of DOE's effort to provide a standardized approach to analyzing the cost elements of grid energy storage technologies, engaging industry to identify these various cost elements, and projecting 2030 costs based on each technology's current state of development. Some of the technologies are relatively unknown except to specialists in the field, for example, gravity-based storage systems consisting of heavy bricks lifted by a crane, a heavy piston lifted by pressurized water in a mine shaft, or heavily-loaded railroad cars moved up a hill. Other technologies such as batteries of various types, compressed-air energy storage, pumped storage hydropower, thermal energy storage and hydrogen are also considered.
|
|
|
Guide to Emergency Action Planning
|
$35.00 |
|
This course is based on the publication, A Guide to Emergency Action Planning. The techniques and methodologies described in this course document are applicable to most areas in the United States.
All employers face the possibility of emergencies such as workplace fires, hazardous chemical releases, floods, and explosions. The best defense against these hazards is to have an emergency action plan in place. When employees are trained for an emergency, the potential for injury, fatality and the liability to the employer are all decreased.
This guide aids employers by highlighting the requirements of many OSHA standards related to emergency planning and emergency situations. Through the completion of this course, an employer can determine if an emergency action plan is necessary, as well as how to better prepare in case an issue may arise. This course provides the most important recommendations and how to apply them to the situation at hand. With the proper application of these procedures, as well as consistent enforcement practices, it is likely that employees will know what to do in the event of an emergency.
This guide is intended to be consistent with all existing OSHA standards therefore, if an area of this course is considered by the reader to be inconsistent with OSHA, then the OSHA standard should be followed.
|
|
|
Guide to OSHA Excavation Standard
|
$65.00 |
|
According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, an average of about 50 fatalities occurs annually from excavation or trenching cave-ins. Of those, about 68 percent of deaths occurred in companies with less than 50 employees and about 46 percent in companies with less than 10 employees. Many excavation jobsite dangers can be prevented through preparation, identification and remediation of common risks presented. Modern technology has provided a variety of effective shoring systems and trench shields. The OSHA excavations standard provides a set of clearly written and logical safety rules. This course examines the standard’s different sections, offering many illustrations and a safety checklist to help explain how to excavate and work safely in a trench. It also discusses the rules and exceptions concerning residential construction. This guide is intended to be consistent with all existing OSHA standards; therefore, if an area is considered by the reader to be inconsistent with a standard, then the OSHA standard should be followed. This course is based on the publication by the NC department of Labor, “A Guide to OSHA Excavations Standard”.
This course demonstrates the basic elements of excavation safety. Educating engineers, planners, contractors and employees on excavation safety elements can save lives. However, advances in trenching and excavation safety cannot compare to the safety advances that can be made if workers avoid entering unsafe excavations. For workers to avoid entering unsafe excavations, they must first be able to identify unsafe excavations.
|
|
|
Hazard Analysis and the Design File
|
$35.00 |
The Design File and the Hazard Analysis are two essential tools for creating and retaining the records of a product design project. This course describes the methods used to create and retain the hazard analysis and the design file. Real-life case examples are provided to illustrate the importance of maintaining complete and accurate design records. Creating a new product design requires making many decisions that affect the safety, function and reliability of the product. The designer must Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public, which is the first item in the engineer's code of ethics. Quality standards mandate the creation and retention of records of the design process.
|
|
|
Heat Pipes Explained
|
$35.00 |
|
Heat pipes are a form of heat exchanger known for high reliability, long service life and ability to transfer large amounts of heat. Heat pipes are found extensively in electronics and other devices. They use phase transitions (liquid-to-vapor-to-liquid) to move heat between two solid interfaces. Not all heat exchangers are heat pipes; radiators, cooling fins, and heat sinks are different kinds of heat exchangers that move heat from one place to another.
This course explains the structure and operating mechanisms of heat pipes. Design types and associated applications, performance and design parameters, and manufacturing methods are also illustrated and explained.
|
|
|
Homeland Security: Design and Construction
|
$125.00 |
This 4 hour course is designed for owners; design professionals, contractors and other construction professionals who would like to improve their knowledge of security and building design issues, techniques and trends related to homeland security. This course provides participants with an understanding of the lessons learned from recent terrorist activities and the best practices that are evolving to form the foundation of better homeland security design and construction.
|
|
|
Hoover Dam
|
$65.00 |
This course is a synopsis of the design and construction of the Hoover Dam, an early twentieth century project that was on the forefront of engineering technology. Conceived following the end of World War I, the period of the 1920's saw a huge contrast in American culture and financial dynamics. This course details the contributions of several engineers, manufacturers, and contractors who participated in one of the greatest and most formidable projects of the twentieth century. It also details the huge impact that this remarkable achievement had on the growth of our nation.
|
|
|
Horizontal Curve Safety Treatments Part I: Basic Techniques
|
$35.00 |
|
The purpose of this 1 hour course is to present basic safety treatments that may be used for problem horizontal curve locations. These treatments can be used to reduce and/or prevent roadway departure crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
This 1 hour course summarizes practical information regarding the application of basic MUTCD safety treatments (signs, pavement markings, and delineators) for roadway horizontal curves or winding sections. The treatments presented are relatively low cost versus more expensive geometric design improvements (degree of curve, shoulders, superelevation, curve length, cross-section, etc.). Basic information for each treatment typically includes description, application guidelines, design elements, materials, effectiveness, and cost. Estimates for treatment effectiveness in reducing crashes were included if available. Actual observed treatment effectiveness may vary depending on its location.
|
|
|
Horizontal Curve Safety Treatments Part II: Advanced Techniques
|
$35.00 |
|
The purpose of this course is to encourage you to use this information to evaluate problems and implement appropriate treatments for problem curve locations. These treatments should help reduce roadway departure crashes, injuries, and fatalities. This course summarizes practical information on where, when, or how to apply safety treatments for horizontal curves or winding sections. These treatments are relatively low cost versus geometric design improvements (degree of curve, shoulders, superelevation, curve length, cross-section, etc.). Information for each treatment generally included description, application guidelines, design elements and materials, effectiveness, and cost. Estimates for treatment effectiveness in reducing crashes were included if available. Actual observed effectiveness values of a treatment can vary depending on its location.
|
|
|
How Slick is That - Impervious Surfaces
|
$65.00 |
|
Designers and architects have at their disposal a full palette of materials that
are almost or completely impermeable. These materials are commonly used for
countertops, walls and floors. In this course, we will familiarize ourselves
with the unique features of each material, as well as the processes used to
manufacture and finish them for use in multiple applications. The materials are
available in a variety of finishes, from matte versions to highly polished
products.
Manufacturers of these materials must provide the coefficient for each
version they offer for sale. This information enables informed choices when
selecting the appropriate material for specific applications.
|
|
|
HVAC Basics
|
$100.00 |
This course will provide the student with basic concepts in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC). An overview of the components of HVAC, basic information on Heat Load, Heat Transfer, Psychrometrics and the Refrigeration Cycle will be reviewed. Additionally, the course will explore HVAC Basic Equipment, System Types, Control Devices and Air Distribution Systems.
|
|
|
Hydraulic Design of Storm Sewers using Excel
|
$35.00 |
Storm sewers are widely used to carry away runoff from storms, primarily in urban areas. The hydraulic design begins after the locations for the manholes for the system have been determined. Between each pair of manholes the storm sewer will have a constant slope and diameter. The hydraulic design process results in determination of an appropriate diameter and slope for each length of storm sewer and determines the depth of the bottom of the pipe at each manhole. The overall procedure and each step are presented and discussed in this course. Example calculations for a single length of storm sewer between two manholes will be performed and an example of calculations between successive manholes will be done using Excel.
|
|
|
Hydropower: The Largest Source of Renewable Energy
|
$65.00 |
Hydropower is currently the largest source of renewable electricity generation in the United States, representing approximately 7% of total generation. Larger plants with water storage capability will play an important role in the future development of wind and solar power generation by providing back-up power to smooth out the fluctuations associated with these variable power sources. This 2 hour course describes the technology of hydropower generation and provides estimates of hydropower availability. The advantages of generating electricity by hydropower rather than by fossil fuels are presented. Environmental impacts such as impounding water, flooding terrestrial habitats, and preventing the movement of fish and aquatic organisms, sediments, and nutrients are also described. Barriers to the expansion of hydropower, such as the high capital cost of new hydropower projects and the lengthy licensing and approval process are discussed.
|
|
|
I Feel the Earth Move
|
$65.00 |
Movement of the earth we build upon manifests in many different forms that are
encountered in almost all areas of the globe. They can cause substantial harm to
both residential and commercial properties, resulting in significant financial
loss and in loss of life. Such movement goes by many names, which include
settling, plate movement or earthquakes, earth drift, sinkholes, muck,
vibrations through earth, expansive soils, expansion by frost and exploding
volcanoes. Rather than simply not building in problematic areas, we learn all we
can of what to expect, to determine what issues with moving earth we might be
able to mitigate. Then we seek to implement the best solutions we can afford to
soften the blow of the hammer. If avoiding such destruction is not possible,
we must decide whether the perceived reward of building in that area is worth
assuming the level of risk from the unstable terrain.
|
|
|
Illinois Professional Engineer Laws and Rules 2025
|
$35.00 |
This course is designed to meet the Illinois Board of Professional Engineers
continuing education requirement that a minimum of 1 PDH per renewal period must
be devoted to study of Illinois statutes and rules that regulate professional
engineering. The course discusses the Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS),
Illinois Administrative Code (IAC), Illinois Department of Financial and
Professional Regulation (IDFPR), State Board of Professional Engineers, and
Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Excerpts from the ILCS and IAC are
presented. Examples of recent disciplinary actions taken by the Illinois Board
are also included.
|
|
|
Illinois Statutes and Rules for Structural Engineering
|
$35.00 |
This 1 hour course is designed to meet the Illinois Structural Engineering Board requirement that, of the 30 PDHs of continuing education courses required per renewal period, at least 1 PDH must be devoted to study of Illinois statutes and rules that regulate structural engineering. The course discusses the Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS), Illinois Administrative Code (IAC), Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Structural Engineering Board, and Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Extensive excerpts from the ILCS and IAC are presented.
|
|
|
Impacts of Animals on Earthen Dams
|
$200.00 |
|
This course introduces the reader to the basic principles of identifying problems in existing earthen dams caused by animal activity. This manual summarizes FEMA’s effort to provide a comprehensive survey of animal impacts on earthen dams across the United States. The results of the survey indicate that there is too often a wide gap between the known best practices of animal activity relative to dam safety and the perceived acceptable level of maintenance by many dam owners.
In 1999, FEMA and the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) jointly conducted research on the national problem of animal intrusion damage to earthen dams. A joint workshop united dam owners, engineers, state and federal regulators, wildlife managers, foresters, and academia to create a comprehensive document to combat the growing problem of earthen dam damage and failures due to animal intrusion. The findings of the research indicate that while most states recognize animal intrusion as a problem, only a handful offer guidance on dams and wildlife management practices to the dam professionals and owners. Cumulatively, the states identified nuisance wildlife which were most likely to be a threat to dam safety. This manual discusses 23 species with regard to habitat, behavior, threat to dams, food habits, identifying characteristics, and management options. While the states are fully aware of the potential adverse impacts wildlife activity can have on earthen dams (such as failure), private dam owners and local dam operators are often not aware of potential problems, and thus may not conduct inspections with wildlife damage in mind.
This course demonstrates that some animal activity can potentially damage earthen dams beyond repair, and emphasizes the concept that delayed control and repair of animal activity usually results in increased total costs of repair. There are about 80,000 dams in the United States. Many of them are nearing the end of their expected lives. Proper maintenance and control of problems associated with animals can extend the useful life of many dams.
|
|
|
Impacts of Solar Arrays on Highway Environment - Deploying in the Right Of Way
|
$100.00 |
|
This 3 hour course describes various impacts associated with the deployment of solar arrays in right of ways (ROWs). European countries have been deploying solar arrays in ROWs for over thirty years, and today most U.S. state departments of transportation and the Federal Highway Administration agree that solar array deployment in the ROW is possible, after careful site evaluation and impact analysis. Typical spaces available for solar energy generation are rest areas, land outside ROW clear zones, space adjacent to interchanges, and roof tops. In addition to the available space, ROWs offer electrical infrastructure corridors (existing transmission lines aligned with the highways), well maintained secure land, and easy access for construction and maintenance. The main potential concerns associated with solar array deployment in the ROW and the main focus of this course are driver safety, highway operation, maintenance, and environmental impacts.
The course is based on the impact of solar array deployment specifically in the State of Colorado but almost all of the concerns discussed apply to other states as well.
|
|
|
Implementing Complete Streets Strategies
|
$65.00 |
In this 2 hour course, "Complete Streets" strategies to improve traffic safety are presented. Complete Streets strategies consist of an iterative process that involves: 1. Understanding the community and network context; 2. Identifying safety, connectivity, and equity concerns; 3. Implementing improvements over time; and 4. Evaluating impacts by monitoring and measuring success. The first half of this course is devoted to providing background in some tools that are useful in implementing Complete Streets strategies, such as road diets, speed cameras, and pedestrian refuge islands. The last half of the course provides six hypothetical scenarios of how common arterial corridor configurations can be transformed to accommodate the needs of different users by implementing Complete Streets strategies.
|
|
|
Indiana Statutes and Rules Applicable to the Practice of Professional Engineering 2024-2026
|
$35.00 |
|
Administrative Code given in the course document This course will satisfy the required hour covering statutes and rules.
This course is based on excerpts from Title 25 of the Indiana Code and from Article 1.1 of the Indiana Administrative Code given in the course document, Indiana Statutes and Rules for Professional Engineers 2024-2026 Biennium
|
|
|
Indoor Air Pollution and its Health Impacts
|
$35.00 |
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), indoor air pollution was responsible for nearly three million deaths per year globally in 2021. Sources contributing to indoor air pollution are present in our offices, schools and homes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that indoor air contains two to five times more pollutants than outdoor air. Many people underestimate the extent of indoor air pollution. This course explores the composition of indoor air pollution, its sources and impacts on our daily lives. Practical methods to mitigate the problem are also discussed.
|
|
|
Intersection Safety
|
$35.00 |
|
The Intersection Safety course was developed to discuss the issue of safety as it relates to traffic studies and plan design. Despite improved intersection design and more sophisticated applications of traffic engineering measures, the annual toll of human loss due to motor vehicle crashes has not substantially changed in more than 25 years. Perhaps with a better knowledge behind the crash statistics and countermeasures, designers can implement designs with better intersection safety. This course will brief the reader on national highway safety statistics. It will also discuss the difference between nominal and substantive safety. Human factors as related to intersection safety will be covered. Design of intersections for older drivers is also covered. There is a review of predictions of safety at intersections. Equations for crash frequency models for stop control of minor intersections are provided. Roadway geometrics as they relate to intersection design will be discussed. Red light running is discussed and ideas to increase the likelihood of stopping are be provided. Screening techniques and countermeasures will be covered. A six step crash mitigation process is provided to identify high crash locations and identify countermeasures. The designer can use these steps to identify sites with potential safety problems, identify contributing factors and determine appropriate countermeasures to be used in plans preparation. The countermeasures are discussed in detail and include signing, pavement marking, lighting and signalization features.
|
|
|
Introduction to AC Power Systems
|
$35.00 |
This 1 hour course will provide an introduction to alternating current (AC) power systems. Power generation, transmission and distribution systems will be discussed. The components that comprise the electric grid will be introduced. The course will show you how electricity is created and transmitted all the way to the outlets in your home. The course will also discuss power system control and why electricity is a very unique source of energy.
|
|
|
Introduction to Designing Modern Photovoltaic Systems
|
$100.00 |
|
Worldwide adoption of Photovoltaic Systems continues to grow at a higher rate than any other energy source. As a result, there is currently a shortage of engineers who are familiar with the design and operation of these systems.
The purpose of this 3-credit course is to introduce most of the basic topics that a PV engineer should understand in order to keep up with this rapidly-growing industry. The mathematical foundations of various concepts are presented in detail, with the goal of assisting engineers with various backgrounds in deciding whether to extend their knowledge to PV system design.
The course begins with an introduction to how PV cells work and continues with incorporating cells into modules, modules into arrays and arrays into systems. Following are sections on site evaluation, structural and wind load calculations and electrical design calculations. Emphasis is on residential straight grid-connected systems with no battery backup in order to provide a solid background of the design fundamentals that can then be extended to large-scale systems and systems that incorporate energy storage for backup and demand management.
|
|
|
Introduction to Electrical Energy Management Systems
|
$35.00 |
This 1 hour course describes how electrical energy is controlled from power plants to the point of use. Power system control centers will be discussed as well as how electric utility personnel monitor and control the electric system.
|
|
|
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - Part I: GIS Basics
|
$65.00 |
In this 2 hour course students will learn the meaning and power of GIS for efficient infrastructure management and operation. Computer technology has forever altered the way infrastructure is managed, maintained, and operated. One of the most dramatic examples of this is the way infrastructure paper maps are being converted to digital formats for use in geographic information systems, or GIS. Approximately 80 percent of all infrastructure information is geographically referenced. A GIS allows utility operators and managers to determine where their assets are located for example, street signs, traffic lights, culverts, water mains, hydrants, meters, manholes, catch basins, etc. A GIS also lets users update, analyze, and display information about those assets. As a result, a GIS can reveal important information that leads to better decision making. For example, GIS can be used to determine which valves should be closed to isolate a broken water main for repair just by clicking on that pipe in a laptop computer in a field vehicle.
|
|
|
Introduction to Geothermal Economics
|
$150.00 |
This 5 hour course will introduce a variety of fundamental geothermal economic principles and project selection fundamentals, including revenue, expenditures, fiscal systems, time value of money, cash flow basics, common economic indicators, risk analysis, project ranking and investment analysis. The participants will receive an overview of geothermal economics, including an introduction to basic cash flow and net present value. During this course participants will also be presented case study on potential geothermal investments.
|
|
|
Introduction to Geothermal Engineering - Exploration to Production
|
$150.00 |
|
This 5 hour course introduces engineering issues ranging from initial involvement in exploration to production optimization challenges. It is considered a primary course that introduces basic concepts prior to specialized training programs. At the end of this course, students will gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts involved in geothermal engineering activities. This course in Geothermal Engineering is especially suitable for energy sector staff involved in Exploration & Production (E&P) and Service activities. This includes management, engineers, geologists, geophysicists, chemists, and physicists with limited background in geothermal engineering.
|
|
|
Introduction to GPS Survey
|
$125.00 |
This 4 hour course introduces the fundamentals of the Global Positioning System (GPS) with a strong focus on how to perform GPS surveys. You’ll learn how to conduct an affordable, centimeter-level RTK GPS survey using a smartphone. Through eight lessons and activities, the course explains how GPS works, presents real-world survey examples, compares accuracy levels, and shows how GPS integrates with GIS and AI for smarter asset management. Ideal for surveyors, engineers, GIS technicians, field staff, and utility professionals, this course combines clear explanations, engaging visuals, and field-based insights to help you confidently apply GPS technology in daily practice
|
|
|
Introduction to Hazardous Waste Management
|
$65.00 |
In this course we will define hazardous waste and several terms and abbreviations related to hazardous waste management, waste management acts and provisions/subtitles. We will take a look on the evolution of RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) legislation, components of RCRA, RCRA and its interrelationship to other environmental statutes. We will learn how we can identify hazardous waste and what are the hazardous waste exclusions and exemptions. We will also discuss listed and characteristic hazardous wastes, the mixture rule, hazardous waste recycling and universal wastes, hazardous waste generators and transporters, hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs), land disposal restrictions, combustion, and permitting for TSDFs. Finally we will learn about Part A (siting) and Part B (detailed design) permitting application submission requirements and Special Forms of Permits such as Permit-by-Rule (PBR); Emergency Permits; Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) Permits; Land Treatment Demonstration Permits; Combustion Permits; Post-Closure Permits; and Remedial Action Plans.
|
|
|
Introduction to Heat Pumps
|
$35.00 |
This 1 hour course provides an introduction to the use of heat pumps in residential and small commercial buildings. During the cooling season, heat pumps operate like air conditioners, transferring heat from inside to outside the house. During the heating season, heat pumps transfer heat in the other direction—from outside to inside the house. Because significantly less energy is needed to transfer heat than to generate it, during the heating season heat pumps generally consume less energy than would be consumed by gas or electric furnaces. This course discusses the different types of heat pumps: air-source, mini-split, geothermal, and absorption. Additional discussion is provided about operation and maintenance, thermostats, and minimizing energy losses in ducts.
|
|
|
Introduction to Mechanical Shock
|
$100.00 |
This course provides an introduction to the field of mechanical shock. Mechanical shock is a highly dynamic environment that is frequently a system design driving load case. This course provides an introduction to the field of mechanical shock along with some historical background describing the origins and importance of the field. A discussion of the common shock failure modes, simple shock dynamics, and the two general types of shocks are provided. Finally, a brief overview of the general methods of analyzing shock data and presenting shock test and analysis results are covered.
|
|
|
Introduction to Petroleum Engineering Part I: Basic Concepts
|
$125.00 |
This 4 hour course addresses engineering issues ranging from initial involvement in exploration to analysis of reservoir engineering. It is considered a primary course prior to specialized training programs. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts involved in petroleum engineering activities and become familiar with the wide range of exploration, petrophysic and reservoir engineering used by the petroleum industry.
|
|
|
Introduction to Petroleum Engineering Part II: Drilling & Production
|
$125.00 |
This 4 hour course addresses engineering issues ranging from starting drilling to completing well. It is considered a primary course prior to specialized training programs. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts involved in petroleum engineering activities. Moreover, it will explain the Petroleum Engineering context within which Drilling Operations and Production Engineering take place. The emphasis on down hole technology will be complemented by a facilities and operations overview. The course will first cover abrief history of petroleum engineering. Then, basic drilling engineering is discussed and will lead in to Drilling Fundamentals, Well Completions/Workovers and Casing/Cementing. Finally the course will cover basic Production Engineering which covers fundamental concepts.
|
|
|
Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers
|
$35.00 |
This course is an overview of the basic design and configurations of the more common programmable logic controllers. Included in this course are descriptions of the most common and simple programmable logic controllers and some of the more complex units. Numerous examples of applications of programmable logic controllers are shown and discussed in detail with illustrations. This course explores the programming of the programmable logic controller using ladder logic language. Examples of some of the ladder logic programming syntax are included.
|
|
|
Introduction to Solar Energy Technologies
|
$100.00 |
In this 3 hour course, the basics of three solar energy technologies are described. The technologies are photovoltaics (PV), concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) , and solar systems integration. The fundamentals of PV are given for solar cells, system design, manufacturing, performance and efficiency, soft costs, and solar rooftop potential. CSP is introduced through discussion of linear concentrator, power tower, dish/engine, and thermal storage systems. Solar systems integration is represented through description of solar resilience, distributed energy resources and microgrids, inverters and grid services, storage basics, solar-plus-storage systems, planning operations, cybersecurity, and silicon carbide in solar energy.
|
|
|
Introduction to Transportation Planning
|
$35.00 |
|
The Introduction to Transportation Planning course will discuss the basic principles of transportation planning. It provides the definitions and objectives of project design and corridor traffic forecasting. It will also examine how equivalent single axle loading (ESAL) forecasting plays into the planning process.
Traffic data sources will be discussed such as permanent continuous counts, permanent continuous classification counts and portable seasonal classification counts.
Definitions will be provided for traffic factors including seasonal factor (SF), axle correction factor, annual average daily traffic (AADT), K, directional distribution (D) and percent trucks (T). Equations will be provided to show how each of these factors relate to traffic forecasting.
|
|
|
Introduction to Zero Energy Buildings
|
$35.00 |
The concept of zero energy building likely includes significantly more considerations than the average reader might imagine. This course explores many of the facets of zero energy buildings of particular interest to design professionals ranging from the design considerations, computer analysis, economic analysis, applicable codes, indoor air quality improvement and the effects on the utility industry. For the reader interested in further pursuit of the concept, a multitude of additional references are listed in the cited references.
|
|
|
Land Development: An Engineer's Guide
|
$65.00 |
|
This course discusses a typical overall land development process, from initial review of a vacant property through final approvals and certification after completion of site construction activities. While no two municipalities have the exact same standards or procedures, the course provides a detailed discussion of what can typically be encountered by the Engineer throughout the process, how the Engineer works and interacts with the developer/client and what additional support team members are sometimes needed to complete a project. Included in the course are discussions on land use and zoning, due diligence evaluations, cost factors, design standards, plan preparation, permitting and approval to construct activities and project close-out.
|
|
|
Land Disposal of Hazardous Waste
|
$65.00 |
This course introduces an overview of hazardous waste (HW) landfill design, operation, and performance. This course covers the materials related to Landfill Operations, Site Selection, Liner & Leachate Collection Systems, Final Cover Systems, Materials, Contaminant Transport through Landfill Barriers, Landfill Stability, Subsurface Impoundments and Deep Well Injection, Closure and Post-Closure Care. This course is suggested for civil engineers, environmental engineers, and solid and hazardous waste landfill managers and operators.
|
|
|
Landfill Gas Energy - Costs, Benefits and Technology
|
$65.00 |
This 2 hour course discusses the how local governments and communities can achieve energy, environmental, health, and economic benefits by using landfill gas (LFG) recovered from municipal solid waste landfills as a source of renewable energy. The steps and considerations involved in developing and implementing LFG energy projects and an awareness of expected costs and financing opportunities are described. Two case studies are presented.
|
|
|
Landscape & Vegetation Management for Flood Damage-Reduction Structures
|
$35.00 |
This 1 hour course provides guidelines to assure that landscape planting and vegetation management provide aesthetic and environmental benefits without compromising the reliability of levees, floodwalls, embankment dams, and appurtenant structures. The dimensions of the vegetation-free and root-free zones defined in this document provide the minimum acceptable buffer between vegetation and flood damage reduction structures.
|
|
|
Layered Control of Slab Moisture
|
$65.00 |
Effective moisture control in concrete is a critical factor in the success of
commercial flooring installations. This course will explore moisture control
systems designed to maintain the structural integrity and aesthetic quality of
flooring, ensuring long-lasting results. Participants will learn how to address
common moisture challenges in concrete and how to select the right systems that
provide confidence through warranty-backed solutions. We'll explore industry
standards for testing and evaluating moisture, offering insight into best
practices that support safe, durable, and high-performing flooring
installations. Through real-world examples, participants will gain a deeper
understanding of how proper moisture management can contribute to a project's
overall success, from design through completion. By the end of the course,
attendees will have the knowledge to make strategic choices that enhance
flooring resilience and project outcomes.
|
|
|
Leadscrews, Screw Jacks and Other Devices: Application and Selection
|
$35.00 |
This course is an overview of the basic design considerations for selecting and applying leadscrews. Included in this course are descriptions of the most common leadscrew configurations and their main components. The main configurations include threaded nut, roller nut and ball bearing leadscrews. This course explores some of the design compromises that are necessary in designing and selecting leadscrews. Load capacity, accuracy, repeatability, resolution and backlash are discussed. Screw Jacks, mechanical jacks and linear actuators are described. The differences between the various configurations are explained. Examples of some installations are included.
|
|
|
Lean on Me - Choosing Railings Carefully
|
$100.00 |
|
In every major city, premier addresses flaunt high-end high-rise residential towers, that make it possible to maximize profit from acquiring high priced land. On these towers, row upon row of sleek railings march toward the heights, declaring at least small pieces of outdoor space as being for private use only. In conjunction with the design of the whole structure, these railings form a large part of the aesthetic of their projects. They are one of the most visible. All the while, the rails do the job for which they were really designed. That is keeping those behind them alive. This material briefly examines the materials and methods used to construct barriers against fatal falls. Codes governing the performance of railings will be examined, because safety is the main justification for such regulations. Different ways to meet those guidelines will be discussed. Different looks made possible by technology will be portrayed. Finally, the challenges faced by busy design firms in choosing, detailing, and specifying these integral building components will be examined. Many new tools for railing design are becoming available to architects, engineers and builders. 3-D imaging, 3-D modeling, BIM and CAD-CAM programs are changing the perception of what once was possible, especially in the area of renovation projects. New business models are beginning to emerge whereby the development of standard details and standard specifications for railing systems will become practical, for busy architectural firms providing services in multiple locales. This course in intended to convey that knowledge to such firms.
|
|
|
Levels of Building Security
|
$65.00 |
|
Building security doesn't involve only electronic gear, software and guards, nor
is it just for specific building types. Buildings for all purposes should likely
address security concerns during design.
Threats to building occupants can be lone individuals, acting from
opportunity and using simple tools to enter and sometimes harm victims, but more
often to steal their possessions to later sell. Some are lone perpetrators
seeking notoriety or significance, through publicity of their planned and
attempted mass murders. At the extreme end of security threats are organized
mobs, trained terrorists and armed militia with advanced weaponry.
The last group will be a bit hard to resist, without excessive expense or
an equally armed group to repel them. But for most potential threats, there are
things we can do to identify that danger before it reaches us, delay entry until
help can arrive or completely deny threats entry into our facilities and our
lives.
|
|
|
Liquefied Natural Gas - Introduction
|
$65.00 |
|
This course is the first in a series of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Courses. It
is designed for engineers entering the specialty of LNG or those who want to
understand the basics of LNG production, storage, transportation, vaporization
and safety measures.
Learners taking this course are expected to have a basic understanding of
thermodynamics and heat transfer (boiling, condensation pressure, temperature
relationships, etc.).
The learner will understand the origins of natural gas and the required
pre-treatment before natural gas is converted to LNG. The reasons for and
methods of reducing the concentration of acid gases, mercury, water vapor, and
heavy hydrocarbons before liquefaction will be covered. The chemical and
physical characteristics of LNG will also be covered in this course.
Emphasis will be placed on the need for relief valves and attention to LNG
special phenomena, such as Rapid Phase Transformation, LNG spill behavior, and
LNG storage tank inventory rollover. The effects of nitrogen in LNG and
re-condenser use will be explained, along with the importance of proper design
(spring hangers, expansion joints, etc.) and preventive maintenance. The need
for auxiliary and backup auxiliary systems will also be presented.
Importantly, the learner will appreciate the need to maintain safe and
reliable plant operations through proper training of plant personnel. The
rationale for strictly following procedures, recognizing anomalies,
understanding the technologies and applying a Management of Change process will
be covered.
The course will aim to develop a culture of preemptive thinking, continuous
learning, continuous improvement, and ethical behavior to avoid accidents and
unreasonable risks.
The most important intention of this course is to give the learner the
basic technical knowledge, at an introductory level, that he/she needs to start
their study on how to continue to make the Liquid Natural Gas Industry "Safe and
Reliable."
|
|
|
Liquefied Natural Gas Safety: What Every Energy Engineer Needs to Know
|
$125.00 |
|
Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) plants and other petrochemical facilities are built to deliver a return on investment to their investors through safe operation. Their designers and engineer-led operators require in-depth technical knowledge to ensure that these facilities are safe and reliable. This course provides an introduction to that knowledge.
The most well-designed facilities are only as safe and reliable as the human resources that make decisions when operating these facilities. These human resources require training and technical knowledge on how the safety systems work, how to recognize anomalies, react to such anomalies, and, most importantly, how to prevent such anomalies. Remember the Challenger Space Shuttle - extensive safety systems, but poor operator judgment rendered it a disaster.
This training covers LNG safety practices from both a technical and human resource development perspective. A thorough understanding of these topics is needed to help you design, operate or maintain an LNG facility; however, many of the topics covered pertain to all petrochemical plants. This training is intended to present concepts and materials to develop a culture of safety and reliability in your thought processes. It will provide the learner with basic technical knowledge needed to make informed planning, maintenance, and operating decisions to ensure plant safety and reliability. The most crucial intention of this training is to impart knowledge of how to continue to make the Liquid Natural Gas Industry "Safe and Reliable."
|
|
|
Low Voltage Special Topics of Interest
|
$200.00 |
This 7-hour course explores topics of interest in the areas of voltages less than 1000 volts, including who is allowed to do what, based upon the type of license held. For example, fire alarm contractors are not licensed to install higher voltage systems such as 240 V motors, while an electrical contractor is allowed to install the 240 V motor as well as a fire alarm system. Even so, the EC specializing in residential, commercial and industrial wiring, probably will not include specializing in fire alarm systems. The goal of this course is to present a few contemporary higher voltage concepts that may be of interest to low voltage specialty contractors, such as electric vehicle charging, as well as a few contemporary low voltage concepts that may be of interest to electrical contractors, such as alarm wiring and controls. Some topics, such as selecting fuses and circuit breakers, batteries and battery charging and troubleshooting methods and examples will also be presented.
|
|
|
Maintenance of Traffic Plans
|
$35.00 |
This course will provide the necessary information to provide an understanding of Maintenance of Traffic Plans. The fundamental principles of work zone traffic control are discussed. The requirements of traffic control devices and human factor principles for work zones are also discussed. The components of maintenance of traffic plans are listed. Work zone device requirements are defined in detail. Traffic control planning is defined as a set of plans describing how traffic will be controlled during each construction phase. The components of traffic control zones, taper types and lengths, lane closure and detours are included. Transportation management plan development is described as a method for minimizing activity-related traffic delay and accident by the effective application of traditional traffic handling practice and innovative combination of community and motorist collaboration.
|
|
|
Managing the Project Client
|
$35.00 |
|
Every builder offering professional services encounters difficult clients. Given enough experience, and methods to identify and avoid difficult people before they become part of that experience, builders can avoid most of them. Because builders are hired to manage the hopes and dreams of their clients, as well as a large part of their money, home owners will always have high expectations. They will demand and expect professionalism from any builder with whom they are partnering.
It is possible to manage projects well enough to minimize conflict. Managing clients may not be so easy. Sometimes, despite good project management, good intentions, good communication and a very good end-product, a client just refuses to be happy. If you absolutely know you did well, an old piece of advice states, “This too shall pass.”
That client will leave your life eventually. Then you will be able to remember all the excellent reasons you became a professional builder in the first place.
|
|
|
Manual Materials Handling and Back Safety
|
$65.00 |
|
Manual materials handling (MMH) is a component of many jobs and activities. Typically, it involves lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling and carrying objects by hand and covers a wide range of situations including construction, office work, and daily living.
This course explains many risk factors involved in lifting and handling materials. It discusses ways to move materials safely and examines hazard control in the workplace. This guide explains many ways to keep our backs and muscle groups healthy and safe while we work. An important goal of this course is to help students find ways to create safe workplaces.
Manual materials handling, or MMH tasks, are encountered regularly on and off the job. The one thing that all MMH tasks have in common is the potential for injury, from simple cuts, bruises and sore muscles to more serious conditions related to low back pain (LBP). Almost half of all low back injuries are related to lifting, about another 10 percent are associated with pushing and pulling activities, and another 6 percent occur while holding, wielding, throwing or carrying materials. This course introduces the student to safe methods of handling and lifting and when to avoid lift altogether
|
|
|
Mechanical Myths and Myth Calculations
|
$35.00 |
This course has been prepared to cause the reader to think about solutions,
rather than structured to recite a lot of technical facts. Popular and
long-standing myths about physical and mechanical phenomena are discussed. Some
cases of faulty calculations are analyzed and presented. This course will
enable the student to apply reliable means of evaluating unusual situations and
look at the physical world in a new light. The lesson contains many good points
that could save a young engineer many hours of grief.
|
|
|
Mechanics of Rigid Bodies
|
$35.00 |
The mechanics of rigid bodies is a core topic in engineering. This course is a
review of the important fundamental concepts of rigid body mechanics. The
review is designed to refresh the essential definitions and principles governing
Newton's Laws of Motion, mechanics, statics and kinetics. Engineers need to
refresh and maintain their understanding of these fundamentals in order to
strengthen their practice.
|
|
|
Median Design
|
$35.00 |
|
This course is designed to cover median design from history to actual design. It begins with the benefits and history of median design. Median design terms are defined. Access Management Classification is discussed as it relates to median placement and design.
The different types of median openings are shown from most restrictive to least restrictive. The types of medians are outlined along with the corresponding number of conflict points. The relationship of access vs. through movement is discussed.
Median design issues are outlines as they relate to turn lane development including approach taper, deceleration distance and storage length. Perception-reaction time, design speed and entry speed also play factors in turn lane design.
Definitions of sight distance including negative and positive left turn offsets are defined. A positive offset is preferred because it gives the left turning driver greater visibility of oncoming traffic. There is also a discussion as to how driveways can be strategically placed at median openings to promote safe turning movements.
Properly implemented median management will result in improvement to traffic operations, minimize adverse environmental impacts, and increase highway safety. As traffic flow is improved, delay and vehicle emissions are reduced. In addition, roadway capacity and fuel economy are increased and accidents are less numerous and less severe.
The benefits to medians include:
Safety - Fewer/less severe accidents; less auto/pedestrian conflicts
Efficiency - Higher levels of services; less stop and go traffic
Aesthetics - More room for landscaping and pedestrians; more attractive corridors
|
|
|
Mine Subsidence - Residential Damage and Problems
|
$35.00 |
|
This 1 hour course discusses subsidence problems associated with past underground mining activity. Typical problems include cracks in foundations and walls, jammed or broken windows, and broken water, sewer, and gas lines. Information is also provided about conditions such as expansive soils or brick thermal expansion that may produce problems frequently mistaken as being caused by subsidence. Detailed advice is provided as to what to do when subsidence problems are suspected and what help is available for property owners faced with these kinds of problems.
The course is based on specific conditions in Illinois, but many of these same conditions also exist in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. These states are underlain with coal deposits that lie so far below the surface that they can be extracted only through underground (rather than surface) mining. Many of these mines were dug well over one hundred years ago in areas that were uninhabited or sparsely settled at the time. Today these areas are home to residential subdivisions and retail centers, some of which now sit above abandoned mines. As the coal pillars and timbers that originally supported the mine roof collapse from age and water damage, the roof comes down, and the soil and rock overlying the mine sink. The surface of the land above the mine subsides, and any structure lying on the surface is liable to damage from the subsidence.
|
|
|
Modern Roundabout Design
|
$65.00 |
The modern roundabout is a common intersection application which is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. As with any intersection, its selection and design requires balancing competing objectives (economics, safety, environmental concerns, operation, accessibility, land usage, aesthetics, etc.). This 2 hour course is a summary of the geometric design process for today’s roundabouts. Participants will be given an in-depth look at the principles and potential trade-offs to be considered when selecting and designing roundabouts. It is important to understand these design principles as well as the potential trade-offs that may be encountered. By combining this course material with work experience and engineering judgment, the participant may produce plans beneficial to the traveling public.
|
|
|
Moisture Infiltration
|
$35.00 |
This 1 hour course covers moisture infiltration sources, problems and possible remedies. Moisture enters buildings both as a liquid and as a gas (water vapor). In its liquid form it is introduced intentionally in bathrooms, kitchens and laundries. It can also come accidentally from leaks and spills. As a gas, water vapor sources include humidifiers, evaporation, occupants and outside air.
|
|
|
Moving Towards Net Zero Building
|
$150.00 |
|
Net zero refers to achieving an overall balance between carbon-based emissions produced and the removal or offsetting of the same amount of carbon from the atmosphere. Sustainability is defined by one source as "meeting current needs, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, in the environment we will leave them." Taken together, striving to meet these two objectives can result in choices made in project design and project use, resulting in the least harm possible being done to our environment. Setting buzzwords aside, we will examine a few key principles involved in moving toward "net zero." The first of these will involve designing buildings that use as little energy as possible, once occupied as intended. The second principle will be generating as much power on-site, or the equivalent thereof, to supply the power still needed and used by the facility. The concepts examined here should provide a few tools to reach toward these goals.
|
|
|
Multipurpose Machines
|
$35.00 |
This course is an analysis and overview of the challenges encountered in designing multi-function machinery and vehicles. Hopefully, this course will be helpful to engineers and designers who may be preparing to begin a new design project. Examples of multi-function machines are reviewed with the challenges that had to be overcome. Their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Included in this course are descriptions of the most common challenges to creating a successful multi-function machine design and their effect on the final design.
|
|
|
Natural Gas Pipeline Flow Calculations
|
$35.00 |
Several different equations have been proposed and are in use for natural gas pipeline flow calculations. This 1 hour course provides information about four of them, the Weymouth Equation, the Panhandle A Equation, the Panhandle B Equation, and the Darcy Weisbach Equation, along with information about the fluid properties needed and their estimation or calculation. This course is intended for, petroleum engineers, chemical engineers, geotechnical engineers, environmental engineers, and civil engineers. An attendee of this course will gain knowledge about four equations used for natural gas pipeline flow equations and how to use them.
|
|
|
NEC FAQs
|
$65.00 |
This 2-hour course
has been designed to explain some of the mysteries associated with electrical
issues related to existing and emerging electrical work. It is presented in a
question and answer format that looks at some of the more difficult or confusing
concepts that occur in the last two editions of the National Electrical Code
(2017 & 2020). It starts with questions related to Chapter 1 and covers
topics through Chapter 9, including concepts such as arc flash, modern
electronic dimmer switches, electric vehicle charging, watts and VARS, grounding
electrodes, floating circuits, harmonics and 3-phase neutrals and several
emerging technologies, such as Article 706 on Energy Storage.
|
|
|
Nuclear Power Plants: What Makes Them Safe?
|
$125.00 |
This 4 hour course will provide an understanding of the mandated safety systems that are incorporated into every operating nuclear power plant in this country to protect plant personnel, the general public and the environment against the hypothetical design basis loss-of-coolant accident which simulates a collection of simultaneous worse case assumed accident conditions.
|
|
|
Nuclear Power: Making A Comeback?
|
$125.00 |
This 4 hour course will explore the current confluence of factors causing increased and serious attention to be paid to nuclear power plants as a viable alternative to fossil fueled power generation to meet future electrical energy requirements. The nuclear fuel cycle and issues surrounding spent nuclear fuel transportation and disposal are also presented.
|
|
|
Nuclear Power: What Great Promise, What Went Wrong?
|
$150.00 |
This 5 hour course will provide an understanding of nuclear power plant operations and why there have not been any new nuclear power plant orders in the US for over 25 years. The course describes the TMI and Chernobyl accidents and a series of other significant operating events that served to transform the Nuclear Regulatory Commission into a hardened regulator. Finally, the new culture of safety in the industry, and its surprising economic impacts are examined.
|
|
|
Offshore Wind Energy Strategies
|
$125.00 |
In this 4 hour course, the current status of offshore wind energy development in the United States is described, along with the challenges impeding further deployment. Five strategies to help make the United States a global leader in the industry are identified: 1) expand federal incentives, 2) reduce offshore wind energy costs, 3) improve siting and regulatory processes, 4) invest in the supply chain, and 5) plan grid integration.
|
|
|
Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Technologies
|
$175.00 |
Advances in oil and gas exploration and production technologies have resulted in numerous economic and environmental benefits. This 6 hour course provides information in the form of fact sheets for 36 advanced technologies for oil and gas exploration, drilling and completion, production, site restoration, and handling sensitive environments.
|
|
|
Open Channel Flow Part I: The Manning Equation and Uniform Flow
|
$35.00 |
|
Flow of a liquid may take place either as open channel flow or pressure flow. Pressure flow takes place in a closed conduit such as a pipe, and pressure is the primary driving force for the flow. For open channel flow, on the other hand the flowing liquid has a free surface at atmospheric pressure and the driving force is gravity. Open channel flow takes place in natural channels like rivers and streams. It also occurs in manmade channels such as those used to transport wastewater and in circular sewers flowing partially full. In this course several aspects of open channel flow will be presented, discussed and illustrated with examples. The main topic of this course is uniform open channel flow, in which the channel slope, liquid velocity and liquid depth remain constant. First, however, several ways of classifying open channel flow will be presented and discussed briefly. After completing this course you will have knowledge about the basic nature of flow in open channels and the common ways of classifying open channel flow (laminar or turbulent, steady state or unsteady state, uniform or non-uniform, and critical, subcritical or supercritical). Practice in the use of the Manning equation for a variety of uniform open channel flow calculations will be gained through several worked examples. Upon completing this course, you will be prepared to take more advanced open channel flow courses.
|
|
|
Open Channel Flow Part II: Hydraulic Jumps, Supercritical Flow & Non-Uniform Flow
|
$35.00 |
|
Many examples of open channel flow can be approximated as uniform flow allowing the Manning equation to be used. Non-uniform flow calculations are needed, however, in some open channel flow situations, where the flow is clearly non-uniform. The concepts of supercritical, subcritical and critical flow, and calculations related to those three regimes of flow, are needed for non-uniform open channel flow analysis and calculations. Hence, in this course, the parameter called specific energy will first be used to introduce the concepts of critical, subcritical, and supercritical flow. Various calculations related to critical, subcritical and supercritical flow conditions will be presented, including hydraulic jump calculations. The thirteen possible types of gradually varied non-uniform flow surface profiles will then be presented and discussed. Also, the procedure and equations for step-wise calculation of gradually varied non-uniform surface profiles will be presented and illustrated with examples. An attendee of this course will gain knowledge about the meaning of critical, subcritical, and supercritical flow, about basic calculations related to those three types of flow, about the hydraulic jump and basic calculations concerning it, about the classification scheme for types of gradually varied non-uniform flow, and about how to carry out a stepwise calculation of a gradually varied, non-uniform flow surface profile. Upon completing this course, the student will be prepared to take additional open channel hydraulics courses.
|
|
|
Open Channel Flow Part III: Sharp Crested Weirs
|
$35.00 |
A weir is basically an obstruction in an open channel flow path. Weirs are commonly used for measurement of open channel flow rate. A weir functions by causing water to rise above the obstruction in order to flow over it. The height of water above the obstruction correlates with the flow rate, so that measurement of the height of the flowing water above the top of the weir can be used to determine the flow rate through the use of an equation, graph or table. The top of the weir, which is used as the reference level for the height of water flowing over it, is called the crest of the weir. Weirs are typically classified as being either sharp-crested or broad-crested. This course is devoted to the more widely used sharp-crested weir. The major emphasis is on the calculations used for flow rate over various types of sharp-crested weirs. There is also information about guidelines for installation and use of sharp-crested weirs.
|
|
|
OSHA - Asbestos Standard for Construction Industry
|
$65.00 |
In the construction industry, asbestos is found in many installed products. Because very few asbestos containing products are being installed today, most worker exposures occur during the removal of asbestos and the renovation and maintenance of buildings and structures containing asbestos. This 2 hour course describes how the OSHA standard applies to the following activities: 1) demolishing or salvaging structures where asbestos is present; 2) removing or encapsulating asbestos-containing material; 3) constructing, altering, repairing, maintaining, or renovating asbestos-containing structures or substrates; 4) installing asbestos-containing products; 5) cleaning up asbestos spills/emergencies: and 6) transporting, disposing, storing, containing, and housekeeping involving asbestos or asbestos-containing products on a construction site.
|
|
|
OSHA Guide for Protecting Roofing Workers
|
$35.00 |
This 1 hour course presents the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s guide to protecting workers on roofing jobs. Roofers encounter many hazards, including working at heights and from ladders, using power tools, working with electricity, and being exposed to hazardous substances and extreme temperatures. Citing relevant OSHA standards and providing additional guidance, this course gives employers the information they need to minimize the hazards faced by their roofers.
|
|
|
Panama Canal History & Expansion
|
$125.00 |
|
The Panama Canal is currently undergoing a $5.2 billion transformation to add a third set of locks to accommodate larger transit vessels. This course will first present the history of the existing Panama Canal, how it was selected over other competing locations and the first attempt at its construction by the French. Next, the course will review the site and its geology and the American effort to design and construct the existing canal consisting of two sets of adjacent locks at three locations throughout Panama. Following this, the course will present how upgrades to the canal were performed to maintain its viability over the past 100 years and the canal’s impact on global transportation of goods and materials. The current expansion project scope and design basis will be presented along with the program execution plan and contractor selection. Finally, the course will provide the recent project status including problems and issues encountered during construction and the current progress and projected completion. This course includes several graphics and photographs that provide a good depiction of one of the largest construction project ever undertaken.
|
|
|
Passive Solar Heating Basics
|
$65.00 |
|
The principles of passive solar heating, such as basic types of systems, their description, and the components making up any passive system are presented in this 2 hour course. Sources of data for heating requirements and available solar radiation throughout the U.S are identified and discussed along with a method for estimating the rate of heat loss from a home. The use of these three inputs in a method for estimating performance of a passive heating system of specified size at a specified location is presented. The data retrieval and calculations are illustrated with numerous examples.
This course is intended for mechanical, electrical chemical and energy engineers, and architects. It will also be of interest to any engineers wanting to learn more about the renewable energy field.
|
|
|
Pedestrian Safety
|
$100.00 |
|
This course discusses the issue of pedestrian safety as it relates to traffic studies and plan design. A background of the pedestrian safety problem is discussed.
An understanding of pedestrian characteristics and transportation design and policy elements that impact pedestrian safety are covered. Design for pedestrian safety is discussed as it relates to street design, street connectivity, site design, land use and access management. Methods to improve pedestrian safety are provided.
Collection data to identify pedestrian safety problems is outlined as it relates to types of safety projects and the information necessary to identify and quantify pedestrian safety deficiencies.
Analyzing the information and prioritizing the concerns is an important issue. Identifying high crash locations, corridors, targeted areas and jurisdiction is key to determining possible solutions. Crash typing is covered in order to select appropriate solutions. A ranking system is then produced to prioritize the solutions for implementation.
Safety solutions must take into account design specifications and guidelines. Engineering, enforcement and educational solutions can all be used in policy and planning solutions. After implementation, these solution should be monitored to make sure they have a positive effect.
|
|
|
Personal Protective Equipment in Construction
|
$35.00 |
|
This course covers personal protective equipment (PPE).
Controlling a hazard at its source is the best way to protect employees, but
when work practice and administrative controls are not feasible or do not
provide sufficient protection, employers must provide PPE to their employees and
ensure its use. Examples of PPE include such items as gloves, foot and eye
protection, protective hearing devices (earplugs, muffs), hard hats, respirators
and full body suits.
This course will help contractors understand the types of
PPE; know the basics of conducting a "hazard assessment" of the workplace;
select appropriate PPE for a variety of circumstances; and understand what kind
of training is needed in the proper use and care of PPE.
|
|
|
PFAS Removal During Water Treatment
|
$35.00 |
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used for decades. PFAS are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because their strong carbon-fluorine bonds prevent them from breaking down in the environment. The presence of PFAS in the water supply is cause for concern due to both environmental and health-related issues. This course summarizes PFAS detection and removal methods that are currently used to reduce PFAS levels in water. Complexities and potential improvements to these methods are also discussed.
|
|
|
Pipe Flow Calculations Part I - Friction Factor Calculations with Excel
|
$35.00 |
|
Several kinds of pipe flow calculations can be made with the Darcy-Weisbach equation and the Moody friction factor. These calculations can be conveniently carried out with an Excel spreadsheet. Many of the calculations require an iterative solution, so they are especially suitable for an Excel spreadsheet solution. This 1 hour course includes discussion of the Darcy-Weisbach equation and the parameters in the equation along with the U.S. and S.I. units to be used. Example calculations and sample Excel spreadsheets for making the calculations are also presented and discussed.
This 1 hour course is intended primarily for civil engineers, mechanical engineers, chemical engineers, and environmental engineers. After completing this course you will be able to make calculations with the Darcy Weisbach equation and the Moody friction factor equations to calculate several different unknown parameters when sufficient input data is provided. You will also be prepared to use Excel spreadsheets to efficiently make the calculations. As prepared for Titan Coursework this series has been separated into separate courses and may be taken out of sequence, each course independent from another.
|
|
|
Pipe Flow Calculations Part II - Partially Full Pipe Flow Calculations
|
$35.00 |
|
The Manning equation is used for a variety of types of uniform open channel flow, including gravity flow in pipes, the topic of this course. This 1 hour course includes a review of the Manning equation, along with presentation of equations for calculating the cross-sectional area, wetted perimeter, and hydraulic radius for flow of a specified depth in a pipe of known diameter. Numerous worked examples illustrate the use of these equations together with the Manning equation to calculate flow rate and velocity, normal depth, minimum required pipe diameter, required pipe slope or full flow Manning roughness coefficient for partially full pipe flow.
This course is intended for hydrologists, civil engineers, hydraulic engineers, highway engineers, environmental engineers and mechanical engineers. After completing this course you will have knowledge about the equations for calculating area, wetted perimeter, and hydraulic radius for partially full pipe flow and equations for calculating the Manning roughness coefficient at a given depth to diameter ratio, with a known value of the Manning roughness coefficient for full pipe flow. Practice in the use of the Manning equation for a variety of partially full pipe flow calculations will be gained through several worked examples. As prepared for Titan Coursework this series has been separated into separate courses and may be taken out of sequence, each course independent from another.
|
|
|
Pipe Flow Measurement
|
$35.00 |
Those taking this course will gain knowledge about twelve different types of meters for measuring fluid flow rate in a closed conduit. They will learn about typical calculations for differential pressure meters and pitot tubes. They will learn the general principles of operation for each type and general advantages and disadvantages of each. Several categories of pipe flow measurement devices will be described and discussed including associated calculations with some of them.
|
|
|
Plastics in Building Construction and Fire Safety
|
$35.00 |
This course examines the fire safety implications of plastics used in modern building construction, focusing on how polymer-based materials influence ignition, fire growth, smoke production, and toxic gas release. The course explores common thermoplastics and thermosets used in insulation, facades, piping, electrical systems, and interior finishes, with emphasis on their combustion behavior and heat release characteristics. The course integrates fire testing methods, building code requirements, and real-world case studies - including facade fires, concealed insulation fires, and cable-tray incidents - to illustrate system-level risks and regulatory controls. Overall, this course examines how plastics can both enhance building performance and introduce critical fire hazards that must be managed through design, testing, and code compliance.
|
|
|
Practical Electrical Problems and Solutions
|
$200.00 |
This 7-hour course introduces a wide range of electrical topics that are not generally a part of the typical day of the typical electrician. Often the electrician is told to 'do it like this', which can leave the electrician wondering 'why am I doing it like this? Is there another way? A better way?' The course covers the how and why of topics ranging from backfeeding circuit breakers to selection of motor starters to troubleshooting sump pumps to determining how many and where to install expansion joints in PVC and metallic conduit to installing electric vehicle chargers.
|
|
|
Practicing Ethics: Examining Case Studies
|
$65.00 |
This two-hour course for construction professionals, architects, and engineers discusses the ethical and professional dimensions of practical case studies. You will learn the basic facts of cases, examine core ethical issues and themes, and see what the cases can teach us about professional ethics and practice.
|
|
|
Premade Components for Expedition and Ease
|
$65.00 |
|
If a process or product can be made or finished more quickly or installed more
easily, those advantages translate directly into either a lower price or a
higher profit margin in the world of construction. That is the primary
motivation driving the increasing use of prefabricated building components,
including entire premade buildings, in the marketplace.
This course examines multiple aspects of this growing trend. It presents
the history of such practices, components or units that are currently available
in a prefabricated form, opportunities to further expand the practice and the
pros and cons of using such pieces in a new building project. It begins with
discussions of prefabrication from the assembly of small pieces, the creation of
major building components, and the ordering of pre-engineered structures of
steel and other materials. The course concludes with an overview of the
purchase of building kits and entire structures that can be delivered
on-site.
Whether in whole or in part, prefabrication has proven valuable in the
construction industry. For this reason, prefabrication processes will remain in
use for quite some time.
|
|
|
Preventing Wrong-Way Driving on Freeways
|
$125.00 |
Driving the wrong way on freeways has been a consistent traffic safety problem since the interstate system was opened in the 1950s. From 1996 to 2000 alone, over 1,700 people were killed and thousands more were injured in wrong-way crashes in the United States. The average direct economic loss from such crashes is estimated to be over ten million dollars per year. The purpose of this course is to identify the contributing factors to wrong-way crashes on freeways and to develop promising, cost-conscious countermeasures to reduce these driving errors and their related crashes. Factors found to be significant are alcohol impairment, age, gender, physical condition, drivers experience and knowledge, time of day, and interchange type. Vehicle type, seat belt use, lighting, roadway alignment, driver age group, first vehicle contact point, and driver condition (blood alcohol concentration level) are shown to have an impact on crash severity. Types of countermeasures such as signage, pavement markings, geometric design, and ITS vehicle detection systems are discussed. Applications to twelve specific interchanges are presented.
|
|
|
Principles of Organizational Communication
|
$65.00 |
This course is designed to introduce you to the basic principles of organizational communication. It begins by giving you insight to the history and early perspectives of the communication field. The focus then shifts to the importance of communication to an organization. This book covers a broad range of topics including tips on improving your listening skills, the key to leadership, gender in the workplace, and an extensive look into crisis management.
|
|
|
Professional Ethics for Engineers
|
$100.00 |
How can the professional engineer distinguish between right and wrong? How can the engineer identify and deal with ethical dilemmas? This 3 hour home study course addresses such questions by providing a philosophically-informed analysis of engineering ethics and by looking at real case studies. The course begins by clarifying core concepts in ethics. Using the NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers as a guideline, the course analyzes five case studies in order to give real examples of how to apply ethical principles. It describes the DASDA ethical reasoning process for dealing with ethical dilemmas. The course also contains informative appendices on the foundations of ethics and a selected bibliography. By taking this course, you will refine your moral judgment and raise your awareness of your ethical responsibilities as a professional engineer.
|
|
|
Professional Ethics: Determining Negligence in Engineering Failures
|
$35.00 |
|
Negligence in the practice of professional engineering means the failure to behave with the standard of care that a professional engineer of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances. The purpose of this 1 hour course is to identify conditions under which, when an engineering failure has occurred, it can be attributed to negligence. Five causes of failure are proposed: negligence, rare failure mode, overlooked failure mode, new (previously unrecognized) failure mode, and incorrect assessment of a known risk. Negligence is the only cause that involves failing in an ethical duty.
These concepts are illustrated with five case studies of failures ranging from gross negligence to absolutely unforeseeable events: - The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919, for which a new possible cause was identified 95 years later (2014);
- A building collapse in Bangladesh in which over 1,000 people died—one of the worst structural engineering disasters in history;
- A meteorite strike of a private residence;
- The crash of the British-French Concorde supersonic airliner, caused by an unlikely tire blow-out; and
- Radiation overdoses received by patients treated by the Thorac-25 medical linear accelerator, caused by errors in the software controlling the machine.
|
|
|
Project Management - Advanced Techniques
|
$100.00 |
|
This 3 hour course in project management is intended to improve the prospects for existing project managers and would-be project managers to manage a successful project. The simple definition of successful has rarely been defined in specific terms of a given project, but a general definition usually encompasses being on time and being under budget. Nevertheless, while this definition may be too narrow to satisfy many PMs and executives, the project is not successful unless you combine these two finite factors with a more than satisfactory end result.
The course is divided into two separate parts, each of which is intended to improve the capabilities of a Project Manager or a potential Project Manager. The first part describes the steps necessary to become a top quality PM. This part focuses on the background and education necessary to be considered for a project management role. The second part of this course deals with the actual fundamentals of managing a project so that a Project Manager and every team member are performing at an optimum level. This section of the course covers the multiple functions of the project, including the activities necessary to assure that engineering, equipment and construction meet the quality objectives of the project. In this portion of the course are many techniques which describe how to obtain optimum scope and design parameters as well as maintaining schedule and cost controls. Numerous examples are given of solutions to problems that are encountered as the project unfolds. The PM is made aware of the subtleties that are available to resolve seemingly difficult issues.
|
|
|
Project Management - Be A Successful Project Manager
|
$125.00 |
Upon completion of this 4 hour course, students will understand beginning to intermediate project management concepts and techniques that will greatly increase your odds of successfully managing projects. The course is organized according to the five process areas of initiation, planning, execution, control, and closeout. Learn the detailed project initiation and planning steps that will set the stage for success before you begin a project. Also covered are: quality assurance to maintain high quality work products; communicating with your team and customers; staying on top of budgets, schedules, and scope issues; and related topics such as controlling and protecting your valuable electronic documents.
|
|
|
Project Management Fundamentals
|
$100.00 |
In this 3 hour course you will understand project manager functions, responsibilities, project controls, schedules, estimating and managing risk. Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements. Project management is about performing the project within the triple constraints of cost, time and quality plus gaining customer satisfaction. Project Management is achieving these goals within schedule, within budget, meeting specified quality expectations and customer satisfaction.
|
|
|
Prototypes and the Art of Reproduction
|
$35.00 |
|
In the practice of architectural design, there exists a peculiar niche or genre of work. It lies in the creation and reuse of prototypical plans for clients who need to duplicate their basic facilities elsewhere.
To those observing from afar, the work seems mundane and unsatisfying. It is not the stuff from which awards or peer recognition arises. For those involved in the niche, is can make for very long and satisfying working relationships and a recognition of worth by clients, to who’s success the designer directly contributes.
In this course, we will examine the pros and cons of prototype creation. We will do so from the standpoint of the team of professionals involved in their creation, from the professionals most often involved at individual project locations and from the viewpoint of the building owner. Most often, that will be a company involved in the creation and expansion of franchises.
In doing so, we will discuss the power of duplication.
|
|
|
Quality Assurance: Focus On Design Control
|
$125.00 |
This 4 hour course in Quality Assurance (QA) provides an introduction to QA creating the foundation to develop an understanding and appreciation of QA and its contribution to engineering activities. This course defines QA and explains the importance of an effectively implemented QA Program. The typical components of a QA Program will be identified and a detailed discussion of the requirements for a QA organization and program, specifically focusing on design control requirements will be provided. QA will take on practical and significant meaning, resulting in a quality consciousness that will enhance the engineering and technical work we are responsible for.
|
|
|
Rainwater Harvesting
|
$125.00 |
|
Rainwater harvesting is an ancient technique enjoying a revival in popularity due to the inherent quality of rainwater and interest in reducing consumption of treated water. Rainwater collection has numerous benefits such as: free supply, low mineral and sodium content, reduction in non-point source pollution, and reduced demand on water utilities. This course introduces the basic principles of residential and small-scale commercial rainwater harvesting systems design. The design process includes choosing system components in the most cost effective and advantageous manner. It is intended to serve as a first step in consideration of the use of rainwater harvesting systems. This course is based on the publication, Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting. The information in this course may be useful in planning and sizing of rainwater harvesting systems.
|
|
|
Rational Method Hydrological Calculations
|
$35.00 |
|
Calculation of peak storm water runoff rate from a drainage area is often done with the Rational Method equation (Q = CiA). Calculations with the Rational Method equation often involve determination of the design rainfall intensity and the time of concentration of the watershed as well. Example calculations and examples using an Excel spreadsheet for Rational Method equation calculations and for determination of the design rainfall intensity and the time of concentration of the drainage area, are presented and discussed in this course. The parameters in the equations are defined with typical units for both U.S. and S.I. units.
This 1 hour course is intended primarily for civil engineers, hydraulic engineers, highway engineers, and environmental engineers. After completing this course you will be able to calculate peak storm water runoff rate using the Rational Method equation in either U.S. or S.I. units, including determination of runoff coefficient, calculation of time of concentration, and determination of design rainfall intensity. You will also be prepared to use Excel spreadsheets to efficiently make the calculations.
|
|
|
Reading and Interpreting Construction Specifications and Plans
|
$65.00 |
This course is written for construction professionals who must be able to read and understand the documents in a bid package. This course will concentrate mainly on the reading and interpretation of the specifications and plans (drawings) contained within the bid package. Excerpts from an actual construction project specification are appended as a study aid. The discussion of the reading of the specification will refer to the appended specification excerpts. Details and particular features of project plans will be discussed with examples embedded within the lesson text.
|
|
|
Recent Developments in Renewable Energy Research (NREL) - Part I
|
$65.00 |
|
In this 2 hour course, recent news and research breakthroughs from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are described.
NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for research on renewable energy and energy efficiency. NREL's mission is to advance the science and engineering of energy efficiency, sustainable transportation, and renewable power technologies and provide the knowledge to integrate and optimize energy systems. Every year, in addition to publishing technical articles and reports, NREL publishes dozens of short articles (NREL News & Feature Stories) that take an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the latest news and research breakthroughs. The present course is Part 1 of a three-part series of courses based on excerpts of recently published News & Feature Stories. In general, all three courses should be of interest to anyone wanting to keep up with recent developments from a laboratory regularly recognized for national and global leadership in energy efficiency and renewable energy research and development.
|
|
|
Recent Developments in Renewable Energy Research (NREL) - Part II
|
$65.00 |
|
In this 2 hour course, recent news and research breakthroughs from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are described.
NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for research on renewable energy and energy efficiency. NREL's mission is to advance the science and engineering of energy efficiency, sustainable transportation, and renewable power technologies and provide the knowledge to integrate and optimize energy systems. Every year, in addition to publishing technical articles and reports, NREL publishes dozens of short articles (NREL News & Feature Stories) that take an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the latest news and research breakthroughs. The present course is Part 2 of a three-part series of courses based on excerpts of recently published News & Feature Stories. In general, all three courses should be of interest to anyone wanting to keep up with recent developments from a laboratory regularly recognized for national and global leadership in energy efficiency and renewable energy research and development.
|
|
|
Recent Developments in Renewable Energy Research (NREL) - Part III
|
$65.00 |
|
In this 2 hour course, recent news and research breakthroughs from the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are described.
NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for
research on renewable energy and energy efficiency. NREL's mission is to advance
the science and engineering of energy efficiency, sustainable transportation,
and renewable power technologies and provide the knowledge to integrate and
optimize energy systems. Every year, in addition to publishing technical
articles and reports, NREL publishes dozens of short articles (NREL News &
Feature Stories) that take an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the latest
news and research breakthroughs. The present course is Part 3 of a three-part
series of courses based on excerpts of recently published News & Feature
Stories. In general, all three courses should be of interest to anyone wanting
to keep up with recent developments from a laboratory regularly recognized for
national and global leadership in energy efficiency and renewable energy
research and development.
|
|
|
Relocating a Welding Robot - a project management case study
|
$35.00 |
This case study is based on actual events surrounding the forced relocation of a
welding robot that was installed in a factory in Canada. Innovation creates new
situations for engineers. New technologies often involve unfamiliar situations
and working environments. Engineers in the pursuit of their assigned tasks must
deal with new experiences with machinery and people. Engineers must often adapt
their approaches to problem-solving to arrive at a successful outcome when
dealing with personnel in other organizations in unfamiliar surroundings. In
this case study, a contentious work environment resulted from the unwelcome
installation of innovative technology. The strained labor-management relations
put the engineers to the test.
|
|
|
Residential Green Building: Residential Design, Construction and Accreditation
|
$125.00 |
Green Building is rapidly becoming mainstream, mostly due to increasing environmental concerns, a desire to develop healthier structures, and increasing regulation from the permitting authorities. This 4 hour course starts by debunking many green building myths and then moves into a comprehensive discussion of its elements. The course takes a close look at green building in relation to many aspects of design and construction including issues dealing with sites, landscaping, foundations, frames, exterior finishes, plumbing, appliances, insulation, ventilation, windows, finishes, and flooring. The course wraps up with information on testing, certification, and accreditation, including a look at the LEED program and the NAHB Green Home Certification Program.
|
|
|
Residential Green Remodeling: Design, Construction and Certification
|
$150.00 |
This 5 hour course provides a comprehensive treatment of Green Remodeling with an emphasis on how Green Remodeling differs from Green Building. The unique aspects of Green Remodeling are treated in detail, with particular emphasis on building evaluation, deconstruction, handling of hazardous waste, materials recycling and reuse, energy conservation, indoor air quality, use of environmentally safe products, design principles, system planning and construction best practices. An overview of Personal and building certification programs is complemented by a discussion of incentives available from government sources.
|
|
|
Responding to Radon
|
$65.00 |
|
In the movie, "The Princess Bride" the Man in Black describes his
fictitious iocaine powder, being used in a deadly game, as being odorless,
tasteless, dissolving instantly in liquid, and among the more deadly poisons
known to man.
Radon has at least a few things in common with iocaine powder. It too is
invisible, odorless, tasteless, can be contained in water and can be quite
deadly. But men in black do not usually announce the presence of radon. And no
one acquires immunity to it.
In this course, we will examine what we do know about this ubiquitous,
ever-present, radioactive gas, why more and more, it tends to accumulate in our
buildings, the danger that represents to the health of occupants and what
exactly can be done to lower our increasing risk.
|
|
|
Road Diet
|
$35.00 |
|
The purpose of this course is to provide information on the most common road diet which involves converting an existing four-lane undivided roadway segment to a three-lane segment consisting of two through lanes and center two-way, left-turn lane (TWLTL). Road diets can be used to address safety concerns with four-lane undivided highways associated with relatively high crash rates. The reduction of lanes allows the roadway cross section to be reallocated for other uses such as bike lanes, pedestrian refuge islands or parking.
The benefits of road diets include improved safety, traffic calming and the opportunity to repurpose segments of the roadway to create on-street parking, bike lanes or transit stops. Based on the history of safety studies, designers can expect a crash reduction of 19 to 47 percent after installing a road diet.
|
|
|
Roadway Geometric Design Part I - Functions, Controls & Alignments
|
$65.00 |
|
This 2 hour course focuses on the geometric design process for modern roads and highways. Subjects covered include: highway functions (classification systems); design controls and criteria (design vehicles, highway capacity, traffic characteristics); and elements of design (sight distance, horizontal and vertical alignments). The contents of this course are intended to serve as guidance and not as an absolute standard or rule. The course objective is to give engineers and designers an in-depth look at the principles to be considered when selecting and designing roadways. Upon course completion, you should be familiar with the general guidelines for roadway geometric design. A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (also known as the “Green Book”) published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is considered to be the primary guidance for U.S. roadway design. For this course, Chapters 1 through 3 – Highway Functions, Design Controls and Criteria, and Elements of Design will be used exclusively for fundamental roadway geometric design principles.
|
|
|
Roadway Geometric Design Part II - Cross-sections and Road Types
|
$65.00 |
|
This 2 hour course focuses on the geometric design process for modern roads and highways. Subjects covered include: cross-section elements (lane widths, shoulders, roadside design, medians, drainage channels); local roads; collector roads; rural and urban arterials; and freeways. The course contents are intended to serve as guidance and not as an absolute standard or rule. The course objective is to give engineers and designers an in-depth look at the principles to be considered when selecting and designing roadways. Upon course completion, you should be familiar with the general guidelines for roadway geometric design. A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (also known as the “Green Book”) published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is considered to be the primary guidance for U.S. roadway design. For this course, Chapters 4 through 8 - Cross-Section Elements, Local Roads and Streets, Collector Roads and Streets, Rural and Urban Arterials, and Freeways will be used exclusively for fundamental roadway geometric design principles.
|
|
|
Roadway Geometric Design Part III - Intersections & Interchanges
|
$65.00 |
|
This 3 hour course focuses on the geometric design process for modern roads and highways. Subjects covered include: intersections (types/examples, alignment, profile, sight distance, roundabouts); grade separations and interchanges (types, warrants, safety, economic factors). The contents of this course are intended to serve as guidance and not as an absolute standard or rule. The course objective is to give engineers and designers an in-depth look at the principles to be considered when selecting and designing roadways. Upon course completion, you should be familiar with the general guidelines for roadway geometric design. A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (also known as the Green Book published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is considered to be the primary guidance for U.S. roadway design. For this course, Chapters 9 and 10 – Intersections, Grade Separations and Interchanges will be used exclusively for fundamental roadway geometric design principles.
|
|
|
Roadway Horizontal Alignments
|
$65.00 |
|
The roadway horizontal alignment is a series of horizontal tangents (straight roadway sections), circular curves, and spiral transitions. It shows the proposed roadway location in relation to the existing terrain and adjacent land conditions. Together with the vertical alignment (grades and vertical curves) and roadway cross-sections (lanes, shoulders, curbs, medians, roadside slopes, ditches, sidewalks), the horizontal alignment (tangents and curves) helps to provide a three-dimensional roadway layout. In today's environment, designers must do more than apply design standards and criteria to solve a problem. They must understand how various roadway elements contribute to safety and facility operation, including the horizontal alignment. This 2 hour course focuses on the geometric design of horizontal alignments for modern roads and highways. Its contents are intended to serve as guidance and not as an absolute standard or rule. Upon course completion, you should be familiar with the general design of horizontal roadway alignments. The course objective is to give engineers and designers an in-depth look at the principles to be considered when designing horizontal alignments. A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (also known as the Green Book published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is considered to be the primary guidance for U.S. roadway design. For this course, Chapter 3 (Section 3.3 Horizontal Alignment) will be used exclusively for fundamental roadway geometric design principles.
|
|
|
Roadway Intersection Geometric Design
|
$65.00 |
|
Intersections are unique roadway elements where conflicting vehicle streams (and sometimes non-motorized users) share the same space. This area encompasses all modes of travel (pedestrian, bicycle, passenger vehicle, truck, and transit) as well as auxiliary lanes, medians, islands, sidewalks and pedestrian ramps. These may further heighten the accident potential and constrain the operational efficiency and network capacity of the urban street system. However, the main objective of intersection design is to facilitate the roadway user and enhance efficient vehicle movement.
This 2 hour course summarizes and highlights the geometric design process for modern roadway intersections. The contents of this document are intended to serve as guidance and not as an absolute standard or rule.
|
|
|
Roadway Lighting Design
|
$35.00 |
|
Roadway lighting design is a key component in many roadway design projects. It is important for designers in all areas of roadway design to understand the basics of roadway lighting design. This course discusses the purpose and objectives of roadway lighting. Analyzing lighting needs on the various roadway classifications are discussed. Lighting justification is also included.
|
|
|
Roadway Vertical Alignments
|
$35.00 |
|
Roadway vertical alignments are a combination of various parabolic curves and connecting tangent grades. Along with the roadway cross section (lanes and shoulders, curbs, medians, roadside slopes and ditches, sidewalks) and horizontal alignment (tangents and curves), the vertical alignment (grades and vertical curves) helps provide a three-dimensional roadway model. Its ultimate goal is to provide a safe, smooth-flowing facility that is crash-free. In todays environment, designers must do more than apply design standards and criteria to solve a problem. They must understand how various roadway elements contribute to safety and facility operation, including the vertical profile. This 1-hour course focuses on the geometric design of vertical alignments for modern roads and highways. Upon course completion, you should be familiar with the general design of these alignments. The course objective is to give engineers and designers an in-depth look at the principles to be considered when designing roadway vertical alignments. A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (also known as the Green Book published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is considered to be the primary guidance for U.S. roadway design. For this course, Chapter 3 (Section 3.4 Vertical Alignment) will be used exclusively to present fundamental roadway geometric design principles.
|
|
|
Self-Driving Cars: What Can We Realistically Expect?
|
$125.00 |
In this 4 hour course, recent developments in the technology of self-driving cars (SDCs) are described. Popular media have made many predictions about the dramatic changes self-driving cars (SDCs) will eventually bring about in society. Some prominent people working in the field worry that these predictions grossly overstate what can reasonably be expected of SDCs and may actually discredit the entire field when SDCs fail to meet expectations. Despite this concern, these researchers believe that SDCs will eventually prove their worth but probably not in the form and certainly not as soon as the media say. This course draws on the comments and writings of these researchers to identify over a dozen problems in SDC development that have not yet been solved. The problems include not just technical issues such as the adequacy of machine learning, software validation, hardware reliability, cybersecurity, and the lack of adequate testing, but also non-technical issues such as public fears about SDCs lack of safety and questions of insurance and liability. The course concludes by suggesting a future consisting of slow, incremental improvements in SDCs over many years. The radical changes in society that have been predicted in the media may never be achieved, but nevertheless SDCs may result in the saving of lives of many people who would have otherwise perished in automobile accidents.
|
|
|
Sexual Harassment in the Building Trades
|
$35.00 |
In recent decades, sexual harassment has become a part of the national conversation regarding the American workplace. This is not because it has become more prevalent, but rather because legislation has made it safer to demand that it cease. This is a sensitive topic, but one that can be approached and discussed honestly and practically, as a first line of defense against its occurrence. In this course, we will look at how such actions are defined and how they must be corrected. We will examine how liability for tolerating such actions plays out at an individual, management, and corporate level.
|
|
|
Shade and Shadow in Design
|
$150.00 |
This course examines the essential roles of shade, shadow, and light in interior design. Learners will investigate both the theory and practical application of how these elements shape mood, depth, and usability within interior spaces. Through engaging stories and case studies, participants will discover the psychological and emotional effects produced by various lighting techniques. They will be empowered to harness the transformative power of light and shadow in interior design projects.
|
|
|
Signalization Design
|
$35.00 |
This course provides a history and requirements for use in the design of signalized intersections. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for signal warrants, definitions of traffic signal control types, phasing and signal operating plans are covered. In addition, traffic signal pole layout, vehicle and pedestrian detention, signal timing parameters and signal coordination are be discussed.
|
|
|
Solar Energy Introduction
|
$35.00 |
|
Solar energy travels from the sun to the earth in the form of
electromagnetic radiation. In this course properties of electromagnetic
radiation will be discussed and basic calculations for electromagnetic radiation
will be described. Several solar position parameters will be discussed along
with means of calculating values for them. The major methods by which solar
radiation is converted into other useable forms of energy will be discussed
briefly. Extraterrestrial solar radiation (that striking the earth's outer
atmosphere) will be discussed and means of estimating its value at a given
location and time will be presented. Finally, information will be presented on
the use of three websites to obtain values for yearly average solar insolation,
monthly average insolation, or daily insolation at a specified location in the
United States or anywhere around the world. Numerous examples are included to
illustrate the calculations and data retrieval methods presented.
After completing this course, you will have basic knowledge about solar
electromagnetic radiation, will be familiar with fundamental solar parameters,
will be able to obtain or calculate values for those parameters and use them in
calculations, and will be able to obtain values for average monthly rate of
solar radiation, average annual rate of solar radiation and average hourly rate
of solar radiation striking the surface of a typical solar collector in the
United States or any location around the world. You will also be prepared to
take additional more specialized solar energy courses.
This course is intended for mechanical, electrical, chemical and energy
engineers, as well as architects. It will also be of interest to any engineers
wanting to learn more about the renewable energy field.
|
|
|
Solid Waste Landfill
|
$65.00 |
This course introduces an overview of solid waste landfill design, operation, and performance. This course covers the materials related to Site Selection, Site Preparation, Equipment, Operation, Environmental Considerations, Bioreactor Landfill, Landfill Design, Completed Solid Waste Landfills, Solid Waste By-Products and their beneficial use. This course is suggested for civil engineers, environmental engineers, and solid and hazardous waste landfill managers and operators.
|
|
|
Solutions for Sustainability
|
$65.00 |
|
Sustainability is defined by one source as "the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level." It is described elsewhere as "meeting current needs, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, in the environment we will leave them." To every extent possible, design choices made on projects should result in the least harm possible being done to our environment, to be inherited by our descendants. Whether architects really have a "duty" to design "sustainably" as a matter of ethics, is a question needing a bit more discussion. Trying to do so is unquestionably, a good idea.
Setting buzzwords, special interest groups and political agendas aside, we will examine a few key principles of what can instead be called, "environmentally responsible" design. Many steps that can be taken during design and after structures are complete, to reduce energy use and resources consumed. These include passive steps like building envelopes with thermally superior components. In the design phase, buildings can be positioned on site to strategically allow or preclude solar gain, admit or deny natural ventilation, and maximize or minimize shade needed in different seasons. After everything has been done to passively minimize energy use, active technologies can recapture energy or generate power for internal use or addition to the grid.
Concepts examined here should provide a few more tools to design sustainably.
|
|
|
Solving Difficult Problems
|
$65.00 |
This course was prepared to enable the reader to think about solutions to unusual problems and strengthen problem solving skills. The lesson includes case studies of unusual and perplexing mechanical and electrical problems rather than presenting a collection of technical facts. The course demonstrates how to apply reliable means of evaluating unusual situations and view problem-solving in a new light. Included in the lesson is a list of actions and observations that can be applied to a broad range of technical problems. Interesting real-life stories illustrate how others successfully approached difficult problems successfully.
|
|
|
Sound Advice for Acoustics
|
$150.00 |
|
Unwanted sound impacts and affects inhabitants of our created spaces. If it is not already, controlling noise will quickly become a mandated concern for designers. Attesting to increasing regulatory focus on noise, is a recent proliferation of standards, guidelines, and codes regarding acoustics.
Very soon, many of these guidelines will no longer be mere suggestions. Most concerns covered in these standards, can be addressed with a basic understanding on how sound travels and is reflected, blocked, absorbed, or transmitted by materials and assemblies chosen in designing envelopes.
Acoustic design is best addressed in an incremental fashion. This course was written to do just that. Fundamentals are first covered, including basic principles regarding sound, how its energy moves through matter, how its path and intensity can be altered, and how success in the manipulation of sound is measured. Known design strategies are discussed for controlling sound moving; from exterior to interior spaces, from interior spaces to adjacent spaces, within interior spaces, through structural components, and through building systems. Design considerations are outlined for numerous common building functions. Finally, acoustic codes and guidelines in existence now, are listed for consideration.
|
|
|
Speaking of Older Buildings
|
$100.00 |
|
When the question of what to do with older buildings arises, it usually resolves itself to choices of reusing them as is, repairing them, restoring them, repurposing them or replacing them.
There is an old saying regarding existing buildings that goes like this. 'It has good bones.' Any facility, free of structural defects and doing a reasonably good job of keeping water out, represents a tangible asset. The trick to maximizing the value of existing structures, especially in areas where changing economic factors have also resulted in changing market demands, is to approach their reuse from a different point of view. The judicious employment of renovation funds should not be based on restoring them to a previous use, but making them suitable for other markets in which the existing bones might enable a whole new purpose.
This presentation proposes criteria that may prove valuable in determining which option for the disposition of older buildings represents the best value for the owner, the buyer or the community in which the structure is located. It will also briefly examine a potential business opportunity in a collaboration between architects and commercial real estate agents.
For the benefit of everyone involved, any reuse of older buildings is better than none. Some thought just needs to be put into the options of how to do so, before any decision is made on to the best way to proceed.
|
|
|
Stainless Steel
|
$35.00 |
Stainless Steel, provides an overview of the basics of stainless steel, its
production, applications and characteristics. The course is a refresher for the
experienced design engineer and a primer for those new to metallurgy. Included
in this course are descriptions of the five main types of stainless steel and
their basic similarities and differences. The various alloying elements are
described and their effects on the stainless steel reviewed. The main
manufacturing processes, forming and fabricating are included. Stainless steel
selections for various applications are discussed.
|
|
|
Standard Fire Resistance Design of Structures
|
$65.00 |
Uncontrolled fire within an engineered building may be regarded as a low probability and potentially high consequence event. Hence, it is important that structural systems adequately resist the effects of fire. Accordingly, long-standing standard fire resistance design requirements aim to the control the heating of individual structural components with the intent of mitigating the risk of structural collapse due to fire exposure. This 2 hour course examines the current practice of standard fire resistance design, and covers relevant code requirements, qualification testing, and proper specification of structural fire protection.
|
|
|
Starting From the Bottom
|
$100.00 |
|
When a floor collapses or when mold appears on it, we can be sure of one thing. Such problems likely began when poor choices were made selecting materials, from the level of the grade to the level of the finished floor. Like the problems they spawn, choices made in proper or improper floor design, begin at the bottom and work their way upward. This course takes a systematic look at decisions made in choosing specific components of construction, from the ground to the top of the first finished floor. Those choices need to be sound and dependable, since the top of that floor is the base upon which the rest of the enclosure will rest. This design process includes; an analysis of water attacking the structure, why specific foundation options are selected, what framing members will support the floor, how vapor drive will be controlled, what insulation will be installed to isolate climates, the subflooring that will be the primary barrier between the inside atmosphere and any space below, and the underlayment and finish flooring that will be placed above. If we do our job well as designers, that last component will be the only part of everything chosen, to ever need further attention or consideration from our clients.
|
|
|
Strategic Planning
|
$35.00 |
This one hour online course will provide information and training on strategic planning in construction. The course will go over the steps of a strategic plan and explain how to successfully execute the plan.
|
|
|
Structural Fire Design
|
$65.00 |
The frequency of uncontrolled fire in buildings is low, but the consequences can be severe if not properly addressed. Hence, it is important that structural systems adequately resist the effects of fire. Conventional methods for structural fire safety aim to control the heating of individual structural components with the intent of mitigating the risk of structural collapse due to fire exposure. However, new industry standardization and guidance are paving the way for the explicit design of structural systems to safely withstand uncontrolled fire exposure, referred to as structural fire design. This course briefly examines conventional methods for structural fire safety, and then primarily covers the requirements, methodology, and benefits of structural fire design.
|
|
|
Supply Chain Management
|
$65.00 |
This course will provide the student with basic concepts in supply chain management. An overview of the history of supply chain management, its components as well as the benefits and potential gaps are presented. Additionally, the course will review current and future trends within the supply chain that are emerging throughout businesses today
|
|
|
Texas Engineering Practice Act and Rules Ch. 137
|
$35.00 |
This one course is designed to meet the Texas Board of Professional Engineers continuing education requirement that a minimum of 1 PDH per renewal period must be in the area of professional ethics, roles and responsibilities of professional engineering, or review of the Texas Engineering Practice Act and Rules. The course consists of a review of Chapter 137 (Compliance and Professionalism) of Title 22, Part 6, of the Texas Administrative Code.
|
|
|
Texas Engineering Practice Act and Rules Ch. 139
|
$35.00 |
This one hour course is designed to meet the Texas Board of Professional Engineers continuing education requirement that a minimum of 1 PDH per renewal period must be in the area of professional ethics, roles and responsibilities of professional engineering, or review of the Texas Engineering Practice Act and Rules. The course consists of a review of Chapter 139 (Enforcement) of Title 22, Part 6, of the Texas Administrative Code. The course also includes examples of recent Board disciplinary actions.
|
|
|
The First Steps: Foundations for the Coming Project
|
$65.00 |
|
The right decisions made early are the foundation needed to support a successful
project. Starting points include ensuring design compliance with the various
rules and regulations from governing authorities. Otherwise, permission will not
be granted to implement a project. A properly chosen foundation that reliably
transfers the load of a structure into the earth minimizes the risk of a
building collapse. Soil testing is needed to determine whether the dirt beneath
will support the new structure(s). The type of soil found on the site, its
stability and its structural bearing capability must be known to ensure a solid
design. The weight of the building being placed on the soil of our chosen site
must also be determined.
These represent a few of the factors which must be considered to create a
strong foundation for a successful project. Obtaining and properly utilizing
such knowledge will smooth the way to the desired outcome. This course
discusses each of these factors and the critical decisions that depend on
them.
|
|
|
The Ford Pinto Exploding Gas Tank: A Case Study in Professional Ethics
|
$35.00 |
This is a one hour course in applied ethics for construction professionals. It discusses ethical decision-making and a famous case in professional design ethics: the Ford Pinto exploding gas tank. It will help understand the role of codes of ethics. To provide some context and grounding for the discussing of cases, we also provide a brief discussion on how case studies are supposed to function in professional ethics.
|
|
|
The Manhattan Project
|
$100.00 |
|
This project may be considered by some Americans to be a research project, and in many ways it was. But an engineer or a military person would see it from a different perspective. Without the support of individual engineers and without the vision and wisdom of our scientists and military leaders, this project could not have achieved the success that it did and the world might have been changed forever.
The first part of this course focuses on the war-mongering efforts of the Germans and the Japanese to change the world's balance of power. The second part of this course describes in great detail the efforts of the many volunteer scientists and engineers, under the supervision of a proven military leader, to do something that many skeptics thought could not be done. This project emphasizes the tenacity and wisdom of key people in the military as well as in the private sector who combined their considerable talents to complete such an enormous project when the stakes were so high.
|
|
|
The Potential for Electrons to Molecules Using Solar Energy
|
$65.00 |
In this 2 hour course, the potential for solar photovoltaics (PV) to supply low carbon energy sources to sectors of the economy other than the power industry is described. Molecules such as hydrogen, ammonia, and hydrocarbons are currently produced from natural gas and crude oil and are used in sectors other than the power sector. Processes to produce them emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases both directly and in upstream feedstock recovery processes. Electrons-to-molecules (E2M) technologies are being developed to convert carbon dioxide, water, and atmospheric nitrogen to desired chemical products using electricity, and they represent large electricity loads. E2M technologies are thus emerging as a potential application for PV; essentially, they can act as electrochemical energy storage and thereby provide a means to use the energy generated from PV and store it in molecular form. In this course, the focus is on potential interfaces between PV and the organic chemicals sector. Specifically, analyses are presented for sustainable production pathways for hydrogen, ammonia, carbon monoxide, ethylene, ethanol, methanol, formic acid, and methane.
|
|
|
The Role of Concentrating Solar-Thermal Technologies (NREL)
|
$100.00 |
In this 3 hour course, the role that concentrating solar-thermal (CST) technologies could play in future U.S. energy markets is discussed. CST uses reflective surfaces to concentrate the sun's rays on a small area (the receiver), which heats up to temperatures of 700 to 1000 deg F, depending on the type of receiver used. Concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) refers to a system for converting this heat to electricity, which is the primary end application discussed in the course. Besides generating electricity, CST can be used in any other application that requires thermal energy, such as industrial process-heating, thermal desalination, and fuel production. Thermal energy can also be stored for later use through thermal energy storage systems, giving CST technologies greater generation flexibility than solar photovoltaic or wind technologies. The course describes the most widely deployed CSP plant types, such as parabolic trough collectors, power tower systems, linear Fresnel collectors, and parabolic dish collectors.
|
|
|
Thermodynamics and Liquefaction Systems Part 1
|
$150.00 |
|
This course introduces the learner to the origins of natural gas and the production of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). LNG is widely used around the world. It is a very compact form of natural gas in liquid form. It is used on very cold days to supplement gas coming from the interstate pipelines to supply gas load centers like New York, Boston, and other major load areas. Natural gas (essentially the same as vaporized LNG) is the cleanest burning fossil fuel as it contains the least amount of carbon per unit of energy of all the fossil fuels. Thus, many electric power plants now use natural gas or convert from dirtier fossil fuels to natural gas or vaporized LNG.
This course also includes a step-by-step analysis of an open expansion natural gas liquefaction system to illustrate how LNG is produced. The computations will be performed through the use of pressure enthalpy charts for methane.
|
|
|
Three Ways to Murder Fire
|
$65.00 |
|
In some ways, fire can be described as being alive. It eats, breathes and to some extent, propagates children, by using its own heat to spread. It is also somewhat malevolent, at least so far as we are concerned. This is because, if left unchecked, fire can kill us or at the least, destroy our possessions and resources. If it becomes necessary, it is better that we kill a fire, than allow it to destroy us.
This course examines ways in which we can indeed put an end to fire. We can do so by removing any leg of the fire triangle, the heat, the oxygen or the fuel which fire needs to live. We can freeze it to death, choke it to death or starve it to death. Our building codes offer a lot of guidance on ways to so deprive fire of what it needs, especially fuel and oxygen.
If we find we cannot coexist with fire, then it is wise to follow the mandates of the codes during design.
|
|
|
Total Building Commissioning
|
$65.00 |
This 2 hour course presents the current re-defined process of Total Building Commissioning. The first part of this course provides a detailed definition of commissioning, how it works, and who is involved in the process. The second and final part of this course presents the public sector's application of commissioning through the GSA guide for building commissioning. The commissioning of building pieces and parts has been re-defined recently as Total Building Commissioning and is gaining acceptance throughout all sectors of the building industry. Recent trends in the design and construction industry towards design-build and sustainable design have promoted the use of modern commissioning techniques.
|
|
|
Traffic Calming Design
|
$35.00 |
|
The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), the international association that represents traffic engineers, transportation planners and similar professionals who plan and design roads and neighborhoods, has defined traffic calming as “changes in street alignment, installation of barriers, and other physical measures to reduce traffic speeds and or cut-through volumes, in the interest of street safety, livability, and other public purposes.”
Traffic calming may also be known as neighborhood traffic management, traffic abatement or neighborhood traffic control. Definitions of traffic calming vary, but they all share the goal of reducing vehicle speeds, improving safety and enhancing quality of life. Some include all three “E’s,” traffic education, enforcement and engineering.
This course will discuss the issue of traffic calming as it relates to traffic studies and plan design. The history of traffic calming and various traffic calming measures and their effectiveness will be presented. Advantages and disadvantages of the traffic calming measures will be included.
|
|
|
Understanding Electricity and Electrical Components
|
$150.00 |
This 5 hour course introduces basic electrical concepts for those who wish to obtain a basic understanding of electricity before taking more advanced courses in electrical applications. The course covers DC and AC electrical theory, with an emphasis on concepts that are particularly useful for understanding the many codes and standards that apply to the design and installation of various electrical systems. It also explains the purposes, characteristics and operation of wire, fuses, circuit breakers, disconnects, capacitors, inductors, safety devices, transformers and surge protection. The course provides numerous examples of calculating important quantities such as voltage drop, wire size, transformer size and fuse or circuit breaker size.
|
|
|
Understanding Electricity and Electrical Components - Part 2
|
$200.00 |
The goal of the course is to help the electricians, engineers and other design professionals understand how systems operate, so the reasons for doing a job a certain way will make more sense. The course covers the how and why of topics ranging from understanding and controlling LED lighting systems, Fiber Optics, Variable Speed Motor Controls, Sensors, Programmable Logic Controllers, Energy Management Systems and Microgrid Systems.
|
|
|
Understanding Microplastics
|
$35.00 |
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically smaller than 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) in diameter. They result from either the breakdown of larger plastic items or intentional manufacturing for use in a variety of products. They contaminate oceans, soil, food, and air, and are associated with potential risks to wildlife and human health. It is nearly impossible to avoid some exposure to microplastics due to their widespread presence in the environment. They are generally not biodegradable and persist in the environment for hundreds of years. The presence of microplastics in the environment is cause for concern. Detection and removal of microplastics from the environment is complex and difficult. This course addresses what is known and not known about microplastics at this point in time.
|
|
|
Understanding the Economic Benefits of Going Green
|
$65.00 |
|
Probably the most common reason given for NOT "going
green" is the perception that going green adds too much to the cost of a
building and thus makes the option too expensive. Another argument is that
going green complicates the design, permitting and construction process,
resulting in delays.
The purpose of this 2-credit course is to show why these
beliefs may actually end up costing the owner, designer and contractor more
money by NOT going green. The course shows the value of owner, designer and
contractor learning how to evaluate the trade-offs between various "green" options in order to maximize the overall value of the occupancy, resulting in
win-win situations for all parties involved.
The approach used shows how to evaluate the economics of
various "green" choices for new and retrofit construction in order to maximize
profit for the designer and builder as well as the overall cost savings for the
owner. The procedures presented are intended to be useful not only for existing
technology, but also for emerging technologies. An important intended outcome
is to show how to distinguish between good choices and bad choices.
|
|
|
Using Solar Photovoltaics in Transportation
|
$100.00 |
In this 3 hour course, areas of transportation practice are identified which may benefit from the use of photovoltaic electricity (PV). The use of PV for transportation will become especially important as the U.S. transportation system becomes increasingly electrified and less dependent on fossil fuels and internal combustion engines. Technologies that enable wide-scale managed and coordinated vehicle battery charging show special promise for plug-in electric vehicles. Fuel-cell electric vehicles have near-zero life cycle emissions when using hydrogen produced via water electrolysis powered by PV. This form of “green hydrogen†is becoming increasingly cost-competitive as the price of wind and PV electricity continues to decline.
|
|
|
Waste Water Treatment - Sequential Batch Reactors
|
$35.00 |
The course describes the construction and operation of a waste water treatment plant using the sequential batch reactor method. The sequence of operation in the SBR cycle is described in detail. The necessary pieces of equipment that make up the SBR plant are described. Advantages and disadvantages are reviewed.
|
|
|
Water Quality Control
|
$175.00 |
This 6 hour course will initially present an introduction to the uses of water and the water cycle. Water pollution will be discussed in terms of both the natural impact and human impact on water quality along with how water chemistry impacts water quality. Various regulations designed to improve water quality and conservation will be presented along with some selected actual environmental justice cases related to water pollution. This course will also examine different methods of water quality management with a detailed look at the important features of the wastewater treatment process. Finally, the course will cover watershed management control methodologies and examples of current watershed conditions.
|
|
|
Wiring Methods and Materials
|
$35.00 |
|
This course is an overview of the basics of electrical wiring methods and
materials. This lesson includes wiring of residential and commercial buildings,
and the methods and materials used to provide a proper and safe installation.
Being able to install the wiring for electrical construction and
remodeling requires understanding basic wiring terminology and correctly
identifying the most common types of wire and cable. This knowledge is
essential when choosing wiring for new construction and remodeling projects and
when investigating wiring problems.
|
|
|
Wood - Drying and Control of Moisture Content and Dimensional Changes
|
$65.00 |
|
Ancient craftsmen recognized that wood could warp or split due to moisture
changes, leading to early drying practices to ensure stability. Ancient
builders, particularly in Japan, also developed long-term drying methods to
ensure dimensional stability.
Wood is hygroscopic - it absorbs and releases moisture depending on its
environment. When it dries below the fiber saturation point (around 25% - 30%
moisture content), it begins to shrink. This shrinkage is not uniform: it is
greatest tangentially (across growth rings), less radially (perpendicular to
rings), and minimal longitudinally (along the grain). These variations can lead
to warping, cupping, or cracking if drying is too fast or uneven.
Controlled drying, whether by air or kiln methods, is essential to minimize
defects and ensure the wood reaches a moisture content compatible with its final
environment - its equilibrium moisture content (EMC). Matching the final moisture
content to expected conditions reduces future movement after installation.
Drying also improves wood's strength, reduces its weight, and increases
resistance to decay. It allows for better finishing and fastener performance.
However, improper drying can cause internal stresses or defects like checking
and honeycombing.
Understanding the link between moisture content and dimensional change is
central to both traditional craftsmanship and modern wood technology. By
managing drying carefully, woodworkers and manufacturers ensure that products
remain stable, functional, and durable over time.
|
|
|
Wood - A Guide to Preservation
|
$100.00 |
|
Many commonly used wood species can deteriorate when exposed to the growth of wood-degrading organisms. Wood products can be protected from the attack of decay fungi, harmful insects, or marine borers by applying chemical preservatives. Preservative treatments greatly increase the life of wood structures, thus reducing replacement costs and allowing more efficient use of forest resources. The degree of protection achieved depends on the preservative used and the proper penetration and retention of the chemicals. Some preservatives are more effective than others, and some are more adaptable to certain use requirements.
Not only are different methods of treating wood available, but treatability varies among wood species—particularly their heartwood, which generally resists preservative treatment more than does sapwood. Although some tree species possess naturally occurring resistance to decay and insects many are in short supply or are not grown in ready proximity to markets. This course will provide the student with basic concepts and treatments methods for wood preservation.
|
|
|
Wood - A Guide to Specialty Treatments
|
$35.00 |
|
Many specialty treatments can be applied to wood to either improve its performance or change its properties. Treatments addressed in this course are those that make permanent changes in the shape of a wood product, improvements in dimensional stability, or improvements in performance through combinations with non-wood resources.
The first section of this course introduces the basic concepts of plasticizing wood. The second section of this course introduces the basic concepts of modified woods including resin treatments, compression treatments and heat treatments. The third section of this course introduces paper-based plastic laminates.
|
|
|
Wood - A Guide to Use in Buildings and Bridges
|
$35.00 |
|
In North America, prior to the 20th century most houses, commercial buildings, bridges, and utility poles used wood as the basic structural component. Today, many buildings are still made using modern wood structural materials. Recently, there has been increased interest in using wood for various types of transportation structures, including highway bridges.
This course briefly introduces the features of various types of building systems. Emphasis is placed on how these systems have adapted to the use of modern materials and techniques. For example, floor, wall, and roof sheathing are now commonly made from structural panel products, such as plywood and oriented strandboard (OSB) instead of wood boards. These panel products are quicker to install and provide improved structural resistance to wind and earthquake loadings. Furthermore, the use of prefabricated floor and wall panels along with prefabricated roof and floor trusses or I-joists are replacing piece-by-piece on-site construction.
A brief description of the uses of wood in railroad and highway bridges and other transportation structures is included.
|
|
|
Wood - Adhesive Bond Formation and Performance
|
$65.00 |
|
Adhesive bonding of wood plays an increasing role in the forest products industry and is a key factor for efficiently utilizing our timber resources. The main use of adhesives is in the manufacture of building materials, including plywood, oriented strandboard (OSB), particleboard, fiberboard, structural composite lumber, doors, windows and frames, and factory-laminated wood products.
Adhesives are also used in the assembly of furniture and cabinets, manufacture of engineered wood products, and construction of residential and commercial structures. Adhesives transfer and distribute loads between components, thereby increasing the strength and stiffness of wood products. This course introduces the student to the basic concepts and practices needed to use adhesive to bond wood.
The ability to assemble larger products out of smaller pieces or particles directly affects the efficiency of wood product. Assembly relies directly on adhesives and bonding. This course introduces the basic concepts of wood bonding and adhesives, including known best practices and chemical and physical behavior of woods and adhesives.
|
|
|
Wood - Fire Safety in Construction
|
$65.00 |
In the first section of this course, code requirements and related fire performance data are discussed in the context of fire safety design and evaluation. Since data on fire behavior of wood products are used to evaluate fire safety for wood construction, the second section of this course provides additional information on fire behavior and fire performance characteristics of wood products. The final section is a discussion of fire-retardant treatments that can be used to reduce the combustibility of wood.
|
|
|
Wood - Mechanical Properties
|
$65.00 |
|
Wood is an orthotropic material with unique mechanical properties along three
principal axes: longitudinal, radial, and tangential. These properties are
determined through testing clear, straight-grained wood that is free from
defects like knots, cross grain, checks and splits. However, wood is naturally
variable due to environmental influences such as moisture and soil conditions.
Key mechanical properties include the modulus of elasticity (E), which
measures stiffness, and Poisson's ratio, which describes lateral deformation
under axial stress. The modulus of rigidity (G) defines resistance to shear
stress. Strength properties include modulus of rupture (MOR) in bending,
compressive and tensile strengths, and shear strength parallel to the grain.
Wood also exhibits impact bending strength, hardness, and fracture toughness,
which define its ability to resist impact, indentation, and crack
propagation.
Growth features like knots, slope of grain, and reaction wood significantly
impact strength. Knots weaken wood by disrupting fiber continuity, while
juvenile wood has lower strength due to a high fibril angle. Compression wood in
softwoods and tension wood in hardwoods have higher density but undesirable
shrinkage properties.
Wood's mechanical performance is affected by moisture content, temperature,
and prolonged loading. As moisture decreases, most mechanical properties
increase, but excessive drying can cause brittleness. Prolonged load exposure
leads to creep and potential failure over time. Wood's resistance to decay,
insect damage, and fungal attack depends on its species and treatment
methods.
Wood treatments, including preservatives and fire-retardants, can impact
strength. While oil-based treatments have minimal effects, waterborne
preservatives can reduce strength, particularly at high temperatures. Aging and
exposure to chemicals may also alter mechanical properties.
Understanding these factors helps in designing durable wood structures,
ensuring wood's continued viability as a sustainable engineering material. This
low-tech course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end and is intended to
provide 4 hours of professional development.
|
|
|
Wood - Structural Analysis Equations
|
$35.00 |
|
This course introduces students to the equations for deformation and stress, which are the basis for tension members and beam and column design. The first two sections cover tapered members, straight members, and special considerations such as notches, slits, and size effect. A third section introduces stability criteria for members subject to buckling and for members subject to special conditions.
Note that this chapter focuses primarily on presenting fundamental mechanics-based equations. For design procedures, the reader is encouraged to contact appropriate industry trade associations or product manufacturers.
|
|
|
Wood-Based Composite Materials
|
$65.00 |
|
Wood-based composites have been used for centuries, with primitive forms of
plywood dating back to ancient Egypt. Modern development began in the early 20th
century with plywood, followed by particleboard and fiberboard in the 1940s and
1950s. The 1970s introduced Oriented Strand Board (OSB), revolutionizing
construction. Recent advancements like Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) and
Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) focus on sustainability and strength, making
engineered wood essential for structural and nonstructural applications in
modern building and manufacturing.
Wood-based composites are engineered materials made from wood fibers,
particles, and veneers, bonded with adhesives to enhance strength and stability.
These composites are widely used in construction, furniture, and industry.
Traditional wood-based panels include plywood, OSB, particleboard, and
fiberboard, each with unique properties. Adhesives such as phenol-formaldehyde
(PF), urea-formaldehyde (UF), and bio-based alternatives play a crucial role in
performance.
Specialty composites offer moisture resistance, fire retardancy, and insect
protection. Structural composite lumber (SCL), including laminated veneer lumber
(LVL) and parallel strand lumber (PSL), provides high-strength alternatives to
solid wood. Glued laminated timber (glulam) allows for larger, structurally
efficient components.
Wood-nonwood composites, such as wood-thermoplastic and cement-bonded
materials, incorporate inorganic or synthetic components to improve durability
and sustainability. Innovations in cellulose nanocomposites offer promising
applications. Performance standards regulate these products for quality and
safety. As environmental concerns grow, the industry is exploring sustainable
sourcing, low-emission adhesives, and efficient manufacturing to enhance
durability, versatility, and sustainability.
|
