Lectures Archives | Building and Construction Technology

Polymer Science’s Al Crosby gives talk about pressure-sensitive tapes

May 7, 2018May 14, 2018 by Alexander Schreyer Comment Closed

For the last talk of our BCT Spring 2018 lecture series, Prof. Al Crosby from Polymer Science at UMass Amherst spoke about the many uses of adhesion in construction and the principles behind them. He especially focused on tapes and the mechanics of their pressure-sensitive adhesive behavior. Synopsis: Adhesives are used widely in building construction and are prone to play an increasingly important role in future construction processes and structures as new materials and new standards are established. In this presentation, I will provide a brief review of the basic structure and properties of pressure sensitive adhesives, as well as an introduction to the Geckskin™ technology, which can sustain large forces, permit easy release, and be reused without loss in performance. Links: Presentation Slides Crosby Research Group ...

Steve Hoyt gives talk on performance glazing

April 13, 2018April 13, 2018 by Alexander Schreyer Comment Closed

Last week, we enjoyed a talk by Steve Hoyt of A.W. Hastings & Co., where he elaborated on options to use performance glazing for building envelope optimization. Flanked by two of our new mockup cutaway models of window installations, he covered basics of light and glazing, window parameters, and presented many installations. Synopsis: This lecture describes how Low E coatings work, both from scientific and applications perspectives. The manufacturing process of applying coatings to glass is shown, and benefits of Low E coatings for energy efficiency are presented. Images: Links: Presentation Slides A.W. Hastings Marvin Windows and Doors ...

Ted Sheridan and UMass alumnus Greg Orwat present their passive house projects

March 23, 2018March 30, 2018 by L. Carl Fiocchi Comment Closed

For millenniums Architects have been designing beautiful geometries enhancing our public realm. For perhaps 50 years, to different degrees, Architects have been designing buildings that perform more and more efficiently, reducing both our climate impact and our energy costs. Marrying the two strategies is not an easy task. Ted Sheridan, AIA, and Gregory Orwat (UMass Architecture Graduate) from Ryall Sheridan Architects presented a fabulous group of projects extracted from their firm’s portfolio; each demonstrating the real possibility of achieving the elegance of sophisticated architecture and the rigors of Passive House Standard within one geometry. Synopsis: Tectonic Extremes of Passive House Design. Passive House design offers a radically efficient means for reducing the energy use of buildings of all types but it tends to constrain architectural form making. This does not need to be the case; with careful design considerations and use of advanced performance materials, architectural design can be spatially ambitious and articulated. Links: Presentation Slides 'An experiment unlike any other': Father-son duo build first house of...

Steven J. O’Neill Lectures on Risk Management in Construction

March 14, 2018May 6, 2018 by Alexander Schreyer Comment Closed

Steven J. O'Neill, a lawyer specializing in construction law and litigation, recently provided us with what may well be described as the one of the most important guest lectures for the professional careers of for our students. He spoke about risk management in construction and provided many examples to underscore his points. Synopsis A practical and legal overview of the risks involved in design and construction projects and how to successfully manage them. Links Presentation Slides Blog post: Risk Management – How to Avoid the Construction Wheel of Misfortune Law Offices of Steven J O'Neill ...

Spring 2018 BCT Lecture Series

January 30, 2018March 12, 2018 by Alexander Schreyer Comment Closed

For spring 2018 we have lined up another semester of interesting, publicly available, free lectures on Building and Construction Technology topics in the John W. Olver Design Building. See below for details. Also note that the lectures are AIA CES approved (1 HSW, see <TBD soon> for details). You can view these events and import them to your calendar at the link below as well as on our Facebook page. https://bct.eco.umass.edu/about-us/calendar/...