Marc Rivard of WoodWorks presents on new opportunities in MassTimber

Marc Rivard of WoodWorks presents on new opportunities in MassTimber

The first talk of our Fall 2018 BCT Lecture Series was given by Marc Rivard from WoodWorks. He outlined the many technological possibilities that exist with new wood-based building materials such as cross-laminated timber, nail-laminated timber, and various others, many of which have been used in the construction of the Olver Design Building at UMass. Synopsis Mr. Rivard is Regional Manager at WoodWorks, an initiative of the Wood Products Council providing free project assistance as well as education and resources related to the design of non-residential wood buildings. Mr. Rivard’s background in Structural Engineering with 15 years of relevant design experience using all of the major building materials, allows him to provide practical and cost effective solutions for Architects and Engineers. https://youtu.be/-eWk8sbdVrE Links Presentation Slides WoodWorks - Wood Products Council ...
Read More
Polymer Science’s Al Crosby gives talk about pressure-sensitive tapes

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

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. https://youtu.be/gX2GRfW5aj8 Links: Crosby Research Group ...
Read More
Steve Hoyt gives talk on performance glazing

Steve Hoyt gives talk on performance glazing

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. https://youtu.be/gmC3gwetg0U Images: Links: Presentation Slides A.W. Hastings Marvin Windows and Doors ...
Read More
Ted Sheridan and UMass alumnus Greg Orwat present their passive house projects

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

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 its kind...
Read More
Steven J. O’Neill Lectures on Risk Management in Construction

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

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 ...
Read More