Karol Kazmierczak, Building Enclosure Consulting, LLC, Miami, FL
1.5 AIA LU’s (HSW/SD)—certificates of completion provided for architects and others upon request
FREE
Mr. Karol Kazmierczak M.Sc. is a building science specialist with 15 years of façade engineering experience diversified among building enclosure technical design, consulting, construction inspections, and field investigations. He is a founding chairman of BEC Miami (www.bec-miami.org/), a registered architect in New York and Florida, belongs to professional organizations such as: AIA, ASHRAE, and CSI, carries Construction Documentation Technologist (CDT) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED-AP) certificates, speaks publicly, serves as an expert witness for construction related disputes, and writes articles on the subject of building enclosures.
Karol’s presentation will cover the fundamental classification of curtain walls by function, materials, place of assembly, mullion type, glass type, attachment, access, and configuration. Primary façade design principles will be classified and demonstrated on curtain wall components, with emphasis on a structural safety and a holistic approach.
General sources of misunderstanding and confusion will be explained, ranging from the uncoordinated design delegation, through a general lack of knowledge of façade functions among construction professionals, to the structural aspects unique to curtain walls. The most typical challenges will be illustrated by case studies showing field failures from the presenter’s forensic practice. Glazing types and their modes of failures will be analyzed, and the dangers associated with these misunderstandings, as they relate to building code inadequacies, will be presented.
Learning objectives:
- Fundamental classification of curtain walls
- Sources of misunderstanding and confusion
- Glazing types and their modes of failure
- Relevant building code requirements
Continuing education credit is available for architects, building officials, and others. Seating is first come first served. Q&A session will follow presentation.