VHS Course Descriptions

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Contract Administration: Change Order Basics

Construction projects seldom, if ever, go exactly as planned. The weather turns unexpectedly poor during construction. The wall color is not to the owner's liking and needs to be changed. New technology must be incorporated into the facility during construction. A recently rediscovered cemetery will require rerouting of the planned sewer line. Unforeseen site conditions must be accommodated in constructing the foundation. Plan dimensions don't add up correctly or a structural detail was mistakenly omitted from the final drawings. These few examples are only intended to illustrate the unlimited number of similar "unplanned" occurences that form the basis for contract changes and its accompanying revisions to scope, time, and cost. This course covers the basics of this challenging aspect of administering construction contracts: the change order. It is designed to show a balanced approach to the change order process and, as such, can benefit you whether you are an owner's representative, designer, or contractor. The focus will be on an unbiased presentation of the process and presentation of generally accepted techniques to use in arriving at a fair and reasonable settlement of time and costs. The development of the material assumes no prior in-depth knowledge in this area. Be sure to have your calculators available to help with problems used to illustrate the methods introduced during the seminar.

Design of Composite Beams Using LRFD

Fundamentals of cross section analysis and design of composite steel and concrete beams using the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Specification for Structural Steel Buildings are covered. The course emphasizes specification requirements and fundamental calculations of moment capacity and cross section rigidity at various levels of composite action. These concepts are essentials for spot checks for design aids and verification of computer program output. A through understanding of fundamentals also generally shortens the design process and leads to more efficient choices of materials and structural configurations. A basic background in structural analysis and design is assumed. Prior training in the use of LRFD is not required.

Design and Construction of a Concrete Frame Building

This program explores the interaction between engineering design and the techniques of modern construction for a four-story continuous concrete frame hospital. Specific emphasis is placed on the viewpoint of the constructor, along with a pictorial history of the construction of structural components. Among the topics covered are retaining walls, drilled piers and footings, columns, beams, walls, and slabs. In addition to construction issues, an approximate engineering analysis in conjunction with a conceptual review of the structural behavior of each component is presented. Presenters make generous use of physical and digital models to enhance visualization.

Concrete Basics: Commercial Slab on Grade

Concrete slabs on grade are integral to almost all commercial construction projects. This course, the second in a series on construction of concrete slabs on grade, examines the construction a high quality commercial slab on grade from the viewpoints of the contractor, the architect, the owner, the concrete subcontractor and the engineer. Using video footage of the construction of a slab on grade for large convention center, the authors examine items such as pre-pour meeting, sub-grade preparation, and placing and finishing operations.

Concrete Basics: Residential Slab on Grade

Concrete slab on grade is the single most common structural element used in the building industry today. This course, first of a series on concrete construction and design, examines the construction of high quality residential slabs on grade from the viewpoints of the contractor and engineer. Videotape and computer modeling are used extensively as an elaborate residential driveway is planned, modeled, constructed and finished. Planning is covered in detail. Various methods of preventing and limiting cracking are examined in depth.

Construction Project Management

This course is designed for engineers and other professionals who want to know more about the detailed aspects of construction project management. Topics covered include CPM schedule updating, job cost/forecasting, project documentation, change orders and project close out. This course provides just the right blend of theory and practical examples.

Contracts for Engineers, Surveyors and Technical Professionals

This course will provide the technical professional with a working knowledge of contract law and lay the groundwork for preparing a draft contract for review by a licensed attorney. Model contracts provided by the National Society of Professional Engineers, Associated General Contractors and the American Institute of Architects are discussed as are a variety of real world contract situations encountered by practicing professionals.

Corrosion Prevention and Control

Following an introduction to the scientific principles used to understand and describe corrosion, the course uses these principles to demonstrate examples of various types of corrosion and present practical methods for minimizing or preventing corrosion. Especially useful to engineers of all types involved with the design, repair and maintenance of structures and equipment.

Design of Structural Steel Members Using LRFD

Fundamentals of design of structural steel members using the American Institute of Steel Construction's Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (1999) are covered. The course emphasizes a limit states view of the design process. An explanation of the common failure modes, or limit states, for which members must be designed and how the LRFD Specification addresses these limit states is the focus of the course. Analysis and design examples are used to illustrate the concepts. A fundamental background in structural analysis and design is assumed. This course is excellent for engineers seeking a review of the basic principles of steel design and for experienced structural designers who have not started using the LRFD Specification in daily practice. Specific topics covered include the design of tension members, compression members, and beams.

Effective Marketing of Professional Services for Engineers and Surveyors

This video is designed to show you how to improve your marketing and public relations efforts to increase business. Included is information on how to find and win the jobs that will keep your company growing profitably. It will offer practical "how to" suggestions on organizing the marketing function, writing a marketing plan keeping the marketing effort on track. Also, there is information on writing good proposals and doing great presentations. This video will contain examples of marketing materials for you to use. If you plan to be in business in the 21st century, this video is a must!

Electric Power Systems: Power Systems

This module covers the fundamentals of electrical distribution systems, including substations, transformers, circuit components and switchgear. Substations, transformers; conductors, bus work, feeders, laterals; switchgear: fuses, relays, circuit breakers, reclosers.

Electric Power Systems: Fundamentals Review

This module covers the fundamentals of ac single- and three-phase circuit concepts. Fundamentals and overview; ac circuits: voltage, current, impedance, power; three phase ac circuits: wye, delta connections.

Electric Power Systems: Loads

This module covers the nature of electrical lighting and motor loads, and related issues including regulation, power factor correction, and power quality issues. Load requirements: voltage regulation, power quality; lightning loads; motor loads.

Electric Power Systems: Protection

This module covers the general area of power system protection, including overcurrent and overvoltage issues; protective devices; and component protection. Overload protection; fault protection; surge protection.

Erosion Control Using Geosynthetics

Become more environmentally aware! Learn how to reduce surface water pollution from soil runoff by using geosynthetics. This course will introduce you to the history and applications of geosynthetics. You will also be exposed to factors influencing erosion such as rainfall, soil type and vegetation. Surface stream bank and coastal erosion control measures using geosynthetics also are covered.

Establishing Your Engineering/Surveying Practice

Here is the information you need to get a new or newly established technical practice up and running on a sound business footing. This course discusses the rewards and challenges of an independent practice and tells you how to get started. It covers how to establish a vision for your practice, the legal requirements for going into business, initial marketing efforts, the requirements for a business contract, how to negotiate that contract, collecting accounts, how to manage your time and where to turn for business assistance. This video is a must for engineers, surveyors or other professionals who wish to establish themselves as independent consultants and service providers or who wish to improve the operation of an existing small practice.

Legal Issues For Construction

Those involved in construction -- contractors, subcontractors, developers, architects, engineers, construction managers and others -- must learn to live with the applicable laws to avoid complex and costly legal disputes during construction. This course will show you how to avoid these problems through planning, management and documentation by explaining, in practical terms, the factors which must be considered at every stage of the construction process.

Marketing Model for Success: RAMPS

This program takes a very complex, vast subject and defines it in one word, RAMPS, enabling anyone to understand and practice marketing techniques. It presents an over view of this business discipline and how it integrates with other business functions to lead to profits for the organizations. Focusing on Services marketing, this training provides a step-by-step program for planning and implementing marketing for the engineering firm. It explains how effective and efficient marketing requires targeting specific segments of the population, identifying behavior patterns and changing them for improved profitability. Specific examples are provided. The RAMPS plan to marketing success is a proven technique, developed for and used in the construction industry for over 20 years.

Marketing to Government Agencies

Most professionals know that the government is a major contractor of professional services. This video explains the unique rules of the game in governmental contracting. Included is an overview of the Brooks Act and other relevant laws and regulations dealing with these services. You will be shown how to identify the projects with details on how to submit your qualifications. The Standard Forms 254 and 255 will be reviewed with tips on what not to include on your submittal. The video will cover the selection process used by most government agencies and what to expect if selected. Included is information on audits, overhead rates and final performance evaluations. If you have not been involved in governmental contracting, this video can help you get started in this major market.

Modern Timber Bridges

Coming Soon!!!

On Time: Project Scheduling Basics

If a project manager was given three wishes concerning an ongoing project, one would surely be its "on time" completion. This course covers scheduling basics from a list-making perspective. You will learn how to develop lists of project activities, assign duration to listed activities, and show interdependence between activities on a logic diagram. You will be taught how to calculate the start/finish timing along these activity paths, prioritize activities based on timing, and to provide answers to critical project questions. And, you will be schooled in updating your schedule -- your list -- in accordance with actual progress. This course can benefit you whether you're a scheduling novice or a seasoned veteran. For the novice, use this course to come up to speed on scheduling terminology and technique. No prior scheduling knowledge is assumed for this course. Let scheduling become a valuable tool in assuring "on-time" performance for your projects. If you're a seasoned veteran that sees merit in "to-do" lists yet relegates scheduling to a necessary evil, perhaps you'll gain a fresh perspective. Seeing schedules characterized as dynamic project lists may serve to take the drudgery out of scheduling.

Presentation Skills

A unique skill-building course to help you prepare and deliver clearer, more persuasive presentations to clients, sales prospects, and internal audiences.
This course will help you:

Enhance your career by becoming a stronger, more confident presenter
Present technical content to non-technical audiences in a compelling way
Start overcoming your fear of presenting and public speaking
Increase your consulting skills by becoming a better communicator
Develop a strong and interesting speaking voice
Utilize a three-step process for handling questions from the audience
Differentiate between effective and ineffective use of presentation visuals

Rectangular Land System

This video will examine the United States Public Lands, their extent and how the government acquired them. It will also cover the system of survey and the surveyors that walked the land. You will understand the instructions for field operations and why modern survey distances differ from historic records. The video also contains actual maps and diagrams of government surveys along with information on equipment used to complete this survey. You will learn to appreciate how these original surveys became the basis for every modern resurvey - a must for anyone dealing in land boundaries.

Soil Basics for Engineers

This course acquaints you with the basics of how soil behaves and how it is used in design and construction. Application is emphasized over theory. The course is intended for those who must interface with soils engineers, but may not be doing the engineering. The course will teach how soils are identified, classified and tested. Fundamentals of earthwork practices for walls, foundations and fills are covered, focusing on situations that can cause trouble. Basic ways to improve bad soils are covered. Problems caused by water are covered in all areas. This course will teach you how to talk to soils engineers by covering the basic terms and practices of soils engineering.

Total Station

This seminar discusses surveying with a total station. Angle measurements and distance measurements, plus the basics of GPS surveying will be discussed. Under angle measurements topics include correct observing procedures, errors caused by an instrument being out of adjustment, accuracy and precision, and how to determine the precision of your instrument. Under distance measurements topics covered include the characteristics of Electronic Distance Measurements (EDM's), retroprisms, and how to calibrate the EDM on your total station. GPS is here to stay, especially Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) for the practicing land surveyor, and this will be covered in detail. This course should be of interest to those who practice surveying but also those who work in the civil engineering field, including county engineers, city engineers, public works officials, transportation engineers, DOT personnel, federal employees, contractors and consultants.

Understanding Boundary Law

This course will review how to research a deed and the procedures of evidence used to locate boundary corners. Study federal laws regulating your surveys, and Alabama statutes pertaining to your surveys. Find out the location of important documents such as the original field notes and township plats. Preview principles as outlined in the BLM manuals that control how sections are divided, and the proper use of collateral evidence. Review case law in Alabama affecting surveying. Relate the accuracy of the original surveys to the retracement and deed calls.

Value Stream Mapping

Value Stream Mapping is a tool used to create a material and information flow map of a product or processes. This powerful tool allows companies to map the flow of products in the back door as a raw material, through all manufacturing steps, and off the loading dock as finished product. This is the value stream. You begin the journey with the current state map - it shows you where you are. Then, you plan your Lean journey with the future state map - it shows you where you're going and how you're going to get there. Based on your Value Stream Map, you can streamline work processes, thereby cutting lead times and reducing operating costs. During the course you will use the powerful Value Stream Mapping tool to create a current state map for a real-world firm featured in a detailed case study. Use the value stream icons and learn the common language of Lean as you draw your current state map for the case company. Next you will analyze the case company's current state, find the non-value added activities, and then draw a future state map for the case company that eliminates those activities. You also develop a plan for attacking those non-value added activities.

Vertical Datums and Leveling

A datum is a reference system for computing or correlating the results of surveys. The two principal types of datums are vertical and horizontal. A vertical datum is a level surface to which heights are referred. In a widespread network of vertical control, geodetic leveling is the technique that provides the most reliable elevation differences between control points. It is a form of precise leveling in which the observing team limits the magnitude of error by using calibrated instruments in combination with a rigorous, symmetrical observing procedure. You will learn why General Procedures must be followed, gain an understanding of the Sources of Errors and how they occur, learn the Equipment used and how to keep it in good working condition, understand why the Collimation Check is critical, how to use the Compensation Check, and understand the Observing Routine that is used when leveling a line of the National Geodetic Vertical Control Network.

General Lighting Design - Part One: Fundamentals of Indoor Calculations

This course should be beneficial to Architects, Consulting Engineers, Technicians, Sales and Manufacturers Representatives, Contractors, and others who are concerned with the design, installation, operation and/or maintenance of illumination systems.

General Lighting Design - Part Two: Design, Fixtures, Flood Lighting

This course should be beneficial to Architects, Consulting Engineers, Plant Engineers, Technicians, Sales and Manufacturers Representatives, Contractors, and others who are concerned with the design, installation, and operation, and/or maintenance of illumination systems.

The Role of Engineers and Surveyors in Geographic Information Systems

This course should be of interest to those who practice surveying but also those who work in the civil engineering field, including county engineers, city engineers, public works officials, transportation engineers, DOT personnel, federal employees, contractors and consultants.

Land Surveying Ethics - Mississippi

This course covers all ethical issues including the special codes for Mississippi.

Presentation Skills for Engineers and Technical Professionals

A unique skill-building course to help you prepare and deliver clearer, more persuasive presentations to clients, sales prospects, and internal audiences.

Colonial Land System and the Building of America

The story of men that brought order into the Colonial wilderness - the true story of land grants and military tracts that shaped the future of the country. Learn about the equipment and methods used to accomplish each survey. Find out about the founding fathers that also surveyed the land, how knowledge of the land was power in the hands of Colonial leaders, the prominent role the Colonial Surveyor played in society, and the training in mathematics and science that
separated the surveyor from the farm culture of the time. Learn how their work and culture affectsyour work today.

Geotechnical Aspects of Shallow Foundations Design

Most structures are on shallow foundations. The foundations must withstand the structure's weight without moving. This course explains in straightforward terms the soils aspects of shallow design. Site investigation, soil properties, strength of soils, bearing capacity, and compressibility of soils are examined with the particular points of interest to shall foundations. This course covers the elements of each so the user gains understanding of the importance of each, and how to perform each step.

Reinforced Concrete Design: Part 1 - Flexural Members

Fundamentals of design of reinforced concrete flexural members are covered. Focus is on design by the American Concrete Institute's Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete 318-02 (ACI 318-02). Fundamental behavior of flexural members and the necessary design checks are presented. New code requirements related to load factors and combinations are described along with the new requirements for the use of net tensile strain in checking ductility and determining the resistance factor for flexure. Examples of analysis and design of beams and one-way slabs are used to illustrate the concepts. A fundamental background in structural analysis and design is assumed. This course is designed for engineers seeking a review of basic principles of reinforced concrete design. Engineers who only occasionally design miscellaneous flexural members will find the course of particular value. Topics include materials, loads and load combinations, flexure of singly reinforced cross sections, T-beams, beams with compression reinforcement, shear, one-way slabs, and anchorage and development of tension reinforcement.

Reinforced Concrete Design: Part 2 - Columns

Focus is on design of reinforced concrete columns using the American Concrete Institute's Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete 318-05 (ACI 318-05). Fundamentals necessary for understanding and verifying the output of typical design software and design aids are emphasized. Specific topics include: an introduction to strength design, behavior of tied and spirally reinforced columns, construction of axial load and moment interaction diagrams, strength reduction factors, use of interaction diagrams in design, shear resistance, biaxial bending, and an introduction to slenderness effects.

Soils for Pavements

This practical course describes each important element of the soils aspects of road engineering for paved and unpaved roads. Topics: What causes problems, the soil inputs to pavement designs, soil exploration for roads, soil stabilization, construction with soils, incl. QC/QA, fixes for soil-related pavement problems and more. This course will give you a working knowledge of soil behavior, and the basics of geotechnical engineering for design of roads and pavements. What types of soils work best, which to avoid, and how to read soil reports are
covered. The course prepares you to continue your own study of soil characteristics and parameters necessary for design in accordance with AASHTO and NCHRP guidelines. Thiscourse is useful for engineers, technicians, managers, public works professionals, and those who perform or review pavement designs. It is very practical. If it's been awhile since you've attended a soils or foundation course, or if you're need a refresher or update, this practical course is for you.

Marketing Engineering and Surveying Services to Government Agencies

Managing the Engineering and Surveying Firm: Positioning for the 21st Century

Here are the tools you need to handle the business challenges of your growing technical practice. You will learn about your new legal responsibilities, expanding your staff to handle new opportunities, hiring and developing new employees, how to provide attractive benefits for them, controlling costs, where to seek new growth opportunities and how to apply new technology to your operation. This course is a must for the technical professional whose practice is established and who is facing the challenges of growth.

Ethics and Professionalism

This course covers ethics in the practice and concept of a profession. "Ethics" is defined and moral/ethical statements vs. etiquette and law are examined. Codes of ethical standards are listed. The ways ethical questions arise in professional practice and actual example cases are examined. This video presents real-life examples of ethical issues with approaches for analyzing and resolving the issues.

Hot Mix Asphalt Pavement Construction

Information is provided on plant production, placement, and compaction of Hot Mix Asphalt. Construction methods, specifications, and quality control procedures are discussed. Topics covered include: plant operation; placement and compaction; statistical specifications; and Quality Control / Quality Assurance testing.

Hot Mix Asphalt Mix Design

A discussion of the new Superpave mix design method is provided. Topics covered include: Historic development of Asphalt Grading Systems; Superpave Binder tests; Superpave Binder grading and specifications; Physical properties of aggregates; Superpave Aggregate gradation specifications; History of mix design; Hot mix asphalt volumetric properties; Superpave mix design: Gyratory Compaction; and Superpave mix design: Selection of Optimum AC content.

Asphalt Pavement Preservation & Rehabilitation

The objective of this course is to assist an engineer in the development of the most reliable and cost-effective rehabilitation alternatives for asphalt pavements. The abilities of the engineer required to preserve the existing pavement system are much different than those required to originally design the system. They need to have an understanding of what caused the distress they are seeing and what steps can be taken to correct them. The course is broken into two units: pavement management concepts and pavement rehabilitation procedures. The first unit will address pavement management concepts at the project level which will include an overview of pavement management, pavement structural and condition assessment, distress mechanisms for Hot Mix Asphalt and project evaluation. The second unit provides information on pavement rehabilitation through pavement maintenance techniques, surface rehabilitation procedures, recycling of asphalt pavements, and asphalt overlays.

History of Surveying Instruments: Impact and Accuracy

The story of the men who designed and built the scientific instruments used to survey and plat the wilderness. This is a detailed look at each new development in technology used to improve the quality of surveying instruments, which in turn improved the accuracy of surveying. Original instruments will be shown from each different time period with an explanation of their use and unique design. The workmanship and skills possessed by these great men of science affects your work and results today - learn about each step in accuracy improvement and how to interpret it.

Professional Ethics for the Kentucky Land Surveyor

This course covers not only the history of ethics, but gives guidance on all professional issues dealing with responsibility and standard of care. It provides answers to everyday problems that arise in the day to day functioning of all land surveyors. The course's in-depth coverage of ethics as it relates to those in the field and the real-life examples of ethical issues are extensively covered.

Standards of Practice for Surveying in Alabama

The "Minimum Technical Standards" of Alabama as of July 23, 2002 have been changed to "Standards of Practice for Surveying in the State of Alabama." Licensed surveyors are required to practice under the new standards. Surveyors are required to take a course in standards every four years. But since major changes have been made in these standards, including GPS, there is no reason to wait until you are required to take the new standards course. Milton Denny, PLS, will walk you through all aspects of the new standards so you can be sure you are practicing according to the new laws. Additional information will be provided on other standards, such as the ALTA/ACSM standards and how they relate to Alabama Standards of Practice.

Tort Liability and Ethics for Public Agencies

This course will treat a central question that remains always before us as we make choices on both a personal and professional level - a question that society demands that we ask ourselves individually. It is the question that society will use in judging our actions and the resulting consequences. This question, which can be styled in many different ways with the same effect is, "What good thing must I do?"

Leading Lean

Leading Lean has its focus on performance management. During the course you will define performance management, learn about the basics of performance management, create a performance improvement plan, learn how to give effective feedback and how to conduct an ABC analysis. The ABC analysis is a problem-solving process in which the antecedents and consequences currently operating for both the problem and correct behaviors are identified and classified. It is conducted when a behavior you want to happen is not occurring often enough and a behavior you do not want to happen is occurring too often.

Landfill: Basics of Design and Operation

This 6 hour course covers the technical issues of siting, designing, operating and closing municipal solid waste landfills. Elements of geosynthetics design for landfill lining systems, drainage systems, and covers are reviewed along with the environmental regulations that dictate much of this practice.

Electrical Circuit Fundamentals for Power Applications

This course covers the fundamentals of electrical circuit theory, from the viewpoint of electrical power engineers and scientists. Topics covered include charge, voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, inductance, reactance, frequency, period, impedance, admittance, conductance, susceptance, power, and energy. Dc, ac, and transient circuit modes are covered. The work is extended to as polyphase circuit analysis, including wye and delta connections. The symmetrical component transformation is also treated.

Electric Power System Protection - Part One - Fundamentals

This course presents the analytical fundamentals required for fault analysis.

Electric Power System Protection - Part Two - System Modeling