Topic outline

  • Residential Foundations Handbook

    Credits: 8 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course is based on the publication, "The Builder’s Foundation Handbook", which is a product of the U.S. DOE's Energy Building Envelope Systems and Materials (BTESM) Research Program (Oak Ridge National Laboratory).

    The major objective of this research program was to work with builders, contractors, and building owners to facilitate the reality of cost-effective energy efficient walls, roofs, and foundations on every building. This handbook is one of a dozen tools produced from the BTESM Program aimed at relevant design information in a usable form during the decision-making process.

    Topics:

    •     Energy efficiency in foundation design
    •     Basement type foundation design
    •     Crawl space type foundation design
    •     Slab-on-grade type foundation design
    •     Structural integrity considerations
    •     Thermal and vapor control measures
    •     Cost estimation
    •     Subsurface drainage & waterproofing
    •     Mold, mildew, odor ,decay, termite, and radon control strategies

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.


    Important – Payment is required prior to printing of your certificate of completion.

    We operate on a trust-based model. You are welcome to complete Steps 1 through 3 to fully review the course material at your leisure. 
    When you are ready to download and print your Certificate of Completion, we ask that payment has been completed for either the Unlimited Plan or individual PDH credit(s). Clicking the download button below serves as your digital confirmation that payment has been made.

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    Print the Certificate of Completion


    Intended Audience: This course is intended for architectural, construction, geotechnical, civil, and other engineering professionals whose job description may require a general knowledge of residential foundation systems. This course may apply to Professionally Licensed Surveyors (PLS) as well.
    Publication Source: Oak Ridge National Labs (USDOE)

    Donald Parnell, PE

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