Continuing Education
ClarkDietrich AIA Continuing Education Courses.

ClarkDietrich Building Systems is dedicated to providing a wide array of continuing education opportunities using a variety of education methods including face-to-face (Lunch & Learn) and on-line learning alternatives. If you are interested in one of our face-to-face learning sessions, contact us at (330) 372-5564, ext. 235, or e-mail us at info@clarkdietrich.com. We usually require a minimum of 10 associates to conduct these training presentations. On-line learning is also a convenient method for AEC professionals to gain knowledge and earn continuing education credits. These courses are free of charge and can be taken at your convenience.
(Course list below updated on Oct. 10th 2012)
ON-LINE COURSES:

Comparing Traditional Steel Studs and EQ Steel Studs
Equivalent or “EQ” studs have been in the metal framing industry since 2005. This presentation will highlight the similarities and differences between traditional and EQ steel stud products which will provide designers the background to properly evaluate the products.
On-line course through Hanley Wood University
This course qualifies for (1) AIA/CEH, HSW Hour
Learning Objectives:
- It will examine the ASTM specification requirements that govern EQ studs, how performance requirements are met, what to look for in an evaluation report, and how EQ studs are listed in UL assemblies.
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Design Engineering and Exterior Light-Gauge Steel Framing Basics
This course provides a basic overview of exterior light-gauge steel framing, as well as the characteristics and usage of different types of exterior deflection systems. Review how to avoid common mistakes when framing, and the ASTM standards for light-gauge steel framing products.
On-line course through Ron Blank
This course qualifies for (1) AIA HSW CE Hour
AIA Course Number: DIE05H
Learning Objectives:
- List the features and characteristics of light-gauge steel C-stud and track products
- Explain the SSMA nomenclature and ASTM standards for light-gauge steel framing products
- List the characteristics and usage of different types of exterior deflection systems
- Describe bridging systems, including spacer bars, U-channels, and block and strap bridging
- Explain the types of headers, including box headers, I-beam headers, and U-shaped headers
- Describe how to avoid common mistakes when framing with light-gauge steel products
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Light-Gauge Steel Framing Connection Products: Specifying Tested Connection Products That Limit Liability
Define the use of light-gauge steel framing connection products. Discuss practical applications of deflection clips, support clips, and the various methods of installation for different types of connectors.
On-line course through Ron Blank
This course qualifies for (1) AIA HSW CE Hour
AIA Course Number: DIE05F
Learning Objectives:
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Explain how deflection clips are used to attach exterior curtain-wall studs to a building structure
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Explain how to provide for vertical building movement independent of the cold-formed steel framing
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Define what types of support clips are used for rigid or positive attachment connections
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Explain the various methods used to install the different types of connectors
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Properly interpret the allowable load tables for clips
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Metal Lath, Beads and Trims: Stucco and Plaster Accessory Products and Applications
Become familiar with metal lath products and stucco and plaster accessories that are available in galvanized steel, zinc alloy and vinyl. Examine trim and bead products used for veneer, stucco and plaster applications, and identify the benefits of using vinyl accessory products.
On-line course through Ron Blank
This course qualifies for (1.5) AIA HSW CE Hour
AIA Course Number: DIE05L
Learning Objectives:
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Introduce metal lath products and installation
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Describe stucco and plaster accessories that are available in galvanized steel, zinc alloy and vinyl
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Describe trim and bead products used for veneer, stucco and plaster applications
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Describe the benefits of using vinyl accessory products
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Proper Specifying and Installation Recommendations for Nonstructural Wall Framing
Understand the ASTM standards that are typically specified for the material, manufacturing, and installation requirements for drywall studs. This course explains the requirements for drywall studs per ASTM C645 & ASTM C754, and describes how to specify fire-rated partitions.
On-line course through Ron Blank
This course qualifies for (1.5) AIA HSW CE Hour
AIA Course Number: DIE05K
Learning Objectives:
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List the ASTM standards that are typically specified for the material requirements and manufacturing and installation requirements for drywall studs
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Explain the minimum physical requirements for drywall studs per ASTM C645
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Explain the minimum installation requirements for drywall studs per ASTM C754
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Describe how to specify fire-rated partitions
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Proper Specifying and Installation Recommendations for Structural Wall Framing
Review the IBC 2006 Code Compliance requirements for cold-formed structural studs and the minimum requirements per ASTM C955. The installation procedure for cold-formed structural studs per ASTM C1007 and fire-rated construction are described in this course.
On-line course though Ron Blank
This course qualifies for (1) AIA HSW CE Hour
AIA Course Number: DIE05J
Learning Objectives:
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List the IBC 2006 Code Compliance requirements for cold-formed structural studs
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Explain the minimum physical requirements for cold-formed structural studs per ASTM C955
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Describe the minimum installation requirements for cold-formed structural studs per ASTM C1007
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Explain fire-rated construction when using cold-formed structural studs
FACE-TO-FACE (LUNCH & LEARN) COURSES:
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Fire Joint Framing and Protection
This course will provide an outline which head-of-wall deflection systems have been tested per ASTM and UL standards and can be used in fire-rated assemblies.
Face-to-Face (Lunch & Learn)
This course qualifies for (1) AIA HSW CE Hour
AIA Course Number: CDBS015
Learning Objectives:
- Understanding dynamic and static perimeter joints in fire-rated construction
- Understanding what constitutes a fire/smoke rated joint assembly
- Understanding UL ratings of joint assemblies
- Understanding what the design professional should consider when specifying and detailing protection using dynamic static perimeter and head of wall joints

Specifying Traditional and Equivalent “EQ” Steel Studs per ASTM C645
Having problems understanding equivalent “EQ” metal framing and how it compares with traditional metal framing? Are you receiving the correct, properly tested material on your projects?
Since their introduction much has been done to develop standardized requirements for “EQ” metal framing products. This presentation will address these questions as well as outline the ASTM standards that govern the specification and performance requirements of both traditional thickness and EQ products and how they meet the requirements of ASTM C645. The course will also show how the studs contribute to LEED credits. It will conclude with an analysis of how “EQ” studs are listed in fire-rated assemblies.
Face-toFace (Lunch & Learn)
This course qualifies for (1) AIA HSW CE Hour
AIA Course Number: CDBS016
Learning Objectives:
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What are the ASTM C645 material and manufacturing requirements for drywall studs
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How do equivalent gauge studs contribute to LEED credits
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What you need to know when specifying fire-rated partitions
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When are equivalent gauge studs permitted to be used in lieu of traditional thickness studs
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Light-Gauge Steel Framing Connection Products: Specifying Tested Connection Products That Limit Liability
This course will examine the uses and various methods of installation for deflection and positive attachment connection products. It will also examine the proper interpretation of the various connectors’ load capacities.
Face-toFace (Lunch & Learn)
This course qualifies for (1) AIA HSW CE Hour
AIA Course Number: DMF005
Learning Objectives:
- How deflection clips are used to attach exterior curtain-wall studs to a building structure
- How to provide for vertical building movement independent of the cold-formed steel framing
- What are the track types and what are the advantages of each
- What types of support clips are used for rigid or positive attachment connections
- Understand the various methods used to install the different types of connectors
- Properly interpreting the allowable load tables for clips
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Specify and Install Structural Steel Studs per ASTM C955 & C1007
Many factors must be considered when your design includes cold-formed structural steel framing members. An architect typically specifies that the framing must conform to C955 and C1007.
This course will review the manufacture and installation requirements of structural steel studs per these ASTM standards based upon IBC 2006. It will also examine fire-rated assembly construction and loading capacities.
Face-to-Face (Lunch & Learn)
This course qualifies for (1) AIA HSW CE Hour
AIA Course Number: DMF009
Learning Objectives:
- What are the IC 2006 Code Compliance requirements for cold-formed structural studs
- What four criteria must be met in order for a structural stud to be in conformance with the physical requirements governed by ASTM C955
- What are the minimum installation requirements for cold-formed structural steel studs as established by ASTM C1007
- How to evaluate when a fire-rated assembly requires a reduction in load carrying capacity
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Utilizing Cold-Formed Steel Framing in Mid-Rise Construction
What structural advantages are there when using cold-formed steel framing in lieu of conventional framing systems?
Face-to-Face (Lunch & Learn)
This course qualifies for (1) AIA HSW CE Hour
AIA Course Number: CDBS013
Learning Objectives:
- What environmental benefits are there when using cold-formed steel in mid-rise construction
- How are mechanical systems such as HVAC, electrical and plumbing incorporated into the design of mid-rise structures when using colf-formed steel framing
- What are the advantages to the owner/designer/contractor team when cold-formed steel framing is used in mid-rise construction

Sustainable Advantages of Cold-Formed Metal Framing
There is growing interest within the construction industry about sustainability and environmentally friendly, or green, products. This course will review the sustainable attributes of cold-formed metal framing products and how they fit into the green environment.
The popularity of green buildings has also given rise to organizations such as the U.S. Green Building Council and its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Rating System. The credits in which cold-formed metal framing products can contribute toward achieving LEED® points are reviewed as well as other potential opportunities within the rating system.
Face-to-Face (Lunch & Learn)
This course qualifies for (1) Sustainable Design L.U.
Learning Objectives:
- Define cold-formed metal framing sustainable attributes
- Where cold-formed metal framing products fit into the LEED® Rating System
- Documentation and submittal requirements for Materials and Resources credits
- Analyze performance and economic advantages of steel framing
- Potential opportunities for cold-formed metal framing within the LEED® rating system
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Metal Lath, Beads and Trims: Stucco and Plaster Accessory Products and Applications
This course will introduce the various types of metal lath products and the methods of installation. It will also outline trim and bead products and how they are used in various applications, in addition to a basic overview of vinyl accessory products.
Face-to-Face (Lunch & Learn)
This course qualifies for (1) AIA HSW CE Hour
AIA Course Number: CDBS014
Learning Objectives:
- An introduction to metal lath products and installation
- Stucco and plaster accessories are available in galvanized steel, zinc alloy and vinyl
- Trim and bead products used for veneer, stucco and plaster applications
- The benefits of using vinyl accessory products

