Print this page TERMITES, Wood Enemy #1
Ruben A. Gomez, P.E.
Course Outline
In this course we have covered not only the identifiable biological characteristics of termites and how to diagnose infestations, but also which are the features and measures that the design engineer and architect could introduce to minimize the probabilities of infestation during the life of the structure.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
Upon completion of this course, the user should have been able to achieve the following objectives:
- To recognize a termite from other similar wood boring insects;
- Capable to identifying the presence of an active termite infestation;
- Become familiar with the design provisions geared to prevent termite access;
- Understand the principles of how to stop propagation of an existing colony; and
- To master the common methods to treat an ongoing termite infestation.
Intended Audience
This course is intended as a reading and study material for practicing engineers, architects and building contractors.
Benefit for Attendee
Attendees of this course should be able to identify termites from other similar insects. They should also be able to recognize the presence of active infestations, and further, what design provisions could be introduced to reduce or avoid altogether the possibility of propagation.
Course Introduction
Although termite attacks cannot be totally eliminated, adequate building planning and design can substantially reduce termite produced damage through the life of a building, home, or an entire housing development. Preventive measures in all new construction and effective code guidelines can help decrease termite infestations and the resulting damage.
Course Content
The course content is contained in the following PDF file:
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Course Summary
Before anything else is said, it must be herein stated that wood is perhaps the prettiest material for the purposes of furniture making and building finishing and trimming. Such qualities are inherent to the material and those merits cannot be taken away from it.
That being said, we must also add that for decades we have been advocating to the fact that because of its formidable enemies, such as wind forces, tornadoes, conflagration, long term deflection, crushing and termites, to mention a few, wood is not the best choice material for a serious and long lasting structural use.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
