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 by the BTESM Program aimed at relevant design information in a usable form during the decision-making process.

Topics Included:

• 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

Publication Source: Oak Ridge National Labs (USDOE)