A Firm Foundation

This class examines the parameters involved in selecting various construction components from the ground and extending to the first completed floor. It is important that these choices are well thought out because the top of this assembly is the foundation for the remaining construction.

2 Hours

$15.99

Provider Approval Information

  • FBPE Florida Board of Professional Engineers Provider #0009623
  • CE Broker #50-32681 Michigan Board Of Professional Engineers

Valid in states that do not issue Providership designations.

Designing foundations involves several important aspects. A thorough examination is conducted to understand how water can potentially harm the structure. Specific foundation options are carefully chosen, taking various factors into consideration. Framing components responsible for supporting the floor are determined. Strategies are put in place to effectively manage vapor drive. Insulation materials are selected to create a barrier against different climates because the subflooring acts as the primary barrier between the inside atmosphere and any space beneath it. Lastly, underlayment and finish flooring options are decided upon for the uppermost layer.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify system components in a high-performance floor assembly, such as grade, crawl space, vapor retarder, framing systems, insulation, sub-floor, underlayment and finish flooring.
  • Explain how the changing codes and evolving building materials are impacting and influencing sub-flooring system design.
  • Recognize the principles behind the vapor drive in operation below floors, and how to anticipate and prevent the movement of moisture into flooring components.
  • Differentiate between fastener types chosen and implemented to combine flooring assembly components.

Who will Benefit from this Class

  • Civil Engineers
    These engineers specialize in designing and constructing building foundations. However, other engineering disciplines may benefit from a class in building foundations, especially if their work involves aspects of structural design or construction.
  • Structural Engineers
    These engineers are directly involved in designing the structural elements of buildings, including foundations. Understanding how foundations work is crucial for ensuring the overall stability and safety of a structure.
  • Geotechnical Engineers
    Geotechnical engineers focus on the behavior of soil and rock, which is essential for foundation design. They play a key role in assessing the soil conditions at a construction site and determining the appropriate foundation type.
  • Architectural Engineers
    These professionals work on the integration of building systems, including structural and foundation elements. Understanding foundations is crucial for designing buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.
  • Construction Engineers
    Engineers involved in construction management and construction processes can benefit from understanding foundation construction to ensure that projects are executed correctly and meet safety standards.
  • Environmental Engineers
    While their focus is often on environmental aspects, understanding foundation construction is essential when dealing with projects that may impact the soil and water quality.
  • Mechanical Engineers
    Although not directly related to foundations, mechanical engineers involved in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, for example, might benefit from understanding the building's structure, including the foundation, to ensure proper system integration.

This course includes:

  • Virtual Access From Any Computer
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Competitive Pricing
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Frequently Asked Questions About this Class

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No. It is not necessary to take a test in order to receive credit for this class.

Yes. You can proceed through the slides, activities, audio clips and video clips at your own pace. Take as long or as little time as you would like.

Yes. You should download or print this out for your records.

The class will be available for twelve months after the date of purchase.

No. Maintaining a record of completed Professional Development Hours (Continuing Education Units) is the responsibility of the professional. Your Education Pathways online account will have a history of the classes that you have taken but you should retain a copy of your certificates of completion.

FAQs About Our Online Classes in General

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Completing an online class is easy, even if your computer skills are not well developed. Instructions are clear.

Classes consist of slides that you may click through at your own pace. There are audio clips, some video instructions, activities like matching, drop and drag, pictures, visuals and case studies. Some classes have pop-up quizzes that are not scored. Some, depending upon the requirements of the agency that governs the industry, have final exams of multiple- choice questions. The classes are easy to take and move quickly, depending upon how fast the Learner wants to proceed.

Some industries require their licensees to maintain a fifty-minute hour of seat time and those slides are timed to assure that the requirement is met.

Yes, if the phone is in the landscape position but this is not the ideal way to enjoy or maximize what you learn from the class. A larger screen works very well and is much better to use. Also, some regulatory agencies prohibit taking continuing education classes on cell phones.

Yes. Here’s how:


  1. Click on “My Account” on top of Education Pathways home page.

  2. Enter the user name and password that you chose when you purchased your first class. Hit “enter” on your keyboard.

  3. Click on “View Course” for the class you would like to complete.


Yes, participants typically have access to course materials, presentations, and resources for twelve months after purchasing the course. This allows for review and reference, ensuring continued learning and application of knowledge.

Education Pathways has a 100% money-back guarantee. Should a learner request a refund before the successful completion of a class not reported as completed, the refund will be processed immediately.

Yes. When you reach the end of the class, you will see the word “Certificate” on the left side of the screen. Click on it to download. The Certificate of Completion will have your name, license number, number of continuing education hours (CEU or PDH) and date of completion. This certificate will remain in the dashboard of your account.

Education Pathways’ courses are approved by your state to fulfill your licensing renewal requirements if your state or profession requires this. Course descriptions and the approval numbers from each state's licensing agency are on the course page.

It is always the responsibility of the professional to determine that they have enrolled in the correct classes to fulfill their requirements. Contact the agency that regulates your industry in your state to confirm your requirements.

Education Pathways has been providing online continuing education classes for more than twenty years. We guarantee that the classes are appropriate for the professions that we serve and that promise is supported by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Education Pathways’ online classes provide an interactive learning experience that can be completed at your desired speed for a low cost. Learning by reading a book provides a different type of learning methodology at a significantly higher cost. If you want to revisit course information you can do so at any time within one year of purchasing the class. It is also possible to take a screenshot of a slide if you want to revisit it away from your computer.

Yes. If your profession requires that your credits be reported,. Education Pathways will do that promptly, usually within 24 hours. It sometimes takes the governing agency a few days to update your account. If reporting is not required, retain your Certificates of Completion for your records to confirm that you have completed the classes necessary to renew your license.