Construction Technology
professional services and activities of Jim Posey
Jim became a specification writer in 1971, and is principal of Posey Construction Specifications since 1984 — writing specifications, consulting on building materials and assemblies, and doing technical writing related to building. He is now semi-retired. His experience included architectural drafting, building science research, building envelope failure analysis, hygrothermal modeling, sculptural collaboration, and contract administration. His typical client was a registered professional architect or engineer.
building science
Jim consulted with clients on detailing and materials for building enclosures, and assisted in diagnosing and devising remedial measures in cases of unsatisfactory performance. He combined his experience developing working documents (drawings and specifications), selecting materials, and devising details, with mathematical models to compare thermal and hygrothermal performance to be expected from alternative designs. He remains active, on selected projects.
mathematical modeling tools
- FlexPDE 6 - a 4-D (space + time) finite element solver for coupled partial differential equations
- Therm5 - dedicated steady-state heat-flow 2-D finite element solver
- Heat2 and Heat3 - 2-D or 3-D (+ time) finite difference solvers for heat flow
- HygIRC - 1-D (+ time) finite difference solver for coupled heat, air, and moisture flows
a few projects, recent and/or interesting
“Fanfare” (sculpture, Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton) | “River Fragments” (sculpture, Sun Life Plaza, Calgary) | University of Alberta, Engineering Commons & National Institute for Nanotechnology (Landscape) | City of Calgary Water Centre (Landscape) | Banff High School Renovation | West Wing (Athletic) and East Wing 1 (Classrooms & Academic Offices) at Mount Royal College, Calgary | ICT Building, University of Calgary | Research Facility for Sembiosys, Calgary | Telus Convention Centre, Calgary | Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel, Japan | Alberta Pavilion, Expo '86, Vancouver | Post Hotel, Lake Louise | Calgary City Hall, Interior Renovation | “Waterworks” (kinetic sculpture in plaza of BC Hydro Headquarters, Vancouver) | CF18 Training Facility & Hanger, Cold Lake | Prehistoric Park, Calgary Zoo.
Investigation of Wall Moisture Problems in Alberta Dwellings (for CMHC, with Building Envelope Engineering) | Witness, as expert in construction specification writing, before Court of Queen’s Bench in Calgary in M.J.B. Enterprises Ltd. v. Defence Construction Canada | Writing R&D Highlights for CMHC | Writing for the OAA self-directed professional development program for CMHC and OAA | Investigation of EIFS Performance in Canada (for CMHC, with Building Envelope Engineering).
publications
- Posey, James B., Brick Veneer Steel Stud (Best Practice Guide, Building Technology), Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Ottawa, 1996 (ISBN 0-660-16532-5).
- Posey, J. B. & Vlooswyk, J. A., “EIFS: Canadian Field Performance”, Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS): Materials, Properties, and Performance, ASTM STP 1269, Peter E. Nelson and Richard E. Kroll, Eds., American Society for Testing and Materials, 1996 (ISBN 0-8031-2040-0).
- Posey, James, “Construction Tolerances”, The Construction Specifier, Nov. 2000
- Anon. (Posey, James B.; for CMHC), “Construction Tolerances” PDF
- Vlooswyk, J. A.; Vlooswyk, A.; & Posey, J. B.; “Wall Moisture Problems in Alberta Dwellings”, 2000, CMHC Highlight
- Posey, James B. & Dalgliesh, W.Alan, “Thermal bridges — heat flow models with Heat2, Heat3, and a general purpose 3-D solver” 10th Canadian Conference on Building Science & Technology, May 2005. PDF
- Posey, James B.; Dalgliesh, W. Alan, P.Eng.; Little, Andrew, B.Arch.; & Tucker, Chris, P.Eng. A.L.S., “Variations in Position of Columns and Slabs”, 11th Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology, Banff, Alberta, 2007. PDF
- Dalgliesh, W. Alan & Posey, James B., “Strength Prediction for Glass Lites of any Shape Exposed to Uniform or Non-uniform Lateral Load”, ICBEST 2010, International Conference on Building Envelope Systems and Technology, Vancouver, BC, 2010. PDF
sculpture
Yes, sculpture. Art needs to be durable too, especially when it’s outdoors and has moving parts. Jim works with Alberta sculptor Tony Bloom, helping to select materials, devise and detail components, coordinate engineering advice, physically put things together, and install them.
future projects
Some of Jim’s most recent specification writing assignments were for landscape projects where native plant materials were used extensively, a unique combination requiring knowledge of botany, the native flora of Alberta, and construction documentation. Other recent work involves models based on partial differential equations. He remains interested in projects that offer unusual or interesting challenges.